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Excavator Operator Certification Exam Prep · Question

A trench in Type 4 soil (saturated, fine-grained soil) is planned to be 3.0 metres deep. According to Ontario regulations, what is the minimum slope ratio (vertical to horizontal) that must be applied to the trench walls if a protective system other than shoring is used?

Ontario Regulation 213/91, Section 234(3) states that for Type 4 soil, the maximum slope of the face of an excavation must not exceed 1 vertical to 3 horizontal

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Question: A trench in Type 4 soil (saturated, fine-grained soil) is planned to be 3.0 metres deep. According to Ontario regulations, what is the minimum slope ratio (vertical to horizontal) that must be applied to the trench walls if a protective system other than shoring is used?

Answer options:

  • 1 vertical to 1 horizontal
  • 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal
  • 1 vertical to 2 horizontal ✅ 1 vertical to 3 horizontal

Correct answer: 1 vertical to 3 horizontal

Explanation: Ontario Regulation 213/91, Section 234(3) states that for Type 4 soil, the maximum slope of the face of an excavation must not exceed 1 vertical to 3 horizontal. This significantly flatter slope is necessary due to the instability of Type 4 soil.

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