As the world progresses and populations increase there is more need for new and improved infrastructure. There has been a change in infrastructure telecommunication, water, gas, and electricity utilities as well as road developments. However, the base structure for these buildings has remained the same. When a building becomes outdated or deteriorates its existing framework is used to make a new building. So, as a result, most of the projects carried out in these industries have to bear the burden of working on, in, or near a subsurface infrastructure.
A significant portion of the infrastructure of these industries is made on the existing subsurface. These projects are very risky and dangerous to carry out. Especially when the builders, contractors, and owners are not given the full information regarding the existing subsurface. It becomes hard for them to make informed decisions and to avoid any collateral damage. Hence the lack of information is hazardous and a costly problem. As there are utility lines beneath the surface it is important that the contractors are given full information about the utilities to avoid any damage.
In order to avoid any damage, it is important that planning is done before the construction project starts. In this blog post, we will discuss how effective subsurface engineering depends on hydrovac.
Role Of Patholing In Effective Subsurface Engineering
More than 36% of annual underground utility damages are caused due to excavation issues. Whereas the failure to successfully pothole is the largest reason for utility damages. Therefore there is no denying that hiring a professional hydrovac contractor will minimize the risk of wrong potholing. Ultimately, potholing enables engineers, owners, and crews to:
Get Critical Information And Insight
Even with utility maps and charts, there is always the risk of damaging the utility lines. With all these maps and charts the risk of damaging the infrastructure remains the same. Hence the best way to avoid any damage is by having visual verification. Potholing offers distinct insight into the type, horizontal position, and depth of buried utility lines, as well as any existing damage to them. This way you will be able to avoid any damage to the utility lines.
Avoid Worker Hazards
Most injuries and deaths are faced by workers and digging crews on the site. So, if there is no reliable way to bypass and locate important underground utility lines, then the wellbeing of excavation operators is endangered. Potholing is a reliable way that enables a workforce to locate the dangerous infrastructure preventing these hazards.
Provides Efficiency
For many, potholing may seem like an extra step and a waste of money. But in the long run it saves a lot of money and time. It minimizes the risk of damaging the utility lines, avoids unnecessary damage and you don’t have to worry about the extra cost. Since there is no unnecessary damage caused, the project is successfully completed on time and within the designated budget. So, potholing is a much faster and efficient method of identification than relying on charts and maps.
Hydrovac For Potholing In Subsurface Infrastructure
The process of potholing involves the digging of a series of very small test holes of about 6 to 12 inches deep into the ground, to help accurately find the subsurface pipes, utility lines, and other obstructions. So, to minimize the risk of damaging the utility lines it is important that professional hydrovac contractors are used to carrying out potholing. By using hydrovac excavation, the ground and soil are softened by the highly pressurized streams of water and then safely displaced with the high suction vacuum equipment. The key benefit of excavation is that it has the ability to move the hard and rocky ground without damaging or harming the utility lines.
But it’s important that you hire professional hydrovac contractors who have the knowledge and experience for the desired job.
About Ghost Hydrovac
Ghost Hydrovac offers expert hydro-dig services such as hydrovac excavation, directional drilling, utility installation, cleaning, washing, and much more in Alberta and British Columbia. For more information, visit our website or contact us here today.