1. Excavation
Steps:a. Site Preparation
- Review site plans to identify excavation boundaries and depths.
- Mark out the area for excavation with stakes and strings to maintain accuracy.
- Clear the area of debris, vegetation, and obstacles
b. Excavation Process
- Use appropriate machinery (e.g., backhoes, excavators) to excavate the site to the specified depth, ensuring accuracy according to design specifications.
- Maintain safe slopes and angles in the excavation to prevent collapse, especially if excavation depth exceeds 4 feet.
- Regularly check excavation depth with a measuring tool to confirm compliance with design specifications.
c. Trimming and Leveling
- Once the desired depth is reached, trim and level the base of the excavation to create an even foundation for hardscape installation.
- Compact the sub-base layer as necessary to ensure stability and prevent future settling
d. Safety Precautions
- Ensure proper shoring or sloping for deep excavations as per safety regulations.
- Provide barriers and warning signs around the excavation area to prevent unauthorized access.
2. General Excavation for Hard Landscaping Areas and Disposal of Excavated Material
Steps:
a. Identify Dumping Areas
- Confirm designated disposal sites for excavated materials, adhering to local regulations and environmental guidelines.
- Arrange for any required permits for the transportation and disposal of soil and debris.
b. Excavation for Hard Landscaping
- Excavate areas for hard landscaping features (such as pathways, patios, or retaining walls) to the required depth and dimensions.
- Ensure that excavation follows layout lines for precise foundation preparation and alignment with other landscaping elements.
c. Sorting and Stockpiling
- Sort excavated material based on usability (e.g., soil suitable for backfilling) and separate waste from reusable materials.
- Stockpile reusable materials at designated locations on-site to be used in future backfilling or leveling.
d. Loading and Disposal
- Use machinery (e.g., loaders, trucks) to transport waste materials to the designated dumping areas.
- Secure the load for transportation to minimize spillage, following safety and environmental guidelines.
- Keep records of disposal trips, specifying the volume of excavated material and location of disposal for project documentation.
e. Final Cleanup
- Once excavation and disposal are complete, inspect the site to ensure all waste material is cleared, leaving the area tidy and ready for hardscape foundation work.
- Conduct a final check of excavated areas to confirm readiness for the next steps in hard landscaping
A-1 Supply and Installation of All Types of External Pavers
A-1-1 Porcelain Tiles Installation (on a 30mm Mortar Bed)
a. Setting Out
- Submit a detailed layout in shop drawings based on actual site conditions for approval.
b. Mortar Bedding
- Prepare a 1:3 cement/sand mortar mix using mechanical mixers, mixed for 3-5 minutes.
- Apply within two hours to avoid re-tempering
c. Tile Installation
- Wet tiles before setting. Apply a 1.6mm slurry bond coat to the back, place tiles on a semi-dry or wet bed.
- Tap tiles into place with a rubber mallet and ensure no disturbance for three days (10 days for vehicular traffic).
d. Expansion Joints and Grouting
- Install approved expansion joints. Fill and finish joints as specified, removing stains immediately.three days (10 days for vehicular traffic).
A-1-2 Precast Concrete Pavers Installation (on a 50mm Sharp Sand Bedding)
a. Setting Out and Sub-Grade Preparation
- Provide layout in approved shop drawings.
- Compact the area to 98% MDD and apply a sub-base with approved aggregates
b. Laying Course
- Use sharp sand with a particle size of 4mm, spread and screen to 50mm thickness
c. Paver Installation
- Lay pavers on the sand without disturbing previously laid blocks. Fill gaps using cut slabs.
- Ensure joints do not exceed 3mm.
d. Joint Filling and Expansion
- Apply approved sand for joint filling and install expansion joints per specifications
A-1-3 Granite Pavers Installation (on a 30mm Mortar Bed)
a. Setting Out
- Submit detailed shop drawings based on actual site conditions for approval.
b .Mortar Bedding
- Mix a 1:3 cement/sand mortar and apply as a 30mm bed. Use sulphate-resistant cement below damp-proof courses.
c . Paver Installation
- Wet granite pavers before installation. Apply a 1.6mm slurry bond coat to the back.
