Excavation Services Glossary
Excavation: The process of digging, removing, and relocating earth or soil.
Trenching: Digging long, narrow excavations typically used for pipelines, utilities, or foundations.
Grading: Leveling or shaping the land surface during excavation to achieve the desired slope or contour.
Backfilling: Refilling an excavated area with soil or other materials after the desired work has been completed.
Shoring: Installing support structures, such as braces or walls, to prevent cave-ins or collapses during excavation.
Sloping: Gradually angling the sides of an excavation to minimize the risk of collapse.
Excavator: Heavy machinery used for digging and moving earth during excavation
projects.
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Spoil: Excess soil or material removed from an excavation site.
Cut and Fill: The process of excavating soil from one area (cut) and using it to fill another area (fill) to achieve the desired grade.
Compaction: The process of compressing soil or backfill material to increase its density and stability.
Bench: A step-like excavation configuration used to prevent soil erosion and provide stability.
Topsoil: The upper layer of soil containing organic matter, often removed and stockpiled during excavation for later use.
Subgrade: The natural soil or prepared surface on which construction or excavation activities take place.
Over-excavation: Digging deeper than necessary to allow for adequate backfilling or placement of utilities.
Underground Utilities: Pipes, cables, or conduits buried beneath the ground, often requiring careful excavation to avoid damage.
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Shoring Box: A protective structure placed in an excavation to support the surrounding soil and prevent collapse.
Dewatering: Removing water from an excavation site using pumps or drainage systems to keep the area dry for work to proceed.
Excavation Permit: A legal document obtained from local authorities granting permission to perform excavation work.
Excavation Safety: Practices and regulations aimed at minimizing risks and hazards associated with excavation operations.
Excavation Contractor: A professional or company specializing in excavation services, including planning, execution, and site management.
Excavation Permit: A permit requried for excavation work.
Excavation Depth: The depth of an excavation measured from the surface to the bottom.
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Rock Hammer: A tool used to break up rock or concrete during excavation.
Ditch Witch: A brand of trenching machine used for digging trenches.
Toe Drains: Drains placed at the bottom of a slope to remove groundwater.
Overburden: The soil or rock overlying a mineral deposit or excavation site.
Pit Excavation: Excavating a large, deep hole for foundations or utilities.
Gabion: A wire cage filled with rocks used for erosion control.
Excavation Footprint: The area of land affected by excavation activities.