For effective fill placement, how should material greater than the maximum allowed size be handled?

For effective fill placement, materials exceeding the maximum allowed size should be removed to ensure proper compaction and stability of the fill. Larger materials can create voids and reduce the overall density of the fill, leading to issues such as settlement or uneven surfaces. By removing oversized particles, the remaining material can be more uniformly compacted, ensuring adequate load-bearing capacity and preventing future structural problems. This practice aligns with industry standards that prioritize the integrity of fill materials for construction and civil engineering projects.

Other options suggest methods that may not adhere to best practices for fill placement. Mixing larger materials with smaller ones, for example, may not adequately resolve the issue of size disparity or achieve the necessary compaction, while leveling oversized materials does not address their potential to undermine fill stability. Therefore, removal is the most effective approach to ensure that the fill meets engineering requirements.