Seven Common Excavation Needs In Construction Projects

Posted on: 19 February 2021

Excavation is an important step in the process of putting up just about any type of construction. There are many different types of excavation that are frequently used to prepare a site for construction.

It's important to be aware of the different types of excavation and to identify the best excavation process for your construction project. The following are seven common excavation needs in construction projects. 

Trench excavation

Trench excavation is one of the most common types of excavation. This type of excavation is necessary when utility lines like sewer systems need to be installed. Trench excavation is also an important step in laying foundations in many cases. 

Any excavation process where the depth of the excavated area is greater than the length is considered trench excavation. 

Dredging

Dredging is a type of excavation that is frequently used underwater. Dredging is necessary when sediment builds up underwater so that construction and the passage of watercraft become difficult or impossible. 

During dredging, sediment and any obstructions underwater are cleared away to prepare for construction or to allow vessels to pass freely. 

Borrow excavation

Borrow excavation is a type of excavation where excavators fill the land with material rather than taking material away.

During borrow excavation, soil or another material is taken from what's known as a "borrow" pit to fill in a portion of the site being excavated. During this process, the land being excavated is typically graded and/or possibly filled in with a material like concrete to strengthen the excavated ground. 

Drainage

Drainage or structure excavation refers to a process where excess water is channeled away from the excavated area. This can be done through the creation of ditches, storm drains, or trenches. 

Stripping

Stripping generally involves simply clearing a large area of land. Stripping could involve not only clearing away trees and vegetation but also topsoil, sand, gravel, rocks, and more. Stripping might also involve grading the land in question.

This type of excavation is also frequently referred to as cut and fill excavation. 

Underground excavation

Underground excavation refers to any excavation required below the ground level. This type of excavation may require the use of vertical shafts or horizontal tunnels to remove material from below the ground.

Underground excavation is frequently required in the construction of tunnels, canals, subways, or sewage lines. 

Roadway excavation

Roadway construction projects require land excavation. During roadway excavation, the ground typically needs to be leveled. Also, embankments might be formed alongside the roadway and certain materials might be mixed in with the underlying ground to strengthen it. 

Contact a company like a civil excavation service to learn more about different kinds of excavation.

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