Whose responsibility is it to repair or replace sidewalks?

Property owners are responsible for repair and replacement, but may receive City assistance. The City may pay for a portion of the cost, and will remove City tree roots, if necessary.

For information on sidewalk programs, see the Bureau of Sidewalks or call 216.664.2474.

For further information on sidewalk permits and inspections, see Curb, Sidewalk and Pavement Repairs or call 216.664.2747.

For further information on tree roots, see Urban Forestry or call 216.664.3104.

Should test holes be drilled when flowable fill is used?

Yes, test holes should be drilled for air relief when undermining to ensure flowable fill is filled properly.

How does the use of flowable fill affect the ability to accurately trace/find water main breaks/leaks?

Leaks travel along pipes, making them hard to find.

What happens if, during construction, something like trolley tracks are found at the site?

Flowable fill is used under trolley tracks to fill voids created by tunneling. It is more compact than granular backfill.

Is there a delay or lag time with using flowable fill for backfilling operations?

Most ready-mix producers can handle the flowable fill delivery needs of City departments. Concrete base can be poured as soon as it sets up, usually between two and four hours.

Is a Certificate of Compliance necessary for the use of flowable fill?

Yes. It must come from a plant with a current Certificate of Compliance demonstrating the ability of the mix design to meet specified requirements.

Is there difficulty using test rods to find leads when flowable fill is used?

Test rods are hard to pound in where flowable fill is used and it takes longer to find and repair leaks. The proper mix design from 50 PSI to 100 PSI eliminates the need to pound in the test rods.

When excavating in flowable fill trenches, is it difficult to locate existing utilities without damage?

When flowable fill is designed correctly, utilities which are not encased are easier to find.

How difficult is hand digging in a trench backfilled with flowable fill?

Any strengths between 50 PSI and 100 PSI are very easy to hand dig and would also need less re-excavation.

When using flowable fill, can trucks be washed out the same way as concrete trucks are when excess material is ordered?

The truck can wash its chute out right in the hole. There is minimal wash-out with flowable fill material.

Are there any requirements for ordering flowable fill for irregular shaped holes?

Any hole, no matter what shape, has to be rough measured for material. After that, the concrete dispatcher can calculate the amount of flowable fill needed.

What is the useful life of flowable fill when delivered to a site?

Research indicates that the useful life is about 2.5 hours. Set time can be altered in the mix design. Proper planning should eliminate any issues with using old or expired materials.

If wrapping utility pipes is necessary, who assumes this responsibility?

The contractor should notify the owner of the utility to wrap the pipe.

Can flowable fill be installed in a trench the same way as granular material is?

Probably not because of the characteristics and nature of flowable fill.

Box extensions have a sloppy fit and tend to shift during backfill. What can be done to prevent the material from covering the operating nut and bypass piping?

Visqueen should be used to isolate the operating nut and bypass pipe before the backfilling begins.

When using flowable fill, if utility ducts are found, can the material be changed?

Yes, however, it may be necessary. Example: If it is used for water lines and fiber optic cables are found, the contractor does not have to change to a bedding material because flowable fill will provide all the support needed.

How will the use of flowable fill affect backfilling trenches in excess of twenty-five feet?

The practice now used is to backfill with material as the trench box is pulled forward. Flowable fill can be used by using a three sided trench box.

What is flowable fill?

Flowable fill is a self-compacting, cementous material used as backfill in place of compacted granular material. It is made from cement, fly ash, fine aggregate (sand) and water.

Large excavations with valve boxes in the middle require a way to stabilize the extension while adding material to keep it lined up. What type of slump is required?

Flowable fill does not have to be ordered at a high slump (8"-10"). A lower slump could be used to stabilize the extension. After that, the slump can be increased.

Will flowable fill seep into open joints, around parts and underground vaults?

Open joints and holes in vaults should be bulkheaded or wrapped with visqueen to prevent seepage. Bolts and other mechanical parts should be wrapped to ease access for future repair.