Excavation is an essential part of many utility, construction and infrastructure projects, but traditional excavation methods can be time-consuming, costly, messy and even dangerous.
Fortunately, vacuum excavation is a more efficient and safer way to excavate - and it’s quickly becoming the preferred option for many projects and industries.
What is vacuum excavation?
Vacuum excavation – also known as suction excavation - is a non-destructive method of excavation that uses high-powered suction to remove soil and other materials from a site.
The suction is generated by a vacuum excavation truck, which is equipped with a large tank and a powerful pump. The vacuum excavation truck uses high-pressure air to loosen the soil, which is then sucked into the tank by the vacuum pump.
What are the benefits of vacuum excavation?
One of the main advantages of vacuum excavation over more traditional excavation methods is its non-destructive nature. It allows for excavation in sensitive areas without causing damage to underground utilities, like gas mains, electrical cables and water pipes.
This method of excavation minimises utility strikes and the delays and costs typically associated with that. It also minimises injury to operatives, who can control the intake nozzle via remote control from a safe distance.
A vac ex truck is also the go-to when traditional excavation methods are impractical or even impossible, such as densely populated and built-up areas, or where access to the site is tricky. Extension hoses can be used to increase the workable radius around the truck itself.
Vacuum excavation also tends to be faster, quieter and more precise than traditional excavation methods. It is also cleaner and more environmentally friendly as it reduces the number of vehicles and machinery needed on site, generates less dust and debris, and the material excavated can be easily backfilled or removed and disposed of.
What applications can vacuum excavation be used for?
Test holing/potholing to confirm the location of known utilities on construction sites
Trenching to expose utilities or lay new pipes and cables
Construction excavation, waste removal, transfer and disposal
Railway track repairs
Safe exposure of tree roots
Installation of signs, streetlights and traffic light poles, ensuring precise placement
Manhole cleaning
Drainage system maintenance
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3C Services is here to help you tackle the trickiest vacuum excavation challenges.
From sensitive underground utility works and highways projects to construction excavation, we can provide an operated vac ex service to help you move ground quickly and progress with your project.