A house or building’s foundation is critical in keeping the structure upright and stable. If the foundation is laid incorrectly, every other part of the building is at risk of failing. To be able to lay down a solid foundation, you need to prepare the area first by hiring excavating contractors to perform any of the different excavation techniques listed below.

4 Common Types of Excavation Techniques

1. Horizontal Excavation

This technique is used when shallow excavation will suffice, such as when putting up smaller structures that don’t have basements. It is also commonly used for lots that are not surrounded by other buildings. There is no need for heavy equipment to perform this type of excavation—even pickaxes and spades can do the job. Since the open pit is shallow, shoring is also not required unless the soil is loose and grainy.

2. Vertical Excavation

This is probably the most widely used excavation technique in construction and is often used in areas where sites tend to be narrow and difficult to access. It involves digging to a depth of at least 15 feet and requires heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, among others. Soil collapse is a real threat at these depths, so you need an excavating contractor’s expertise and experience.

3. Hybrid Excavation

This is a combination of the previous two methods. Unlike vertical excavation, which is used for tall structures built on tight lots, hybrid excavation is used for large sites, such as in commercial complexes or housing projects. Since this type of excavation is more prone to cave-ins, sloping is used to stabilize the soil.

4. Cofferdams

If your project requires deep digging, you risk running into the water table and flooding the site. A cofferdam is a temporary structure used to remove water from a site and prevent it from re-entering. If you’re trying to dig in waterlogged areas, using this technique will be useful. These sites are prone to soil collapse, but using cofferdams can make them more stable. The fixtures can be made of a variety of materials, including earth and rocks.

If you’re looking for excavating contractors to help you on a construction project, then get in touch with Simak Trucking & Excavating in Conneaut, OH. This company started with one truck back in 1956 and has since grown to become one of the leading providers of land clearing and hourly trucking services in the area. Give them a call at (440) 224-1992 for inquiries or visit their website for more information.