Non-destructive Excavation: The Similarities and Differences Between the Two Ways

Mechanical digging, a conventional digging method may be effective but it is not the most efficient and it can also be destructive. In most areas where digging and excavation works are done, there are usually buried assets and utilities that are located underground. These are not seen and if any one of these get hit by backhoes, diggers or trenchers that are used in mechanical digging, this can mean a big headache for the contractor. Aside from the fact that this will be a cause or the delay in the completion on of the project, there will be additional expenses incurred for the repair of the damage.

Non-destructive excavation is an alternative that can be used. This is a safer and less risky way of excavating the ground. The risks of damaging any of the wire, cables, pipes and lines can be minimized if not avoided. This means that the excavation can be done quickly and properly. there is less worries for the safety of the workers and the people in the area as well. You can just imagine the problems that some of these damages can cause like a burst gas pipe, broken water pipe or a cut electric line. It can also be an inconvenience to many people, some of whom may even try to stop the continuation of the work.  Non-destructive excavation has two ways and these are hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation.

In Hydro excavation, high pressure water is used to break the ground into smaller pieces which the vacuum nozzle then sucks out to store in the holding tank. On the other hand, air vacuum excavation uses high pressure air to break the ground and loosen the soil material. The similarities between these two ways are:

• they basically follow the same process, from breaking the ground until it is vacuumed out to a holding tank for quick disposal
• they use the same equipment which is an excavator truck
• they have similar uses like construction and other industry needs
• can both be used offsite just by extending the nozzles or hoses
• they are both environmentally friendly
• both are cost effective and saves time

the main differences between the two ways of non-destructive excavation are:

• air vacuum excavation cannot be used on frozen ground while using hot water in hydro excavation makes this possible
• hydro excavation can be used in almost all types of soil while air vacuum excavation is limited
• hydro excavation creates mud and slurry while in air vacuum excavation, the soil remains dry which makes it still usable for back filling needs
• hydro excavation can cause flooding while air vacuum excavation can make a dusty environment

Although these two ways on non-destructive excavation can have these similarities and differences, they are both beneficial. Depending on the area and its needs, a company that provides these services can recommend what way will work best. It is best to try any of the two ways to make sure that there will be less risks involved and to avoid the occurrence of even bigger and more costly problems.

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

The Benefits of Air Vacuum Excavation as one method Non-destructive Digging

There are many methods that contractors employ in the excavation jobs that are needed in the many projects that they handle. This can be one the most crucial parts of the whole process because buried underground are different important assets and utilities and even infrastructures that can get damaged it the excavation is not done properly or when a tool or equipment gets in contact with these. Mechanical excavation is the most common method used but it can be destructive because it uses heavy equipment and machines that can cut or break the important things that are in the area where the excavation is done.

There are non-destructive excavation alternatives though that can be employed to prevent these damages. It is called non-destructive excavation because it is safe and less risky as compared to mechanical digging and other conventional excavation methods. One of method that is popularly used is air vacuum excavation. This process is uses strong jets of air to break the ground. This also loosens the soil material and debris which is then vacuumed out by a special nozzle. The soil and debris are stored in a holding tank which can be disposed right away or used for any back filling needs. This just uses one excavator truck where are the tools and machines are.

Air vacuum excavation as a method of non-destructive excavation can offer many benefits that will be very helpful to everyone involved in the construction, most especially to contractors who head the projects.

The benefits are:

• The excavation can be done in a shorter period of time which saves contractors for costs of labour, downtime and fuel. This helps lower down the overall costs.
• The job is done precisely which means there will be no need for back jobs.
• Air is free and everywhere which means it can be used anytime and in any area.
• It does not cause damage to the surroundings where the excavation is done.
• It is safe for the workers.
• It is environmentally safe because it does not cut into tree roots.
• It can be used off site in sensitive areas or in those places that are difficult to access because the nozzle can be extended.
• It can create smaller holes which are easier you work with.
• Contractors will have the peace of mind that no assets, utilities and infrastructures would be damaged which means there will be no untoward incidents or additional expenses needed for repairs,

These benefits will make air vacuum excavation a better alternative. Non-destructive excavation is important and its different methods are what can make the jobs of contractors easier. They have fewer worries not only about the project but also for the safety of the workers and the people in the surrounding areas.

Air vacuum excavation is just one of the methods of non-destructive excavation. There is another method which can be used just in case the air vacuum excavation will not work on the particular type of soil.

Looking for non destructive excavation? We here at YunzContracting can help. Just visit our site at http://www.YunzContracting.com.au to find out more.

 

The Two ways of doing Non-destructive Digging

Non-destructive digging is a relatively new digging method. It is not as popular as the conventional ways of digging mainly because not a lot of people know about it. What they are used to using are the conventional ways of digging which are the mechanical and manual. These can be considered destructive digging method, mechanical more so than manual. Non-destructive digging is a safer and more efficient alternative and compared to these two ways.

Mechanical digging uses various machines and heavy equipment with each one having its own function. Examples of these are backhoes, bobcats, trenchers and diggers. Yes, these can do the job of digging but while doing this, the infrastructure, assets and utilities that are buried underground can get damaged and in turn can cause even bigger problems. Although manual digging uses hand held tools, these can still get i contact with the pipes, lines or cables that can get cut. Manual digging also requires a bigger labour force and the job takes longer to finish. The risks involved in these conventional diggings have so many effects that can be result to bad things like flooding due to burst water pipes, loss of power from an electric line getting cut or a gas explosion caused by a damaged gas pipe.

Non-destructive digging on the other hand minimizes the risks of these destruction and damages from occurring. This digging method can be done in two ways. Hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation. Each has its own and advantages and disadvantages.

Hydro excavation is a way of doing non-destructive digging that uses high powered jets of water that is directed on the area where the hole will be made. The water is strong enough to break the ground and slowly loosen the soil material and other debris. The excess water and slurry are simultaneously vacuumed out to be stored in a holding tank. This is for easier handling and disposal. The advantages of hydro excavation are one it can be used on almost all types of soil. Two, it can be used on frozen ground. Hot water is used to melt the ice. The disadvantages to this way are that it can get messy because water and mud can overflow. It needs a lot of water and it can be difficult to find a water source in some areas.

Air vacuum excavation basically works the same way as hydro excavation. In this way though, high powered jets of air is used instead of water. Once the soil is broken through and loosened, the vacuum takes out the soil, rocks and other debris and stores it inside the holding tank. The advantages of air vacuum excavation are it is cheaper than hydro excavation because air is free. Air is also readily available anywhere. The excavated soil is readily available for use as back fill. The disadvantages are it cannot be used on all soil types. It cannot be used on frozen ground because it is not strong enough to break the ice.

This non-destructive digging can have many advantages that everyone can benefit from.

 

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