A Detailed Overview of the Types of Excavation Used for Construction

Excavation broadly refers to the process of using different tools and techniques to move soil, rock and other materials and form a cavity to prepare an area for construction. Needless to say, excavation is one of the firsts and most important part of anyconstructioprojectWhethecommercial or residential building is being constructed or a certain road, bridge is being built or pipes and utility lines are installed underground, it is of utmost significance to inspect the land and prepare it in such a way that it provides a strong foundation. While providers like Bruce Johnson Construction serving all of Gresham are there, it is necessary to have some idea about the different types of excavation as discussed here.

Excavations Based on the Type of Material

Some excavations are classified on the basis of the materials. These are:

Topsoil Excavation: Excavation of this type involves removal of the topmost or the exposed area of the earth’s surface. The method includes removing the vegetation, soil and any other decaying material that could create the hindrance in the land’s way of bearing structural loads.

Rock Excavation: This type of excavation is carried out to clear surfaces. For instance, rocky surfaces often impede the building process. Rock excavation is quite challenging primarily because it cannot be done without the use of special equipment and techniques like blasting and drilling to clear a rather tough surface.

Muck Excavation: Muck is actually the combination soil and water. It is undesirable during any construction process and hence, needs to be removed. It can also be spread out in a certain area to dry.

Earth Excavation: In order to be able to create a foundation for bridges and buildings or even construct drainage ditches, certain layers of the earth need to be removed. This is done by earth excavation where the soil and the layer below the topsoil are removed for the purpose of the construction.

Excavation Based on the Purpose

Excavations are done for specific purposes also and these are:

Cut & Fill Excavation: Cut and fill excavation is also referred to as stripping excavation and its main purpose is to clear large areas. The process involves removing the shallow and wide layers of the topsoil along with rocks, sand and other unwanted materials. Grading the land is also a part of this excavation.

Trench Excavation: Trench excavation is the type in which the length of the excavated area surpasses the depth. The purpose of this is to install pipelines and sewer systems, bury service lines and lay foundations. Ground condition, the number of obstructions and other factors are taken into consideration.

Basement Excavation: Basement excavation is carried out when the construction is to be done a bit partially below the ground level. This is a rather complicated type of excavation.

Dredging: Dredging refers to excavating and removing sediments and debris from underwater. This would allow the ships and boats to pass easily as well as assist in other construction purposes. 

Choosing a specialist company is an essential step towards getting excavation done in the desired way.