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Excavator Operator Certification Exam Prep · Question

A trench is being excavated in uniform Type 2 soil to a depth of 4.5 metres. The excavation is 30 metres long. Which type of sloping or benching strategy would be most effective and compliant for this scenario, assuming no other adjacent structures?

For Type 2 soil, a simple slope of 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal is permitted by Ontario Regulation 213/91 Section 234, Table. This means for a 4.5m deep trench,

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Question: A trench is being excavated in uniform Type 2 soil to a depth of 4.5 metres. The excavation is 30 metres long. Which type of sloping or benching strategy would be most effective and compliant for this scenario, assuming no other adjacent structures?

Answer options:

  • A simple slope of 1:1, meaning the bottom width would be 4.5m wider than the top.
  • A stepped benching system where each bench is at least 0.6m wide. ✅ A simple slope of 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal, requiring a significant top-of-trench footprint.
  • A combination of sloping the lower section to a 1:1 ratio and vertical walls for the top 1.2m.

Correct answer: A simple slope of 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal, requiring a significant top-of-trench footprint.

Explanation: For Type 2 soil, a simple slope of 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal is permitted by Ontario Regulation 213/91 Section 234, Table. This means for a 4.5m deep trench, the horizontal extent of the slope would be 4.5m x 1.5 = 6.75m on each side.

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