When you have an engineering project that targets deep underground, the main way you create an access lane is known as shaft excavation. Because the technology is sophisticated and the subterranean environment obscure, most project managers only have a hazy knowledge of how the process works. Here’s a guide to what you need to know about shaft excavation. 

What Is Shaft Excavation Used For?

The purpose of shaft excavation is to create an accessible opening in the earth to reach underground. These narrow tunnels are the first foray into a potential mining site or a civil engineering project. When a company believes there is a profitable mine in an area, they will use shaft excavation to create an access point where workers can descend and extract the resource. With civil engineering projects, the government may need an entryway to start creating a tunnel for transportation or an opening to lay sewer lines. 

What Factors Affect Shaft Excavation? 

When you embark on a shaft excavation project, there are three initial considerations that the team will need to mull over. First, the purpose of the excavation will determine how large it needs to be and what supporting structures it may need. For instance, if you’re building a wastewater tunnel, there will need to be room for a pump station. With a shaft leading to a transportation project, you may need room for an elevator. 

Next, it’s necessary to establish what type of ground you’ll be drilling through. When does the dirt give way to rock and what type will you encounter? That information will let you know what type of drill or tunnel boring machine is necessary. Finally, it’s important to assess the location of the water table. Once you know the depth of the water, you’ll be able to decide whether the shaft needs to be watertight or not. In some cases, you may actually have to conduct what’s known as a “dewatering” to make the space more accessible and protected against flooding. 

If you are in need of a shaft excavation, the best way to proceed is by consulting with the elite excavation contractor, Williams Tunneling Industries in Houston, TX. With over 29 years of experience, the site work experts know how to create an effective and durable shaft that is also safe for everyone involved. You can receive an estimate by calling (832) 889-1468 or by sending a message through their website.