CSI Division
Division 31: Earthwork submittal deviations
What changes between a Division 31 Earthwork spec section and the sub's submittal, why it matters, and how each deviation is graded.
Short answer
Division 31 Earthwork submittals deviate most often on product substitutions, performance ratings, and missing certifications. Deviation Check flags every difference from the spec and grades it a Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note.
Division 31 covers earthwork operations in commercial construction: site clearing, excavation, shoring and retention systems, geosynthetics, erosion control, engineered fill, and dewatering. Common CSI sections submitted for review:
Common Division 31 CSI sections
Division 31 Earthwork spec sections frequently submitted for review:
| Section | Title |
|---|---|
31 05 00 | Common Work Results for Earthwork |
31 10 00 | Site Clearing |
31 20 00 | Earth Moving |
31 23 00 | Excavation and Fill |
31 25 00 | Erosion and Sedimentation Controls |
31 31 00 | Soil Treatment |
31 32 00 | Geosynthetics (geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, drainage composites) |
31 35 00 | Geomembranes |
31 41 00 | Shoring (soldier pile, sheet pile, secant pile) |
31 43 00 | Concrete-Filled Caissons |
31 50 00 | Excavation Support and Protection (tiebacks, soil nails) |
31 62 00 | Driven Piles |
31 63 00 | Bored Piles and Shafts |
The six deviation categories in Division 31 Earthwork
Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 31 Earthwork submittals, with the full guide one click away.
Manufacturer or Product Substitution
Blocker The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.
Geosynthetic and shoring specs frequently name manufacturers or specify proprietary systems. Look for:
Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
Performance Specification Gap
Blocker A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.
Key performance parameters in earthwork submittals:
Performance Specification Gap in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation
Fix and Resubmit A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.
Required certifications in earthwork submittals:
Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
Aesthetic Deviation
Fix and Resubmit A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.
Less common in earthwork but applies to:
Aesthetic Deviation in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
Detail or Installation Mismatch
Fix and Resubmit The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.
Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
Submittal Package Incompleteness
Fix and Resubmit A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.
Commonly required items in Div 31 specs:
Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 31 Earthwork submittals →
How Division 31 deviations are graded
Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 31 escalation rules:
- Shoring or retention drawings missing PE stamp: Always BLOCKER (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P legal requirement; cannot excavate without it)
- Tieback proof load below 133% of design load (or spec's required multiple): Always BLOCKER (structural safety)
- Compaction spec below geotechnical report recommendation for bearing subgrade: BLOCKER (foundation bearing capacity directly affected)
- Geotextile AASHTO M288 class lower than specified: BLOCKER if separation application under heavy traffic or aggregate, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if filtration or drainage facing
- Missing geotechnical engineer approval for shoring system modification: BLOCKER (OSHA compliance)
- Geogrid tensile strength below spec at required strain level: BLOCKER if in reinforced retaining wall or MSE structure, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if subgrade reinforcement only
- Compaction test frequency below spec: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (documentation gap, not a material deficiency)
- Erosion control blanket C-factor below specified value: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (regulatory compliance, potential SWPPP violation)
- Geosynthetic overlap below spec minimum: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT
- Dewatering pump capacity below site estimate: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT with supporting hydrogeological justification
- Missing SWPPP narrative: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (regulatory requirement before grading begins)
Run a Division 31 submittal review
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common deviations in Division 31 Earthwork submittals?
The most common are product or manufacturer substitutions, performance specification gaps, and missing certification or compliance documentation. Deviation Check sorts every finding into one of six categories.
How are Division 31 deviations graded?
Each finding is graded Blocker (resolve before approval), Fix and Resubmit (correct and re-send before fabrication or install), or Note (acceptable with a comment).
View this page as Markdown for LLMs and note-taking.