Construction has come a long way over the decades. From the purely manual digging and excavation methods used to build some of the world’s earliest underground infrastructure, to the plethora of unique, high-powered industrial drilling and development machines we now have access to, it’s amazing to see what humanity is capable of creating in the name of creation.
It is because of developments in excavation technology that the world’s transit networks have been able to exist in the way that they do, and it’s important to remember the amount of work and labour that goes into developing even the most mundane of underground systems. That’s why, today, we’re going to take a look at the non-destructive digging truck, the role of vacuum excavation in construction, and what role these things play in making our subterranean systems possible.
What is Vacuum Excavation and How is it Used in Construction?
When we think of excavation, we usually assume it uses some sort of digging apparatus to get into the ground, such as your standard crawlers and dragline excavators. However, there are many times in which these tried and tested machine varieties will not be the ideal solution for dealing with a construction area, and there are other non-destructive options available that will be more suitable for these instances.
As the name suggests, vacuum excavation is an excavation technique that uses vacuum systems to remove ground, dirt and debris without affecting critical infrastructure. This is through high-pressure air or water streams around the target areas, and it helps the preservation of underground piping, electrical systems and vital installations get loosened and pulled up easily.
Benefits of Using Vacuum Excavation on Construction Sites
The development of vacuum excavation in construction sites is genuinely changing the game, and it wouldn’t be so popular if it didn’t have its benefits. Traditional methods can cause various damage, delays and risks, making vacuum methods more appealing as a less destructive alternative. Some of vacuum excavation’s main benefits include:
Enhanced Safety
With traditional diggers, damage to the area in which the machine is used is inevitable. This is because they work by pulling up dirt and rock, which while fine in most instances, can be far too dangerous in situations where subterranean utilities are involved.
Vacuum excavation significantly enhances safety in construction sites because traditional methods risk damaging underground utilities like gas lines, pipes and cables, which can have catastrophic consequences. Using air or water pressure can easily circumvent this risk because it doesn’t require digging that uses excessive force. Instead, the pressure of air or water can remove any debris easily.
Efficiency
Another great advantage of vacuum excavation is that it is quite efficient and quick when compared to other digging varieties. Using high-velocity water or air dislodges soil and allows it to be quickly vacuumed into a debris tank. This process removes the time it takes to manually or mechanically dig and remove all the debris since the vacuum system can do it much faster.
Reduced Disruption
The method causes less overall disruption, which can be a significant advantage in some localities, especially those in which high-traffic areas need to be closed off for work to take place. When committing to an excavation project in a busy area, it can be incredibly disruptive to the local population, usually if they’re located close to the worksite. Using vacuum excavators in this scenario can be especially advantageous as they are quiet and take up less space.
Precision
Vacuum excavation gives operators an extraordinary level of precision, which is due to their finer nozzles and ability to control and maneuver. This helps expose underground construction zones without damage, leading to fewer repairs and restorations and lowering project costs. If you’re working on more complicated sites, this can be an incredible advantage.
The Different Types of Vacuum Excavators
Vacuum excavation can come in multiple types, each being used for different purposes. While the mounting might change between job requirements, the two primary methods of excavation which utilise the power of air and water.
Combination Vacuum Excavators
The combination vacuum excavators combine both air and water vacuum excavators into one piece of machinery. This is a major advantage for those wanting to take on more varied jobs where you need both water and air capacities.
Water Vacuum Excavators
Water vacuum excavators, on the other hand, exclusively make use of pressurised water to dig through the ground into the debris tank. It is better used for more problematic soils like rock or clay and is suitable as a method to reduce dust pollution.
Air Vacuum Excavators
These use high-pressure air to break up soil vacuumed into a debris tank. Compared to water excavation, air vacuum excavation is preferred in sensitive areas since air is less abrasive and reduces the risk of damage.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored in this article, vacuum excavation can be a fantastic alternative to traditional methods of excavation that all worksites could benefit from using. The advantages of safety, precision and project efficiency mean that it can be an ideal replacement or inclusion into your excavation project. If you understand some of these features and methods available you’ll have a better chance in selecting the right tools for your next project. Happy excavating.