- Set on a semi-dry bed and tamp into place with a mallet. Prevent traffic for three days.
d . Jointing and Expansion Joints
- Fill joints flush or recessed per the approved drawings. Install expansion joints as specified.
A-1-4 Ceramic Tile Floor Installation (on a 30mm Mortar Bed)
a. Setting Out
- Submit layout drawings for approval, ensuring site conditions are considered.
b. Mortar Bedding
- Prepare a 1:3 cement/sand mortar mix, applied as a 30mm bed.
c. Tile Installation
- Wet tiles before setting. Apply a slurry bond coat to the tile back, place on a semi-dry bed, and tamp with a mallet.
- Prevent traffic for three days minimum.
d. Expansion Joints and Grouting
- Install expansion joints and fill joints per approved drawings, cleaning any stains promptly.
A-2 Stamped Concrete
a. Preparation
- Prepare the site with subgrade compaction to prevent soil erosion. Install reinforcement and set forms to define the area and shape of the concrete.
b. Concrete Pouring and Leveling
- Pour concrete on the prepared subgrade, spread, and level it. Remove excess concrete to ensure a smooth base
c. Color Application
- Apply color using the broadcast method (dust color hardener) or integral method (mix color into concrete before pouring).
d. Release Agent and Stamping
- Apply a release agent to prevent the stamp from sticking, then press stamps onto the concrete to imprint patterns.
e. Curing and Cleaning
- Allow the stamped concrete to cure, clean off excess color powder, and adjust joints to minimize cracking.
f. Sealing
- Apply a sealant to protect the surface, enhance color, and increase durability.
A-3 Composite Wooden Decking
a. Surface Preparation
- Inspect the substrate for any issues and ensure a clean, stable base for decking.
b. Installation of Nailer and Decking
- Secure nailers (300mm spacing) to the concrete slab with stainless steel screws. Attach the first composite plank to the nailers, then use decking connectors to join planks, ensuring even spacing.
c. Deck Layout and Fastening
- Continue laying planks per the approved layout, securing each with connectors and ensuring the edges are aligned.
d. Final Cleaning
- Clean the decking with manufacturer-approved materials to remove any debris or stains.
A-4 Clean Beach Sand Installation
a. Excavation and Compaction
- Excavate the site to the required depth, compact the subgrade to 95% MDD, and add a 150mm compacted sub-base.
b. Laying the Sand
- Spread approved play sand to a depth of 300mm over geotextile fabric to create a stable surface.
c. Leveling and Smoothing
- Rake and level the sand to achieve a smooth, even finish.
A-5 Decorative Gravel/Pebbles/Organic Mulch
a. Site Preparation
- Excavate the site to the required depth, compact the subgrade to 95% MDD, and add a 150mm compacted sub-base.
b. Geotextile Fabric and Edging
- Lay a non-woven geotextile fabric over the compacted surface to separate soil from the decorative gravel
c. Gravel/Pebble Installation
- Spread decorative gravel or pebbles to a depth of 80mm, leveling and arranging them to create a natural, even finish.
A-6 Stepping Stone Installation
a. Setting Out
- Mark the layout on-site with detailed shop drawings and consider site conditions.
b. Mortar Bedding
- Prepare a 1:3 cement/sand mortar mix as a 30mm bed and apply a 1.6mm slurry bond coat to the bottom of each stone
c. Stepping Stone Placement
- Place each stone onto the wet bed, tapping into place with a rubber mallet. Ensure proper alignment and leave joints as per approved design
d. Jointing and Curing
- Fill joints, cover, and protect the stones from traffic for a minimum of three days.
