Monday, February 3, 2014

The Other Uses of Non-destructive Digging That You May Want to Know About

Typically, non-destructive digging or any digging for that matter is most common a process that is used in the construction business. Whether it be for construction of a new house, a renovation, installation and the like. It is also commonly used in installations of lamp posts and other items that need to be buried.

Non-destructive digging which is also known as NDD is a safer and less risky alterative to mechanical or manual digging. The reason for this is instead of using the typical heavy equipment and machines like backhoes, trenchers and diggers and even hand held tools like shovels, this uses either water or air as the tool to dig the hole. Instead, it uses either high pressure jets of air or water that are powerful enough to break the ground and loosen the soil materials. At the same time, the non-destructive digging process also simultaneously vacuums out the soil materials and debris to make it easy for storage and disposal. There are two choices that one can choose from, these are air vacuum excavation and hydro excavation.

Because of the special advantages of this process, there are many other things where this can be used. For example, non-destructive digging can be used in archeological excavations and diggings. It can be used because it is easier to control and can be used in sensitive areas. Even if it gets in contact with important and sensitive artifacts, it will not do any damage. It can also be used for tree planting by preparing the holes where the plants will be placed.

For sensitive areas like refineries and electrical plants, it can be used because it will not cause a spark. It is also applicable for flammable areas. It is also very useful for roadside projects because the on-going project can be done without disrupting the flow of traffic. Sensitive areas like those with ecosystems that need to be protected. It can be used off site if needed because the nozzles can be extended. When there is a digging project where trees should be protected, non-destructive digging
can be used as well as it will protect tree roots and not cut them.

Non-destructive digging is not only applicable to typical digging needs but also for special uses. It can have advantages that people can benefit from. It is safer than mechanical digging that may have disastrous results especially when sensitive buried assets and utilities are touched. Damage to pipes, lines, cables can cause flooding, loss of service like power, internet and even gas explosions.

If you want to more about the companies that provide any of the two non-destructive digging
processes, then you can go online to look at their companies and services. You will see even the previous projects that they have done. You may even get quotations if you are interested to get
their services for your digging needs. Whatever the project may be, for sure any of the two non-
destructive digging processes can be applicable and will work wonders.

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

Sunday, January 26, 2014

How Useful is Non-destructive Digging in the Business of Construction



Like in any kind of business out there, the people who own and handle these want to make as much profit as they can. In the construction business for example, they need to minimize costs but at the same time make sure that they use quality materials and produce quality results. The contractors who are in charge of the whole project have to make sure that the job is done right. The money made will not only be to keep the business going but to improve and grow the business. One thing that can be costly in the construction process is the digging part which is usually need for building foundations and the like. The use of heavy equipment and machines does not only cost money but also the repairs needed in case these do any damage to the underlying assets, utilities and infrastructure.

The most common digging method which is mechanical can be destructive. The unseen web of lines, cables, wires and even sewage systems can be damage and the repairs will be spent for by the construction company. This may lessen their profits or may even become a loss for them depending on the extent of damage. The common scenarios are broken water pipes, cut electric and telecommunication cables, burst gas pipes and a damaged sewer. There is a safer alternative that can be very useful for the contractors in the construction business. This method is called non-destructive digging.

Non-destructive digging is a safe and low risk digging alternative that can be used when any digging is needed. It is done in two ways, hydro excavation or air vacuum excavation which use either water or air instead of trenchers and diggers. The non-destructive digging method is powerful enough to break the ground and loosen the soil but at the same it can still be gentle on the assets, utilities and infrastructure that it may get in contact with.

Aside from it being safe and less risky, it has other advantages that makes it even more useful to be used by people in the construction business. These advantages are:
  • It is easier to use and operate because it just uses one excavator truck. It requires less labour.
  • It is more time efficient. The job gets done quickly and precisely. The need for back jobs is minimized.
  • It is cost effective. There is no need to rent and spend for gas to be used in numerous heavy equipment and machines.
  • It can be used offsite just by extending the nozzle. 
  • This can be used in a flammable environment or area.
  • Can be used in roadside projects without disrupting the flow of traffic.
  • It is gentle on the environment. It protects the roots of trees that owners may want to preserve and keep intact. 
These advantages of non-destructive digging can indeed be useful in making things easier in construction. The contractors will also have the peace of mind that the job can be done without damage and additional expenses. This is something that they can take advantage of and use even for digging needs in other industries.

Looking for non destructive digging services? We here at YunzContracting can help. Just visit our site at www.YunzContracting.com.au to find out more.


