Deep Excavation

What is Deep Excavation?

Deep excavation is excavation that goes down more than 4.5m (or 15ft) deep into rock or soil.

Excavations can range from shallow to deep and can be general or focussed. The depth of an excavation is dependent on the requirements of the excavation that is being carried out. An example of shallow excavation would be for laying electrical wires whereas a deep excavation would be for the foundations of a large office or housing block. Typically, shallow excavations are defined as being up to a depth of 1.5 metres. Deep excavations are defined as being deeper than 4.5 metres.

Deep excavations are much more difficult to plan than shallow excavations, and they require much more time and resources. Deep excavations should only be conducted by trained and skilled professionals, such as Quinn Developments.

How is a Deep Excavation carried out?

There are a few different deep excavation methods, but all require specialist in-depth knowledge of excavation and construction, and their principles. These include mechanical excavating, reinforcement and site assessment.

Excavation is risky, that is why the correct preparation is essential. Each project has it’s own requirements and risks so the planning and monitoring should only be undertaken by highly qualified and experienced person or company.

Reinforcement & Shoring

A very important aspect of deep excavation is reinforcement. The support of an excavation is vital in the maintenance of the integrity of a deep excavation. Reinforcement is also essential for health and safety for those working on the deep excavation. Although deep excavation is relatively safe, injuries and deaths can occur; a high percentage of these are from poor or incomplete reinforcements. At Quinn Developments frequent, stringent, health and safety checks are made during deep excavation.

Deep Excavation FAQs

How deep can you dig before you need shoring?

Typically, an excavation trench over 1.5m in depth needs protection. This is unless the excavation is completed in secure stable rock. However, excavation projects under 1.5m can also be required to have reinforcements; it is dependent on the person in charge to make the decision.

When should excavations be inspected?

Excavations should be inspected once a day at the very least. If the excavation is over 2m in depth, an inspection is required before each work shift. An inspection is mandatory after an event the has or is thought to have impacted the stability or strength of the shoring or the excavation.

What are the greatest risks associated with excavations?

The biggest risk to an excavation is a cave-in. Cave-ins are much more frequent than any other excavation related accident; Cave-ins are the biggest cause of fatalities with excavations. Other risks and hazards include hazardous atmospheres, falls and falling objects (tools, rocks etc.).

What does an excavation contractor/company do?

An excavation company’s responsibilities include project planning, site preparation, trenching, grading, shoring, reinforcements and many other tasks. To help with the excavation heavy machinery is used; each piece of heavy machinery can only be operated by a trained person.

What is a grading?

Grading is the process of flattening and smoothing a surface. In relation to deep excavation, grading is used for the foundations of buildings. A grader is a piece of heavy machinery that is used to flatten and smooth the surfaces.

Do Quinn Developments undertake Deep Excavation?

Quinn developments specialise in groundwork and deep excavation. If you would like a free no obligation quote please fill out our contact form or call us on 0151 345 6551.