A-7 Boulders Installation
a. Site Layout
- Mark positions based on approved drawings, considering size, texture, and finish of boulders.
b. Geotextile Fabric and Compaction
- Compact the subgrade to 95% MDD, lay a geotextile layer, and place boulders carefully by hand or machine.
c. Positioning and Securing
- Place boulders for a natural look, ensuring minimal gaps. Compact aggregate around boulders to secure their placement.
D. Final Adjustments
- Check alignment and remove any debris from the installation site
A-8 Artificial Grass Installation
a. Pre-Laying Activities
- Obtain client approval for shop drawings, clear the work area, and ensure access for materials and tools
b. Subgrade Preparation
- Grade and stabilize the area with a load-bearing material (minimum 150mm thickness), achieving 95% compaction
c. Artificial Grass Installation
- Unroll grass, let it rest for 24 hours, and trim edges as needed. Glue the edges to the perimeter and stretch the grass for a smooth finish
d. Final Inspection and Clean-Up
- Ensure even stretching, clean the area, and conduct a final inspection for quality control.
B-1 Aluminum Edger
a. Surface Preparation
- Clear the area and ensure the surface is clean, level, and free from debris.
- Compact the base thoroughly to provide a stable foundation.
b. Setting Out
- Mark the desired location for the aluminum edge according to approved shop drawings, using chalk lines or string
c. Edging Installation
- Place the aluminum edging (3.2mm thick) flush with the pavement level.
- Secure the edging with screws or stakes as recommended by the manufacturer, ensuring fasteners are evenly spaced for stability.
d. Finishing
- Backfill around the aluminum edge with soil or pavement material to ensure a smooth transition.
- Check alignment and clean any excess materials to achieve a professional finish.
B-2 Kerbstone
a. Setting Out and Excavation
- Set out the kerbstone alignment per the shop drawings, adjusting for site conditions. Clear the site and excavate to the required depth.
b. Sub-Grade and Sub-Base Preparation
- Compact the sub-grade to a minimum of 95% MDD and place a 150mm layer of compacted sub-base.
- Top with a 150mm thick layer of C20 concrete blinding over a 1000-gauge polyethylene sheet.
c. Mortar Bedding
- Prepare a 1:3 cement/sand mortar mix for the bedding layer. Spread the mortar to the required thickness for a stable base.
d. Kerbstone Placement and Alignment
- Place kerbstones on the mortar bed along a guide string, tapping them with a rubber mallet for proper alignment.
- Ensure kerbstones are installed at the correct height and spacing per the specifications.
e. Concrete Haunching and Finishing
- Apply concrete haunching on both sides of the kerbstones for added stability.
- Clean any excess mortar and check for alignment before final curing.
B-3 Plastic Edge
a. Trenching and Setting Out
- Excavate a uniform trench along the edge of the bed to a depth of 3-4 inches, keeping a vertical wall for support.
b. Edge Cutting and Positioning
- Cut plastic edging strips to the required length. Arrange to join strips near the center of the run for a seamless appearance.
c. Edge Installation and Backfilling
- Insert the edging snugly into the trench and secure it with stakes every 3-4 feet.
- Backfill with soil, compacting to hold the edging in place.
d. Final Adjustments
- Check that the edging stands slightly above ground level for visibility.
- Lightly water the area to settle the soil, making any final adjustments for alignment.
B-4 Metal Edge
a. Surface Preparation
- Clean and level the ground, ensuring it is free from loose debris. Compact the base material to create a stable foundation.
b. Setting Out and Excavation
- Mark the intended position for the metal edge separator with string lines. If necessary, dig a shallow trench to accommodate the edge.
c. Edging Placement and Securing
- Place the metal edge (e.g., aluminum or steel) in the marked position, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Secure the edge using stakes or fasteners as per manufacturer’s recommendations, spaced evenly for stability.
d. Backfilling and Finishing
- Backfill on both sides of the metal edge to anchor it firmly.
- Lightly water the area to settle the soil and make adjustments as needed for a clean finish.