Proper excavation is essential when you want to start your construction project the right way, and the professionals at Weddle Enterprises in Somerset, KY, know which type of underground excavation is best suited for the job. The excavation contractors provide expert excavation, landfill construction and demolition services, and site utility work to prepare your location for construction. If you need underground excavation, Weddle Enterprises will determine which of three types is best for your construction needs.

What are the three types of underground excavation?

• Rock Chambers: The concept for rock chambers was developed when existing tunnels were enlarged to house underground hydroelectric power plants. Swedish engineers came up with the idea to excavate huge chambers into rock, which could hold hydraulic machinery for facilities such as power plants, warehouses, and water treatment plants. The underground excavation for a rock chamber begins with a tunnel going across the surface of the excavation site and the rock is removed in steps. Drilling and blasting are done at the same time in different locations and a rock saw is used to square the surface of the walls. A power plant or facility located in a rock chamber is at lower risk of disasters—such as avalanches and earthquakes—and can be run year-round in any climate.
• Shafts: Normally used by the mining industry, a shaft provides ventilation and the ability to transport materials. Excavation contractors will also create shafts to access hydroplants located underground or to store oil and liquid gas. Shafts are created by excavating downward and using circular ring beams or freezing rings of soil around the shaft to support the walls until the concrete can be placed to provide the proper support.
• Immersed-Tube Tunnels: This type of tunnel is used for underwater crossing. Immersed-tube tunnels were originally built by excavating a tunnel under the water while under compressed air. This technique was improved by creating prefabricated tubes with the ends temporarily closed, bringing them to the excavation site, and depositing the tubes into trenches dug for the tubes. Once the tubes were secured into place, workers could remove the temporary closures from inside the tube. This method has been used to build tunnels so tha cars and subways can travel under rivers and other bodies of water.

Make sure your construction project starts with the right type of underground excavation. Call Weddle Enterprises at (606) 678-4057 to speak to an excavation contractor about your excavation needs. You can also learn more about their site utility work and demolition services when you visit their website.