jordfyll

Jordfyll is the material used to backfill excavations or trenches with soil, typically placed in layers and compacted to achieve the required density and strength. It serves to provide support for foundations, pipelines and other underground structures, and to restore ground levels after construction.

Types of jordfyll may include natural backfill, which consists of excavated site soil that is screened to remove large stones and organics; engineered fill, which is a controlled mixture with a specified grain size distribution and plasticity; and, in some cases, recycled fills from construction debris if they meet the project’s specifications. For certain applications, lean concrete or geosynthetic-reinforced fills may be used to meet particular performance criteria.

Key properties and requirements include low organic content, moisture content near the optimum for compaction, and a grain size distribution that minimizes voids. Many projects require compacted density to a specified level, achieved through proper equipment and moisture conditioning. In-situ tests such as proctor tests or field density tests are used to verify compaction. Limited clay content and low swelling soils are often preferred to reduce risks of settlement or heave.

Construction practices involve removing organics, placing in layers (lifts) of manageable thickness, and compacting each lift with appropriate equipment. Drainage considerations are important to prevent waterlogging, and sometimes drainage layers, filters, or geosynthetics are used to control piping and improve stability.

Potential issues include settlement, piping through backfill, frost heave, and erosion, all of which are mitigated by proper material selection, compaction, and adherence to local codes and geotechnical design.