What is the term for earth material that is removed during excavation?

The term for earth material that is removed during excavation is "spoil." When excavation occurs, the material that is dug out—such as soil, rock, or other earth materials—is often referred to as spoil. This terminology is widely used in construction and civil engineering to specifically denote the excavated material that is surplus to requirements.

Spoil can be disposed of, reused, or relocated, depending on the project’s needs. For instance, it might be used in other parts of the construction site or taken away for proper disposal. Understanding the term is essential in construction planning and execution since managing spoil effectively can help reduce costs and environmental impact.

Other terms mentioned in the options relate to different aspects of excavation and excavation-related tasks. "Debris" typically refers to waste materials resulting from construction that might not be solely from excavation, while "fill" refers to materials used to raise the ground level. "Backfill" refers to the process of refilling an excavated area, usually done after the foundation or structure has been built.