The Four Types of Materials Excavated in Construction

Excavation is an important part of any construction project. Whether you’re constructing a commercial or residential building, a roadway or a bridge, excavation is an important piece of the construction puzzle.

Excavated Materials

Using different tools and techniques to move soil, rock, and other material to prepare the area for construction, building companies use several different types of excavation. In this post, we run through the four main materials excavated in construction:

Topsoil Excavation

As you’d expect, topsoil excavation concerns the removal of the exposed top layer of soil on the earth’s surface. Capable of removing soil, vegetation or any other decaying material that could affect the structural integrity of the ground below, removing topsoil is a simple and necessary form of excavation.

Rock Excavation

The most challenging form of excavation, rock excavation is used to clear surfaces, removing rocky pathways that block or impede the construction process. Unlike most other types of excavation, it can not be performed without the use of special equipment, requiring expert machinery and professional methods to clear the surface area.

Muck Excavation

Otherwise referred to as soil mixed with water, “muck” is naturally unwanted during the construction process, and as such, will need to be removed. Once excavated, the muck is either transported to a different area or spread out to dry.

Earth Excavation

To create solid foundations for buildings or bridges, layers of the earth must be removed. Earth excavation handles the removal of topsoil, and the layer below, to help aid construction techniques, allowing for the installation of piling.

Here at Belowground Ltd, we have over 25 years of experience working in the domestic and commercial building foundation industry, regularly providing homeowners and business clients with our wide range of expert services. From concrete foundation repair to sheet piling installation, we have expertise in several piling techniques. Contact us for more today!