From erecting a new building to remodeling a current one, commercial excavation is a crucial part of the construction process. If you don’t have experience with the process, it’s best to hire a seasoned excavating contractor who can complete the job skillfully and efficiently. Below is more information about excavating to help you understand why it’s important and how it works.

What Is It Used For?

Excavation involves the tearing away and removal of organic materials—like dirt and rocks—to make room for manmade structures. It includes procedures like trenching, tunneling, and leveling. In commercial applications, it’s often used to prepare the site for a building foundation, new septic system, parking lot, and more. It levels the ground for more stable building and removes obstacles like stones that could get in the way of the construction process.

Depending on your needs and your excavating contractor, different approaches can be used to excavate a site, including machines and, for large projects, controlled explosions. If done incorrectly, excavating can lead to damaged utility lines, sinkholes in roads and parking lots, or unstable buildings that are at risk of collapsing.

How Is It Done?

There are several steps to the excavation process. Before it can begin, you have to clear the land of above-ground obstacles, including shrubs and trees. If possible, the ground should also be swept with an item to detect underground gravesites or artifacts before digging commences.

Once the lot is cleared, the soil consistency will need to be analyzed to ensure it can support the construction process. If the soil is too loose, it will need to be shored to prevent it from collapsing inward. The area of the land to be excavated will be outlined in lime powder. Next, the appropriate depth will be determined. Once these steps are taken, the excavating will begin. The removed soil and materials will be piled away from the excavated areas to prevent them from getting in the way of the construction process. Underground excavating and connecting structures are typically done last.

Since 1982, RJ Roncaglione Excavating has provided reliable, affordable excavation services for commercial projects. Located in Crawford County, PA, this excavating contractor performs grading, site prep, and trenching. With their experienced team and advanced equipment, they complete jobs on-time and on-budget. Learn more about what they can do for you online, and call (814) 683-4596 to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.