Division 31 Earthwork

Performance Specification Gap in Division 31 Earthwork submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 31 Earthwork: Blocker.

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 31 Earthwork submittals.

What to look for in Division 31 Earthwork

Key performance parameters in earthwork submittals:

  • Compaction requirement - percent of maximum dry density per ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor) or ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor); spec typically requires 95% or 98% - verify submitted value matches
  • Geotextile grab tensile strength (ASTM D4632) and puncture resistance (ASTM D4833) - must meet AASHTO M288 class minimum
  • Geotextile permittivity (ASTM D4491) and AOS/EOS (ASTM D4751) for filtration applications
  • Geogrid tensile strength (ASTM D6637 for geogrids, ASTM D4595 for woven) at specified strain level (2% or 5%)
  • Drainage composite flow rate (ASTM D4716) at design compressive load
  • Shoring system allowable load per linear foot or per soldier pile - must match structural engineer's design load
  • Tieback design load vs proof load - submitted load test procedure must target correct proof load (typically 133% of design)
  • Dewatering pump capacity (gpm) and head rating vs site hydrogeology requirements
  • Erosion control blanket C-factor - must meet or exceed specified value for site slope and rainfall intensity

How severe is it?

Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 31 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.

Back to the Division 31 Earthwork hub, browse all divisions, or start a review.

Frequently asked questions

Which compaction performance values must a Division 31 Earthwork submittal confirm against the spec?

The submittal must show the target percent of maximum dry density - typically 95% or 98% - referenced to either ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor) or ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor), whichever the spec requires. A submitted value below spec is always a Blocker when it affects structural or life-safety performance. The Proctor test report must be for the specific fill material proposed, not generic data.

How do geotextile and geogrid strength ratings get verified in Division 31 Earthwork submittals?

Grab tensile strength must be tested per ASTM D4632 and puncture resistance per ASTM D4833, with results meeting the applicable AASHTO M288 class minimum. Geogrid tensile strength is tested per ASTM D6637 (or ASTM D4595 for woven products) at the strain level the spec calls out - typically 2% or 5%. A submittal that does not report these values at the correct strain is a Blocker.

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