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.
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