A rock mass weathering profile in a tropics is variable and unpredictable in controlling rock behavior. Weathering conditions make the excavation process more challenging, especially for sedimentary rocks. Hence, it is crucial to possess thorough and systematic geological and geotechnical data to enable practitioners to assess relevant and significant factors for establishing the appropriate approach to address this issue. This study aims to verify the excavation performance of excavating machines involved in the pre-determined rock mass properties. The research area involved is Nusajaya, Johor which is covered by sandstone and shale. This site was chosen because it is exposed to rock outcrops and earthworks are still ongoing. This site is involved in a housing construction project. The site conditions consist of several weathering grades where Grade II and III shale are found at a 20 m depth from the ground level. In confirming a hard mass for this area, a trial excavation was conducted using an EX350-type excavator. Geophysical tests such as seismic refraction (SR) and electric resistivity (ERT) have been conducted in this study area. These tests are beneficial for identifying the bedrock type and depth, and estimating the rock volume that has to be excavated, particularly during the initial phases of earthwork. The trial excavation was carried out and found to have provided a production rate value (< 50m3/hour), which is in line with the definition of hard mass in the Road Work Specification: Earthwork Section 2 (JKR). Therefore, the evaluation method provided in the PWD Specification proves to be an accurate method for the evaluation of hard mass and rock mass at project sites. This study demonstrates that the efficiency of surface excavation can be enhanced by the integration of geotechnical with geophysical approaches.