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.
Thanks for the information! I'm interested in non-destructive digging in construction for sure. How can I raise awareness in my community for civil contractors to know as well? I want all roads to be built this way.
ReplyDeleteJenn | http://www.sharpebros.com.au