Excavation is the process of moving dirt, soil, stone or other materials from one location to another. This often leaves a hole or cavity in the place where these materials were removed.
Very few construction projects don’t require some sort of digging or excavation. Excavation is especially helpful for projects like creating new foundations, roads, pools and underground utilities. It often follows lot clearing and land grading.
Alpha Environmental has the specialized equipment and experience necessary to properly excavate a property. No matter the location or material, we’re here to help!
Excavation Projects
A common misconception about excavation is that it’s as simple or straightforward as digging a hole. Excavating natural materials requires a thoughtful strategy to ensure the area will drain properly when faced with runoff water after construction has begun. Excavation also needs to be done carefully to ensure a firm basis on which the structure can be built.
Some common scenarios where excavation is required include the following.
Storm Drain Excavation
Storm drain excavation removes materials from storm drains, drainage ditches and similar locations to change the flow of the stream or increase its capacity to alleviate flooding.
Materials We Excavate
Excavation can involve a variety of materials depending on the type of excavation and the nature of the site. Some of the materials we commonly excavate include the following.
Topsoil Excavation
Topsoil excavation removes only about 12 inches of topsoil and vegetation or organic matter for a shallower cavity. Its purpose is to remove the vegetation that compresses the soil so that a viable load-bearing surface can be created.
Earth Excavation
Earth excavation involves digging a little deeper to remove both topsoil and material beneath the surface. This type of excavation applies to a variety of jobs, including:
- Building foundations
- Bridges
- Most construction projects
Rock Excavation
Of all the materials we excavate, rock formations are the most difficult to remove. Excavating rocks requires heavy machinery, specialty equipment and training.
In addition to digging, rock excavation may incorporate the use of drilling or blasting methods to successfully break through the rock’s surface.
Muck Excavation
Muck is a mixture of water and soil that causes the ground or site to be unsuitable for construction. Excavating muck can mean either removing it entirely or spreading it out across the site to let it dry and be reused.
Work with a Trusted Excavation Company in Portland
Excavation is no small task, and it needs to be handled with care to ensure the structural integrity of your construction project. The experts at Alpha Environmental have the tools and skills needed to successfully excavate various materials and sites.
Let us help make your excavation as pain-free as possible. Contact us today to get started!
