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Method Statement: Common Trench Excavation for Utility Corridors inspection and test plan example.

Inspection and Test Plan for Method Statement: Common Trench Excavation for Utility Corridors

AI-assisted inspection and test plan connected to a method statement, with PDF and Excel export.

Published 30 Jun 2026 Rev. 00 2 views
About this ITP: This ITP defines hold/witness points and acceptance criteria for trench excavation, including setting out, service exposure, trench support, groundwater control, and formation approval.

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this ITP is an AI-assisted editable starting point directly connected to its method statement. Every inspection activity, hold point, and acceptance criterion is structured and ready to adapt to your project.

  • AI-assisted customization — Tailor inspection activities and acceptance criteria to your specific project scope.
  • Linked method statement — This ITP is connected to the corresponding method statement describing the work sequence.
  • Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
  • Editable starting point, not a final document — Review and verify all content against your project specifications and standards before use.

What you can customize

When you save this ITP to your account, every inspection row becomes editable. You can add, remove, or modify:

  • Inspection activity — Description of what is being inspected.
  • Inspection type — Hold point (H), Witness point (W), Review (R), or Monitor (M).
  • Responsibility — Contractor, subcontractor, engineer, or client.
  • Frequency — How often the inspection occurs.
  • Acceptance criteria — Referenced standard or specification requirement.
  • Records — Forms, test reports, or checklists required as evidence.

Why this ITP is used

To verify trench works meet safety, geometry, stability, and compaction requirements before pipe/duct installation.

Who uses this inspection and test plan

Site engineers, QA/QC staff, supervisors, TWC/TWD, and the Engineer/Employer’s Representative.

When this ITP is prepared and submitted

From pre-start permitting through formation approval and release for installation, with records compiled daily.

Who receives or approves this ITP

The ITP is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the related work activity starts.

Inspection scope

Permits, survey controls, utility exposure, staged excavation, trench support, groundwater control, formation geometry and compaction, geotextile where specified.

Typical hold, witness, and review points

Utility exposure confirmation, first bay of trench support, formation approval, and pre-installation release.

Typical inspection records

Permits, set-out checks, daily inspections, density test reports, dewatering logs, photos, and release certificates.

Important approval note

This ITP is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all inspection activities, hold points, and acceptance criteria must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

Always verify acceptance criteria against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements. Hold points must be confirmed with the relevant authority before work proceeds past that point.

Inspection and test plan

Activity Inspection / Test Acceptance Criteria Responsibility Record
Permits and pre-start controls Verify RA/MS approval, Permit to Dig, TWD approval, TM plan All approvals current; workforce briefed; exclusion zones set. PM / HSE / Supervisor Pre-start checklist; permits filed
Setting out Alignment/level check against IFC Chainage/offset ±20 mm; invert stakes ±5 mm Surveyor / QA/QC Set-out records; independent check sheet
Utility detection & potholing Scan results; exposed utility survey; photos Utilities positively identified; clearances adequate or mitigation agreed. Utility Coordinator / Engineer Potholing logs; marked-up drawings
Excavation to first stage Visual stability; edge protection; spoil setback No undercutting; spoil ≥0.5–1.0 m from edge [Verify]. Supervisor / HSE Daily excavation report; photos
Trench support/battering installation Temporary works inspection Per TWD; safe access provided; no distress. TWC / Supervisor TW inspection sheet; permit-to-excavate
Groundwater control setup Pump test/logs; discharge quality check (if required) Water level ≥300 mm below formation; discharge within consent. Dewatering Specialist Pump logs; water quality logs
Formation level and condition Survey at 10–20 m intervals; visual for soft spots -0/+20 mm; gradient within tolerance; firm base. Site Engineer / QA/QC Formation inspection/approval
Formation/blinding compaction Field density (ASTM D6938/D1556) & moisture ≥95% MDD (ASTM D698) [Verify]; moisture within specified band. QA/QC Density test reports
Geotextile placement (if specified) Check overlaps, integrity Overlap ≥300 mm; undamaged; correct class. Supervisor / QA/QC Inspection sheet; photos
Pre-installation release Consolidated QA review All preceding ITP steps accepted; records complete. Engineer / QA/QC Release/hold-point sign-off

This table is a read-only public reference. Download the PDF or Excel version, or customize this ITP to edit it for your project.

Frequently asked questions

They are noted against activities such as trench support installation and formation approval; work cannot proceed until signed off by the Engineer.

Typically ≥95% MDD (ASTM D698) unless the project specifies otherwise. Confirm with the specification before testing.

Related method statement

This Inspection and Test Plan is associated with the Method Statement: Common Trench Excavation for Utility Corridors method statement, which describes the step-by-step construction sequence, resources, materials, equipment, safety controls, and environmental controls for this activity.

View the Method Statement: Common Trench Excavation for Utility Corridors method statement →

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