Borrow

Definition

Excavated material that has been taken from one area to be used as fill at another location. Fill acquired from an excavation source outside the required cut area.

Purpose

Borrow is used to provide the necessary fill material for construction projects, ensuring that sites are properly graded and stable. This practice is essential for creating level surfaces, building foundations, and other structural components that require additional material beyond what is available on-site.

Examples of Use

• Transporting borrow material from a borrow pit to a construction site to raise the grade and create a level building platform.
• Using borrow to fill low-lying areas on a construction site to prevent water accumulation and improve stability.
• Applying borrow material to construct road embankments and achieve the desired elevation and slope.

Related Terms

• Fill Material: Earth or other material used to raise the ground level or provide a stable base for construction.
• Grading: The process of leveling and shaping the ground to meet construction design specifications.
• Earthwork: Construction operations involving the movement of large quantities of soil or rock.

Notes

The selection and transportation of borrow material must be carefully managed to ensure it meets project specifications and is economically viable. Environmental regulations and land reclamation practices are important considerations in the use of borrow materials.