Dirtwork term
Select Fill
also called: structural fill, engineered fill
Imported soil chosen for known compaction and stability properties, used where native soil isn't suitable.
Select fill is dirt brought in from outside the site because the native material isn't right for what's being built. The fill is selected for its grain-size distribution, plasticity index, and compaction behavior. Used under building pads when the native soil is too plastic (expansive clay) or too organic, behind retaining walls, in deep utility trench backfill where consolidation matters.
Different from fill dirt, which is the generic term for any soil dumped into a low spot. Select fill comes with documentation and test data. Fill dirt comes off whatever site had a surplus.
In East Texas, select fill is often imported sandy clay loam or limestone screenings, both compact reliably and stay stable when wet. The cost premium over native Houston Black clay is paid back in fewer foundation cracks and slab heaves down the road.
Services where this shows up
We use select fill on
Related terms
Other words that come up alongside this one
Sub-grade
The natural soil surface that supports everything you build on top of it, pad, road base, slab.
Compaction
Mechanical pressing of soil to reduce air voids, increase density, and provide a stable surface.
Pad
Prepared, compacted area of ground sized and elevated for a structure to be built on top of it.
Cut and Fill
Moving dirt from high areas (cut) to low areas (fill) to reach a planned grade, balanced so net hauling is minimized.
Spoils
Excavated material that's left over after cut-and-fill on a project, hauled off or stockpiled for later use.
Get in Touch
Ready to Start
Your Project?
Call or send a message. We respond within one business day and come to you for the estimate, no charge, no obligation.
- Free on-site estimates
- Response within 1 business day
- Licensed & insured
Step 1 of 6
What's your first name?
So we know who we're talking to.