Ground disturbances are an inevitable part of construction projects. They can cause delays, disrupt schedules, and add significant costs to a project. However, they don’t have to be a risky endeavor. In fact, there are many ways to minimize risk, manage those challenges, and achieve your project goals.The ground surface below an excavation is called the ground “footprint.” If you have ever seen the progress of an excavation in progress, you probably noticed that the ground “footprint” seems to grow as the project progresses. This is because as workers remove soil and create space for their project, the natural ground resists change and needs to be re-excavated. This is why ground disturbances can be challenging - because the ground doesn’t want to be changed! The following are common challenges faced during ground disturbances:
Lack of proper communication between stakeholders
Communication is key to managing any project, but it is especially important while managing ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can cause significant impacts on nearby utilities, which means that landowners and utilities will likely be the ones most affected by construction. This can make these stakeholders difficult to reach and communicate with, but it is important that they are informed about the project and any potential impacts from ground disturbances. This can include not only information about the project itself, but also how the project will impact their operations. This can include things like shutoff dates for utilities or potential construction impacts that could affect their customers. It can also include information about potential hazards or other sensitive areas that need special attention. This can be challenging, but it is important that all stakeholders are informed and kept up-to-date. This can include not only engineers and representatives from the general contractor, but also the owner, local government officials, and even neighbors. By keeping everyone informed, issues can be resolved quickly and construction can continue uninterrupted.
Unplanned and unmanaged impacts to utilities
Utilities can be a critical part of a construction project, but they can also be a significant source of construction impacts. Utilities are underground and hidden from view, so their impacts can be difficult to anticipate. This is especially true for utility pipelines, water and sewer lines, and other large infrastructure. In fact, in some cases, the entire project may be designed around where utilities are located, potentially resulting in a tight project timeline or a costly redesign. This can be even more challenging if an existing utility is being rerouted. While the utility may be relocated to another location on the same property, this may still have significant impacts on nearby construction sites. This can also be true for other underground utilities, such as fiber optic lines, power lines, or underground storage tanks. In these situations, it may be necessary to change the construction plans and move the project. This can be a significant challenge for any project, but it can also be managed. To do this, contractors must be diligent in their search for potential utilities and understand where the utilities are located. In some cases, the utilities may need to be temporarily shut down during construction, so they can be properly marked and dug up safely. This can be a significant challenge, but it can also be managed and resolved in a timely manner so construction can continue uninterrupted.
Lack of trained staff and experienced workers
While there is certainly a shortage of construction workers across the country, this is particularly true in certain areas, such as the Midwest and the Southeast. This means that contractors often have to rely on workers with limited construction experience, which can make the project more challenging. This is especially true for ground disturbances, where an experienced contractor can use safer and more efficient methods to excavate. However, inexperienced or untrained workers may not know how to properly excavate, causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding property. This can be a significant challenge for construction projects, but it can also be managed. To do this, contractors must take the time to train their workers properly and ensure they are using the most appropriate techniques for the project. This may include hiring additional workers, providing additional training, or even bringing in outside contractors to help with the excavation. This can be a significant challenge for any project, but it can also be managed. Contractors can also provide an incentive to their workers for performing well and helping to minimize the impact of the project on the surrounding community.
Inadequate planning and design
One of the most common challenges during ground disturbances is an inadequate design. This can be due to many factors, ranging from simple miscommunication about the design to a lack of budget to hire a professional engineer to design the project. An inadequate design can cause significant issues during construction, including additional costs, delays, and unplanned changes to the design. This can make the project more challenging and cause additional costs for all stakeholders. To manage this challenge, contractors must take the time to properly design the project. This can include consulting with an engineer and understanding the potential impacts of the design and how to mitigate them. This can include things like designing the project to avoid sensitive areas, designing in time for utility shut-off dates, or designing in space for utilities. This can also include designing with proper safety precautions and understanding how to use the right equipment to minimize damage to the surrounding environment. This can be a significant challenge for any project, but it can also be managed. Contractors can take the time to properly understand the design and design appropriately to avoid problems with the project.
Inadequate risk management and mitigation strategies
Risk management and mitigation strategies are important for every construction project, but they can be particularly challenging when there is a ground disturbance. When there is a ground disturbance, it’s important to understand the risks associated with the project and prepare accordingly. It’s important to understand things like the potential impacts on utilities and properties, the potential hazards that could result in injuries or damage to equipment, and the potential hazards that could cause property damage. This can be especially challenging when there is an unexpected issue, such as an issue with a utility. In these situations, it’s important to be able to identify the potential hazards, the risks they pose, and potential mitigation strategies. This can be challenging, but it can also be managed. To manage this challenge, contractors should be diligent in their search for potential hazards and hazards risk management strategies. This can include searching for hazards on-site, researching potential hazards online, and even consulting with a professional risk management consultant. This can be a significant challenge for any project, but it can also be managed. Contractors can take the time to understand the hazards, identify the risks, and explore appropriate mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
Ground disturbances can be challenging, but they don’t have to be risky. In fact, there are many ways to minimize risk, manage those challenges, and achieve your project goals. As with any construction project, the most important thing is to be diligent, thorough, and prepared. Take the time to properly identify your project objectives, understand the challenges this project presents, and prepare accordingly. With the right approach and management, ground disturbances can be a smooth and efficient part of your project. With