Before jumping into the types of excavation, lets, clear the concept first. According to the organization named OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), excavation is “any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal.” In a more straightforward word, excavation is the process of digging the earth purposely. Also, making the surface plain as before by backfilling that. In addition, excavation is an essential part of the landscaping and building construction sector. In other words, excavation is the exposure of things beneath the earth. Although, it does not necessarily be deep cuts. Because it depends on the purpose. So, to limit the purpose between building and landscaping site, excavation is only the digging part.
Suppose you need to build a house. Then excavators will dig a hole to make space for the basement. Besides, they will remove those soil, rocks, stones and clear the area to ensure building. Not only the foundation making but also for utility installation and pipelining. So, whenever you need to dig deep for space, here comes excavation work. This is only one example, but excavation purposes it vast. Not to mention, you might need to clear some land with excavation work. SO, based on usability, there are few types of excavation available in the construction sector.
As mentioned earlier, excavation is the process of digging, cutting, removing soil, dirt, rocks, etc., from the ground. Again, this digging and cutting are done by heavy machinery, explosives, and tools. Thus, excavation work clears the path for landscaping, building, site preparation, and other construction purposes. Not to mention, there are some types of excavation used, particularly in pursuit. Now, let’s, dive into the fundamental dynamics of different types based on purpose and materials.
Cut and fill excavation is one of the types of excavation. To be precise, moving earth/soil from one place to another is the primary purpose. Besides, you can use it to make the ground more leveled. Fortunately, that is used to minimize labor costs and materials needed for leveling the ground.
However, the theme is simple. When the removed amount of soil/ earth can fill another empty construction site, it would call cut and fill excavation process. Such as, your extracted topsoil can be used to make an elevated section to build. Besides, cut soil is reused to backfill the same spot.
On the other hand, this entire process is sensitive. Without proper execution, the use of soil can cause a crack in the foundation. So, if you want to reuse the excavated materials, compact the materials first. Therefore, you can avoid cracks in the foundation.
Basement excavation types of excavation are very sensitive. Usually, the basement stands beneath the house. In fact, it goes underground. So, you can choose this excavation only if the intention is to make the basement foundation. Hence, basement excavation is not just cutting the earth and creating space. There are some criteria after the base is ready.
You might have noticed that pipelining, bury service lines, etc., requires different excavation. In addition, these jobs need excavation which is not deeper as the length is. So, this is one of the types of excavation, known as trench excavation.
There is a term called site preparation. In simpler words, the upper soil, dirt, stones, rocks, etc., have to be removed. In fact, those are actually the topsoil. Therefore, site preparation needs the removal of this topsoil, known as topsoil excavation.
Earth excavation is the after-work of topsoil excavation. When topsoil is removed, the next layered soil is earth. Therefore, to build a foundation or base, this earth excavation is necessary. Earth excavation is used to make foundation construction as a building or a bridge.
In between other types of excavation, rock excavation is difficult and challenging. In fact, removing rocks or stones from the ground need hard drilling and explosions. Therefore, the entire procedure needs a professional hand and heavy types of machinery. Besides, the safety of the workers and the neighbors is an issue here.
Muck is the combination of water and soil. Therefore, this part of the ground is very soft. Besides, you cannot keep this part for foundation making. However, muck excavation means removing that muck or putting it somewhere to dry.
This is one of the types of excavation for construction. Usually, excavators put sediments and debris into the shallow ocean or to fill the rivers. Therefore, mariners or passersby will cross the part at the river-side or shallow ocean side.
Now you know the types of excavation according to the construction purpose and materials. This blog to enrich your basic knowledge.
Although, this part is only the basic. However, all these excavations might look easy, but it takes years of experience. Besides, excavators use their methods and techniques for safety. Although, there are rules and regulations. So, in the end, here is an essential tip for excavators and property owners.
Excavation procedure is never an easy job. Because cutting and digging with heavy machinery cause various issues. Such as, during the construction, there might happen an accident or material loss. In fact, you can face other complicated problems in between the procedure.
However, to avoid the hazards, you can hire a competent man. The purpose of the competent man inspects the daily progress and excavation risks as well. Despite bigger accidents, you may face hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous activities. So, you would need a professional though to avoid the upcoming problems. Besides, that authorized person can estimate hazards and conditions.
Protective systems require trenches five feet deep. Also, it requires greater space if the excavation is on the rock. But the channels 20 feet deep or greater also need a protective system. Usually, you can have registration from a professional engineer and so, based on tabulated data. Not to mention, that approval comes from a registered professional engineer.