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Process and Various Uses for Non-destructive Digging



People have realized that mechanical digging can be very destructive. This is the reason why the technology of non-destructive digging is starting to get more popular. These machines and equipment used in mechanical digging can be the cause of many problems especially when the hit or get in contact with pipes, cables, wires and lines that are buried underground. These are just some of the assets, utilities and infrastructure that can get damaged and can in turn cause bigger problems. Aside from work delays and added expenses for repairs, it can get very dangerous not only for the workers but also for the people in the surrounding areas.

Non-destructive digging on the other hand, only uses an excavator truck that has the tools needed to do the digging. There are two ways to do this, these are hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation. Though they use either air or water, both ways basically work the same way. High powered jets of water or air are used to break the ground. These then loosen the soil material and other debris and breaking them up into small pieces. While this is being done, an industrial strength vacuum simultaneously takes out the soil and excess water. These are stored directly in the special holding tanks. The water and air used in non-destructive digging are powerful enough to break the ground yet it avoids causing damage to those buried assets and utilities. Storing these in holding tanks also make it easier to dispose. Non-destructive digging avoids dangerous situations like electrocution cause by a cut power line, flooding because of a burst water pipe, gas leak or explosion from a damaged gas pipe.

Being a non-destructive digging process, this can then have various uses that mechanical digging cannot do or if it can be done, it still will involve many risks that can be dangerous. There are other industries that are sensitive and non-destructive digging can be very useful in. These are:

  • potholing for sewers, water pipes, telecommunication lines, gas pipes
  • making holes for tree planting and remediation
  • straightening electric or power poles
  • coring to get soil samples
  • verify the exact positions of service
  • excavations around subterranean assets
  • excavation post and street lights
  • excavate trenches under sidewalks, footpaths, driveways and trees
  • excavate contaminated soil and avoid exposure to humans and to the environment
  • installations of repair in refineries, factories and power plants with sensitive buried infrastructures
  • pit cleaning and pipe jetting
  • excavation on an area with a sensitive ecosystem 
Added to these various uses, non-destructive digging is also cheaper to use than mechanical digging. It can be used anywhere without too much worry about the problems that can occur. It is gaining popularity and it is best if more people get to know about it and try it out not only for construction but for other uses that involve digging.

There are many companies out there that provide either of the two or both of the non-destructive digging ways. These companies can be searched through the yellow pages or online.

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






Thursday, November 28, 2013

What is there to Know about Non-destructive Digging?



Digging and excavation is an essential part in almost all construction needs. there are also industries that need these in their installations and repairs. Some of these areas and industries are very sensitive that is why there is a need for a better and safer way of digging aside from the traditional methods which are the mechanical and manual ones. The safer and better way of digging and excavation is the method called non-destructive digging. This is also known as NDD, potholing or vacuum excavation.

The non-destructive digging method is named as such because it can break the ground, loosen the soil, excavate it and make a hole without causing damage to any of the important assets and utilities underground. The reason that this method can safely do the digging and excavation is because of the equipment and tools are that used. Non-destructive digging can be achieved in two ways these are hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation. 

Hydro excavation uses high pressure water to break the ground. This then loosens the soil and other debris like rocks. These, together with the excess water and slurry are simultaneously vacuumed out by a special nozzle and directed straight into a special holding tank for easy disposal. Air vacuum excavation uses high pressure air coming from a special nozzle to break the ground and loosen the earth material and other debris. As with hydro excavation, there is also a vacuum nozzle that simultaneously takes out the soils, rocks and debris to be stored in the holding tank. This can readily be available for back filling if needed. If not, then this can be disposed of easily. Water and air make a difference because these are powerful enough to break the ground but gentle on the different pipes, cables, lines and tanks that are in the way. 

As compared to the traditional digging methods, non-destructive digging avoids the risks of problems that damage on the utilities and assets can cause. It does not use heavy equipment or sharp tools that can cut, burst or damage things like gas pipes, electric cables, water pipes, sewer systems and the like. When things like this can happen, it can be more dangerous to the workers, the people around and it will add to the unexpected expenses needed for repairs. Just imagine the problems a burst water pipe, cut electric cable or burst gas pipe can cause.

Aside from these, there are other benefits to using the non-destructive digging method in any of the projects where digging and excavation works are needed. These are:

  • It can be used in small spaces or tight areas. It can even be used in sensitive areas that heavy equipment cannot get into because it might destroy the area. Non-destructive digging ways can be used off site using the long hoses.
  • It is safe for the environment. There is less noise and air pollution.
  • This method is more cost efficient.
  • It is precise, no need for back jobs.
Knowing these things about non-destructive digging shows why it should be used over the traditional methods. More and more people should know about it.

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

Thursday, October 24, 2013

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.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Which Non-destructive Excavation Method should you Use


Non-destructive excavation has gained popularity and is more widely used in construction projects these days because of several reasons. First, it is a safe way to do diggings and excavations. It is safe for the workers as well as safe for the people within the surroundings. The reason for this is that non-destructive excavation is not as risky as mechanical digging. The utilities and assets that are buried underground are safe from damage. If electric cables get cut while excavating, power outage can ensue or someone can get electrocuted. A burst gas pipe can cause an explosion. These are some things that can be avoided when using non-destructive excavation methods.

