Construction projects on our roads are not just about digging up the ground and laying down new layers of asphalt. There are a number of different factors that go into the process, which include earthwork.
Earthworks can be split into two key categories: excavation and embankment. In the next couple of paragraphs, we will explore what both require, we will also cover how they impact road construction developments.
What are Earthworks on Road Construction?
Earthworks include activities which are involved in creating a place where roads can be built. This work includes digging, filling, grading and compacting to create stable surfaces that won’t require constant maintenance or repairs down the line. The two main types of earthworks include excavation and embankment.
Heavy equipment is necessary for this type of process and is often a costly investment for construction companies that want to start a road construction project.
This machinery may involve dump trucks, bulldozers and graders, which move material from one place to another as required throughout the duration of project.
Why do we Need Them?
Earthworks are fundamental when it comes to road surfacing projects as it helps pave the way to smooth roads that are durable and won’t need hefty maintenance or repairs. Meaning less money spent maintaining them making them more cost-efficient for the business. Usually, road works take several months to complete, so heavy equipment is needed throughout this process.
Types of Earthworks
Its not just road construction where earthworks are needed, other common projects are highways, sidewalks, car parks and railways. These sorts of jobs can benefit from earthworks which do make them safer for everyone involved.
When the construction site needs be levelled and clear, excavation is required to get rid of obstructions like rocks, shrubs, and waste. It also is useful when the construction site needs levelling. Doing this at the start of the project it guarantees that the foundation and structural elements will be built on stable ground.
A roadway (or railway) embankment is a quantity of earthen material that has been placed and compacted to raise the grade above the level of the surrounding ground surface.
And a fill is a volume of earthy material used to fill a depression or hole. Soil is typically used to build embankments and fills, although gravel, rock, or crushed pavement material can be used. Road construction is a complex process that requires skilled professionals to complete it successfully.
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