Ground disturbance is a necessary evil for any construction project. On any given project, there are likely to be times when earth needs to be removed, dug up, or otherwise interrupted by heavy machinery. If left undisturbed, soil can be an unstable, muddy mess, a place where weeds and other plants struggle to survive. Soil that is not properly managed can also affect the surrounding landscape negatively by reducing plant growth or creating a muddy mess that attracts insects or rodents. The good news is that these types of problems can all be prevented with careful planning and the right tools for the job. In this blog post, we discuss some common questions about ground disturbance. If you have any other questions about this topic, please let us know in the comments below so we can address them as well.
What is ground disturbance?
Ground disturbance is the process of changing the level of the ground by digging or removing soil. Ground disturbance is necessary for all construction projects, regardless of the type. For example, it is necessary to remove the soil on a building site in order to build a foundation. Ground disturbance can also be necessary if there is a natural hazard, such as an earthquake, flood, or tornado, that could potentially be damaging to your property. If your property is located in a flood plain, it might be necessary to dig a trench to install your home foundation so that it is elevated above flood level.
Why is ground disturbing necessary?
The main reason for ground disturbance is to create space for buildings, utilities, underground storage areas, and landscaping. Buildings require space for foundations, crawl spaces, and living spaces. Utilities, such as underground power lines, water pipes, and sewer lines, need to be placed in a safe and accessible location. Additionally, underground parking garages require dug-in spaces for cars. Underground storage areas are often used for materials that need to be protected from weather and pests (e.g., compost). Ground disturbance is also necessary for landscaping because plants need to be planted in soil that is at least a few inches deep. Deep, loose soil that can be easily compressed by foot traffic is ideal for plants.
How is ground disturbed during a construction project?
Ground is usually broken by using heavy equipment, such as bulldozers or excavators. Depending on the type of project, the equipment will be used to dig a large hole in the ground, or it will remove existing soil to a level that is above ground. The soil that has been dug up may then be placed in a pile that will be used for backfilling after the project is completed. There are several other techniques for ground disturbance during a construction project, including the use of jackhammers, ditch-digging tools, and steam shovels. Depending on the type of project, different equipment may be used. For example, if a lot is to be developed, the soil will need to be broken up in preparation for the building’s foundation.
How to minimize ground disturbances during construction?
During the initial stages of construction, it is important to minimize ground disturbances as much as possible. This will help to ensure that the construction site is ready for heavy machinery, and the construction process will go more smoothly. Ground disturbances can be minimized by laying out the project in a logical sequence, using the right materials, and selecting the right equipment for the job. For example, it is best to wait until the site is ready before moving heavy machinery onto the property. This can help to minimize disturbances by avoiding having workers on site when heavy machinery is being used. It is also important to keep heavy machinery on the property during the construction process. This will help to ensure that it is ready for use on the day that it is needed. It will also help to create a sense of security for workers.
What is the best type of ground for landscaping?
When considering where to place landscaping, it is important to choose the right type of ground. Different types of soil have different properties, such as drainage and water retention. The best type of ground for landscaping will depend on the local climate, the amount of foot traffic, and the type of plants that you want to grow. There are three main types of soil: sand, clay, and loam. Sand is usually the best for landscaping because it drains well and does not retain water. Loam is the ideal soil for most landscaping because it has a good balance of properties. It is also important to consider the type of geology in your area. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of granite or basalt, it will be best to grow plants that can handle those conditions.
Conclusion
Ground disturbances are a necessary evil for any construction project, and they will happen on every project. However, they can be minimized by using the right techniques and equipment, laying out the project in a logical sequence, and choosing the right type of soil for landscaping. If you have any other questions about ground disturbances, feel free to ask us in the comments section below.