What is BS EN 16907-2-Classification of materials for earthwork about?
BS EN 16907 is a European standard that discusses earthworks. The main aim of the EN 16907 series is to provide best industry strategies and guidance to entities involved in earthworks, to ensure that the foundational stability and integrity of civil engineering processes are maintained.
BS EN 16907-2 is the second part of the multi-series that defines a common basis for description and classification for use by all parties involved in the design, planning and construction of the earthworks.
Note: The approach to the description of soil and rock set out in EN ISO 14688-1 and EN ISO 14689 respectively and the approach to classification of soil set out in EN ISO 14688-2 are applicable to earthworks, but the range and scope of classification for earthworks given here are more detailed and orientated to the specific demands of earthwork procedures and earth structure elements.
Note: Informative examples of existing national experience-based classification systems and their use are presented in the annexes to EN 16907-1:2018.
Who is BS EN 16907-2- Classification of materials for earthwork for?
BS EN 16907-2 on earthworks is applicable to:
- Geotechnical engineers and consultants
- Designers, contractors, operators and maintainers of earthwork
- Construction companies
- Land/soil/site investigation authorities
- Land reclamation project management
- Civil engineers
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16907-2- Classification of materials for earthwork?
Earthworks are a civil engineering process aimed at creating earth-structures by changing the geometry of the earth surface for construction or other activities. Earthworks require planning, design, construction and maintenance. They depend on the properties of the fill materials, the required properties of the earth-structure and the environmental conditions.
With regards to BS EN 16907-2, classification refers to the definition of material groups and classes and assigning of materials to groups and classes with similar properties for earthworks.
BS EN 16907-2 specifies the processes and properties to be used in the description and classification of earthworks materials. It specifies soil and rock groups as a basis of material specifications for earth structure elements. This classification relates to the physical and chemical properties of the soil and rock materials. The description enables the in-situ condition of the ground, including its ease of excavation and variability, to be assessed.
BS EN 16907-2 also covers characteristics and tests for assessing earthworks materials in situ, to check that materials are acceptable for typical earthworks activities.
As a user, appropriate classification of materials in compliance with BS EN 16907-2 assist you in making improved decisions for ease of compaction, excavation, deposition and other processes for earthworks, that contribute to the overall integrity, durability and performance of your civil engineering works.