Another reason is that it more cost efficient. It does not require many machines or workers. The projects are also done in a shorter period of time. The excavation is also more precise. It does not require back jobs.

There are two methods that non-destructive excavation can be achieved. These are hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation.

Hydro excavation uses water as the main component. High pressure water is used to break the ground and loosen the soil and other earth materials. The mud that is created as well as other debris is then vacuumed out using a special nozzle which is stored in a special holding tank. Hydro excavation can be used on just about any type of soil. It can even be used on frozen ground using hot water. The downside is that it needs thousands of litres of water just to be able to do the excavation.  Not all areas have an available water source that can spare this amount of water. It can also get messy and dangerous because of the slippery mud.

Air vacuum excavation on the other hand uses high pressure air to break the ground and loosen the soil. A special nozzle then suck out all the dry materials using a vacuum which is then stored in a holding tank. The materials that are stored can readily be used for back filling jobs if needed. The downside of this method is that it cannot be used for all soil types. Frozen ground is something that the high pressure air cannot break into. It can also make the area dusty.

The method that is recommended because it is cheaper more easily available is air vacuum excavation. It also does a cleaner job because it leaves the area dry. However, it may depend also on the type of soil that your property has.

Whichever method you choose, you still get all the good benefits from it. Both methods are still better to the conventional mechanical digging which can be risky and dangerous. If you want to know what method can be used for your area, you can get in touch with companies that provide non-destructive excavation services. They will be able to tell you what can be used. While you are at it, you can also ask for a quotation so you know the costs.

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

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Hydro Vacuum Excavation: Safe, Accurate and Non-Destructive Digging


One non-destructive digging method that civil contractors can use for their digging or trenching purposes is the hydro vacuum excavation. This method uses a vacuum/suction mechanism to break up the ground and collect excavated materials. The use of this method can bring in the long-awaited need of safety and better work results in many construction projects. How can hydro vacuum excavation benefit the digging or trenching crew?

Emphasis on Workplace Safety

Digging operations at construction and any other civil work projects can become dangerous at time, with many occupational hazards about waiting to happen from the careless use of equipment and leaving excavations unsupported. Even if you are not a civil contractor, you would really know the importance of workplace safety and proper work flow. Sadly, not all contractors and workers do care about this. With deadlines to meet, of what use are safety rules and regulations?

And that’s where hazards can occur. How many news items have you read or watched about construction workers damaging underground pipelines and cable networks and disrupting utility services in the process? What about workers being injured from collapsed excavations? What about the number of cases of fatalities? Where is safety in here if workers do not make their workplace safe or if they use dangerous work methods?

What is Hydro Vacuum Excavation?

Hydro vacuum excavation is a non-destructive digging method and one of the two vacuum excavation methods (the other being air vacuum excavation). Along with air vacuum, hydro vacuum is utilised to replace the more destructive conventional digging and trenching methods in certain sites, especially where there is underground utility assets. In a situation where buried pipelines, cable networks and other assets need to be exposed or day lighted, this is the method to be used and not excavating by mechanical drills, backhoes, crane loaders and shovels.

As the term suggests, hydro vacuum excavation utilises pressurised water in breaking up the ground. That’s for the non-mechanical and non-destructive digging purpose, and did we mention about collecting excavated spoils? It also makes use of high flowing and moving air to collect the excavated material through a vacuum hose or tube into the debris storage tank. These double functions are made possible with the equipment called suction excavator which combines the functions of a crane loader and dump truck - multi purposes of single equipment.

Applications for Hydro Vacuum Excavation

It is never that difficult and laborious to operate a truck or trailer mounted suction excavator. Just one or two personnel will do. Moreover, you can bring this equipment wherever non-destructive digging is greatly needed. Hydro vacuum excavation can be applied along a busy motorway, near public places (like schools and hospitals), near existing building and structures and in protected nature.

Aside from digging and trenching, hydro vacuum excavation can also be used for other civil works including pressure cleaning, tank and pit cleaning and removal of wastes. 

Results Guaranteed

Hydro excavation eliminates the need for manual labour and cuts down on work hours and operation costs. It helps reduce work stoppage caused by inaccurate excavation and workplace accidents and damages. It also helps save time and resources which are wasted in manual digging and operation of machines. Being a non-mechanical, eco-friendly and non-destructive digging method, hydro vacuum emphasises safe, accurate, efficient and cost-effective digging results.

Please contact Yunz Contracting and visit our website if you are needing non-destructive digging for your commercial or industrial projects.