Types of Earthwork and Land Clearing Techniques

Land clearing and site preparation (also known as earthwork or dirt work) is essential for establishing stability and utility for any raw piece of land. There are many methods used for the process, including:

• Grubbing – During the land clearing phase, earthwork companies remove any vegetation that would interfere with construction. This mostly refers to large shrubs and bushes, as well as trees. To ensure that all removed vegetation stays gone, the root systems must also be removed. This land clearing technique is called grubbing and is typically done by excavating out the root system or by pushing/pulling the trees out with a bulldozer.
  
  
• Demolition – Demolition techniques are necessary if there are existing structures or pavement on the site. You will need a team certified to perform demolition work, especially if any hazardous materials are involved, as such material will need to be disposed of properly.
  
  

  During demolition, the earthwork team will use a combination of bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, skid steers and cranes to take the structures apart. If necessary, demolition can also be performed using handheld dismantling equipment. Demolition teams also need large trucks to haul off debris or to bring in fill material.

• Cutting and filling (excavation) – Cutting and filling is another term for excavation, which means removing soil from one area (cutting) and moving it to another area where it is needed (filling). Cutting and filling is a critical part of land grading, as it provides the fill material needed to establish any desired elevations.
  
  

  Mass excavation is the term for a site-wide focus on cutting and filling. This is mostly to establish the rough desired shape of the site. Targeted excavation refers to precision cutting and filling, usually to remove low quality soils (like those rich in organic material) and replace them with a fill material that is more stable.

• Trenching – Trenching is yet another type of excavation technique, this one intended to cut out narrow, deep trenches for various purposes. Trenches may be used to establish areas for concrete footings or other foundation elements. They may be needed to promote proper drainage, or they may be used to run utility lines.
  
  

  Excavators are the machine of choice for trenching, as they can reliably create uniform, deep trenches.

• Grading – Grading is one of the most important parts of the site development process. Precision land grading establishes an ideal slope for drainage purposes, which prevents runoff from backing up onto the property. It is also necessary for creating stable construction pads and for improving the property’s curb appeal.
  
  

  During grading, your land clearing company will first cut and fill the site, then perform a rough grade that establishes the preferred elevations. Additional grading passes are taken until the final grade, which leaves the smooth, uniform surface that ensures it is ready for construction.

• Soil stabilization and compaction – Before you can call a site pad construction-ready, the soil must be stable and ready for bearing weight. This process is usually mechanical in nature, but chemical stabilizers may be necessary for challenging sites.

  
  Mechanical stabilization methods include compaction, which involves driving a roller over the soil or using handheld rammers or tampers to remove air and compress the soil particles until they lock together. Chemical stabilization involves the use of additives such as lime to alter the soil’s composition at the chemical level. This can strengthen the bonds between soil particles.