Non-destructive Excavation: Hydro Excavation Method

Non-destructive excavation technology has become an important technology that is used in many industry applications these days. This is because non-destructive excavation makes it possible for the digging, excavation or exposure of underground utilities without the risk of doing damage or destruction.

Hydro excavation is a method used to in non-destructive excavation technology. This method is non-mechanical. Highly pressurized water is used to break into the ground and excavate the soil materials, rocks and other debris. As this is done, an industrial strength vacuum simultaneously sucks out all the mud, water slurry and debris to be stored in a special holding tank. The main component which is water is safe to use around the assets and utilities underground. There is very little danger that gas pipes, water pipes, electric cables, telecommunication lines, sewer systems and the like can be damaged.

It is precisely called as non-destructive excavation because unlike mechanical or manual excavation, it will not cause damage to those utilities it may reach. The reason for this is that manual or mechanical excavation uses materials, machines and equipment that may have sharp edges or too much pressure. Hydro excavation can also do the job in a more precise way that will require less back fill or back job. The process is safe and fast. It does not use a lot of equipment which means it require less workers to operate it and it can be used in smaller areas with limited space to move around in. Hydro excavation is also environmentally friendly.

Here are some examples where the hydro excavation method as a means of non-destructive excavation can be used:

·         Potholing or Daylighting- this process is usually done for installation of signs, telecommunication poles, light posts, fences and the like.

·         Slot trenching- hydro excavation makes it possible to create narrow trenches that are needed for the installation of pipes, cables, and other in-ground utilities. Hydro excavation can be used even if the ground is frozen. The water used is heated. This non-destructive excavation method makes installation of sprinklers, location of underground utilities and other underground installation easy and safe.

·         Removal of Debris- hydro excavation is the best method to use to for catch basin cleaning, cleaning of spills and sludge removal. This will make sure that the surrounding area will not be damaged.

·         Remote digging- When there is a remote area where repairs on buried pipes, fiber optic cables and the like are needed, hydro excavation can be used. The equipment used can be located farther from the actual site to make sure that there is no damage done on the actual site. Restoration work is minimized or avoided.

The different advantages and uses of hydro excavation just proves the importance of the non-destructive excavation technology.  This does all the functions of mechanical or manual digging in a safer and more cost-effective way. It is no wonder that this technology is slowly starting to take the place of the traditional way of digging. More and more people are starting to see the need to switch to non-destructive excavation.

Looking for non destructive digging services? We here at Yunz Contracting can help. Just visit our site to find out more.