Any new construction will need a site cutting or excavation, where new foundations are to be set up. This is to ensure that the building is stable and not subject to any hazards.

Excavation is a process where the soil, earth, and rock around a site is moved or removed. Some excavation projects involve the use of tools, gear, and sometimes explosives, where the bedrock is hard.

  • Tunneling.

  • Wall shafting.

  • Trenching.

Excavation of a site before construction is vital. It gives the basic foundation where the construction takes place. It is important to get the perfect base for future construction and excavation is the only way to achieve it. It removes all obstacles and rocks that can hinder the construction process.

What are the different types of excavation?

There are several excavation types that differ based on the material type and the purpose of the construction. Typical removal sites include:

Rock

This is the removal of any rocky substance that would hinder the construction process. It is a bit more challenging than the other types. Usually the process might need more advanced techniques and equipment.

Muck

A thick mixture of soil and water, muck is always undesirable. This is especially true wherever construction is taking place. Foundations with muck run a huge risk of being unstable.

Topsoil

This is the removal of the topmost soil and can involve plants, dirt, or any type of decaying material.

Different types of excavation

Cut and fill excavation

Used for large areas, it strips the land. It removes the small layers of topsoil, rocks, sand, and many other unwanted materials.

Trench excavation

When the length of the excavation area is more than the depth a trench excavator is used. The purpose of this type of excavation is usually to install pipelines. It can include fitting service lines, pipelines, sewer pipes, or set foundations.

Dredging

Removal of debris and sediments from water is dredging excavation. Its purpose is to make the construction and general passage easier.

Cut and fill excavation

Used for large areas, it strips the land. It removes the small layers of topsoil, rocks, sand, and many other unwanted materials.

Trench excavation

When the length of the excavation area is more than the depth a trench excavator is used. The purpose of this type of excavation is usually to install pipelines. It can include fitting service lines, pipelines, sewer pipes, or set foundations.

Dredging

Removal of debris and sediments from water is dredging excavation. Its purpose is to make the construction and general passage easier.

Tools for excavation

The tools and equipment for excavation depend on the type. Hand tools such as a spade, shovel, hoe, and mattock are common for places that are not too large or complex. For other types of excavation wheeled excavators, backhoe excavators, bulldozers, track excavators, and trenchers are typically used.

What is the excavation process?

If you’re planning an excavation getting done, here are some great tips to help you along the process:

Get the Permits

You need to check with the local council about the types of permits that you need to set the process in motion. If you hire a licensed excavation company, they will take care of the permit work for you.

Ensure the licenses are in place

The contractor for the job will need a license to excavate the site. Inspect the site Examining the site will ensure that the excavation takes place with minimal risks. Methods like underground camera inspections, concrete scanning, and subsurface mapping are great. They also enhance the efficiency of the whole process. Get a soil test A soil test will help you in choosing the best excavation process and the tools to help you along the way. It will also bring to light any issues that might affect the construction process.

Inspect the site

Examining the site will ensure that the excavation takes place with minimal risks. Methods like underground camera inspections, concrete scanning, and subsurface mapping are great. They also enhance the efficiency of the whole process.

Get a soil test

A soil test will help you in choosing the best excavation process and the tools to help you along the way. It will also bring to light any issues that might affect the construction process.

How much does it cost to excavate rock?

The main factors that affect the cost are:

  • The topography of the area.

  • Density of forestation.

  • Location.

  • Size of the site.

  • Type of machinery.

On average the cost will be $800 to $6,500 for a professional excavation service. The hourly rate usually stands between $70 and $150 per hour.