Excavation is a multifaceted process that involves various operations and stages from start to finish. The complexity of excavation can vary significantly from project to project, depending on numerous factors. This guide provides a general overview of the excavation process, outlining the key steps involved in transforming raw land into a developed site. While each project comes with its own unique challenges and requirements, this overview will help you better understand the essential elements of excavation, and how projects progress.
Before excavation work begins, a thorough site assessment and planning phase is essential. Typically carried out by an engineering or surveying firm, this phase involves creating a detailed plan that captures the current site conditions, including property grade, existing vegetation, soil characteristics, and the location of underground and above-ground utilities.
If there are existing structures on-site that need to be demolished, it’s crucial to follow procedures for hazardous materials testing and disposal. An experienced excavation contractor can assist in coordinating these tasks.
This phase often includes digging test holes to evaluate the quality of the underlying material and the depth of bedrock. Specialized equipment may also be employed to further investigate subsurface conditions. Understanding these factors in advance helps in developing a more accurate cost estimate for the excavation phase.
Engaging an experienced excavation contractor early in the planning stage can be beneficial. Their expertise in managing large-scale projects allows them to offer valuable insights into aspects such as temporary road construction, site space management, and material handling.
Once planning is complete, the next phase of the excavation process involves clearing the land. If the project is situated on undeveloped land, this step typically includes removing trees, rocks, brush, and any existing structures such as houses or outbuildings. A tree contractor may be required for large tree removal, and containment zones may need to be established to protect trees that will remain.
The cleared material is usually transported to a sorting facility or disposal site. The duration of this phase depends on factors such as site accessibility, the volume of vegetation and debris, and the condition of existing structures.
The foundation of any durable structure relies on a solid base. After land clearing, the excavation contractor’s role is to prepare the site by reaching the required grade. This involves stripping away topsoil and organic material, which is typically transported to a fill dump site. Some of this material may be reserved for future backfilling and landscaping needs.
Once the organic material is removed, attention shifts to the underlying rock. If solid rock is encountered, it may need to be broken up and removed. This can be accomplished such as using an excavator-mounted hydraulic hammer for smaller amounts, or blasting to break of large quantities of rock.
The excavated rock is managed in one of three ways:
During this process, grading tasks such as creating roadways, building pads, slopes, terraces, and foundations are also undertaken.
As excavation and grading progress, utility installation begins. This involves digging trenches and laying pipes for water service, drainage, internet, gas, sewer, and other utilities as required by the project. Depending on the requirements of the project, this work may be carried out by the excavation contractor or subcontracted to a specialized utility contractor.
The contractor will ensure that new utilities connect to existing infrastructure or arrange for new connections with utility companies. Additionally, new drainage systems, including piping, retention ponds, and drains, will be installed to manage water runoff during construction.
This phase may also include the construction of roadways, parking lots, and other paved areas, depending on the project’s requirements.
In some cases, the excavation contractor remains on-site to assist with final landscaping and site preparation. This final phase may involve leveling and planting grass, installing trees, fences, gardens, and retaining walls. If the excavation contractor does not provide these services directly, they can recommend reputable contractors for landscaping work. Once the land development is complete, the excavation contractor will clear the site of debris, remaining materials, and equipment, ensuring that the site is left clean and ready for the next construction phase.
Are you looking for a commercial excavation contractor that you can trust? Give RYCOE a call today, and let us show you why our clients keep coming back.
