Several types of projects may require trench excavation. For example, this excavation work may be essential when installing a drainage or irrigation system, burying pipelines, or connecting to a public sewer network.
Although trench excavation requires a good level of precision, you can still do it in a short time if you work efficiently. In this article, the experts at Excavation Chanthier, an excavation company in Montreal, explain how trench excavation can be done quickly without damaging nearby infrastructure.
PLAN THE LOCATION, DEPTH, WIDTH, AND LENGTH OF THE TRENCH EXCAVATION PROJECT
It’s always important to have a plan before a trench excavation project if you want to move as little soil as possible and save time. When excavating a trench, you should have determined its location, depth, width, and length before making the first shovelful of dirt.
These parameters should be determined considering regulatory requirements and environmental constraints. For example, sometimes minimum distances must be respected due to municipal regulations, or the trench must be dug deep enough to avoid freezing pipes.
To mark the area where you need to dig, you can use stakes placed at each end of the trench. Then, connect these stakes with a string.
Finally, mark the outline of your trench excavation area using bright spray paint.
CONSIDER WHAT MIGHT BE BURIED IN THE TRENCH EXCAVATION AREA
It’s also essential to locate all electrical lines, cables, and pipes that may be in the ground to avoid damage (like water main breaks). For this purpose, you may benefit from a service called Info-Excavation, designed to reduce the risk of damage to underground infrastructure during trench excavation and sewer and waterworks repairs.
It’s also worth checking nearby trees and their root systems, as they could threat your trench.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRENCH EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT
Choosing the right machine or equipment for the job is crucial for efficient and precise trench excavation. For example, a 50-ton excavator can move large amounts of dirt quickly but won’t be as precise as a mini-excavator, especially if you’ve never used one before. Some areas to be excavated may be tight, hard to access, or landscaped, so it’s important to choose equipment that can move easily around your site.
The choice of machinery should depend on the trench excavation area dimensions, your ability to operate the machinery, and the working environment.
To dig your trench quickly, you might rent heavy or compact equipment such as:
- A trenching machine
- A mini-excavator
- A backhoe
- A 16-ton excavator
DIG YOUR TRENCH WHILE FOLLOWING SAFETY RULES
Before digging a trench, it’s essential to consider key safety measures.
BE CAREFUL IF YOU NEED TO GO INTO THE TRENCH
If you use the right machines, you probably won’t need to go into the trench. If you do, ensure the sides are properly supported for any trench over one meter deep. You should also wear high-visibility clothing, a helmet, and protective glasses.
HANDLE EQUIPMENT WITH CARE
If using a backhoe or similar machine to dig the trench, keep it away from the edge at all times. This will prevent the machine from causing the ground to collapse or fall into the trench. Most excavators have a wide reach and don’t need to be positioned near the trench. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, and be cautious about moving the arm or machinery without ensuring the area is clear.
ADJUST YOUR WORK PACE
It’s important to adjust your work pace depending on the project stage.
For example, if you’re finishing your trench, greater precision is needed. Slow down to avoid any mishaps. Similarly, when digging the main body of the trench, you have more freedom to work at a faster pace, where speed is prioritized over precision.
NEED HELP DIGGING A TRENCH?
In summary, to dig a trench quickly, you need to:
- Plan the trench’s location, depth, width, and length
- Choose the right equipment
- Dig safely
- Adjust your work pace
Think you can handle the excavation work yourself? Before you start, remember that underqualified operators increase the risk of injury on-site and usually have an insufficient understanding of health and safety precautions.
At Excavation Chanthier, our experienced operators work at a steady pace to help you meet deadlines and identify potential problems in hazardous conditions. Don’t hesitate to opt for our residential excavation service or commercial excavation service if you need to dig a trench in a short amount of time.