A. Width: Trenches shall be of sufficient width to permit proper installation of the pipe. Where shoring is required, ample allowance shall be made in the width of the trench for working conditions.
B. Depth:
1. Bottom Of Trench Forms Bed: Where trenches are excavated to a depth such that the bottom of the trench forms the bed for the pipe, care must be exercised to provide solid and continuous bearing between joints. Bell holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined.
2. Bottom Of Trench Does Not Form Bed: Where trenches are excavated to a depth such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe the trench shall be backfilled to grade with sand or fine gravel placed in layers of six inch (6") maximum depth and compacted after each placement.
C. Stabilization Of Bed: The pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade, if soft materials of poor bearing qualities are found at the bottom of the trench, stabilization shall be achieved by overexcavating at least two (2) pipe diameters and bringing up to grade with fine gravel or crushed stone or a concrete foundation. Such concrete foundation shall be bedded and sand tamped in place so as to provide a uniform bearing for the pipe joints. (Ord. 173, 5-13-1983)