Earthworks play a fundamental role in civil engineering, from securing the foundations for roads and buildings to changing the entire topography of a site.
But while earthworks are an important part of civil engineering, not all civil engineers specialise in providing this crucial service. Let’s find out more about earthworks’ role in civil engineering and why it’s beneficial to work with a team of earthwork specialists.
The importance of earthworks in pre-construction
Earthworks are one of the earliest activities in a construction project and one of the most significant. The type of earthwork activities required will depend on the individual construction sites, but will typically involve one of two processes: cutting or filling.
Cutting is the removal of any existing vegetation and topsoil on the construction site, followed by scraping the area to provide a formation level to ensure we cut the site down to the level that best suits the construction plans.
The other typical earthwork activity is filling, which will occur if your construction site needs building up to a certain height or level in accordance with the building plans.
After completing any cutting and/or filling activities, we’ll then usually start compaction – a crucial process that condenses the soil or ground materials to provide stable support for construction to begin.
Compaction is essential to ensure the structural integrity of the building. Uncompacted soil can shift and change both with the added weight of buildings or infrastructure and over time.
We’ll then finish with surfacing, usually by smoothing and further compacting the top layer. Depending on the individual site, we might use asphalt or concrete, or simply compact the topsoil to create a smooth, stable surface.
Drainage and erosion control
Civil engineers who specialise in earthworks will also look at establishing proper drainage and/or erosion control measures, which are essential to prevent water from accumulating on site and causing flooding, whether it’s wastewater or stormwater, as this can increase the instability of the land.
We’ll assess the site to determine the most appropriate drainage system and then install it to divert the flow of water away from the area.
Then, if erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are necessary, we’ll assess and implement those too.
Typical ESC methods include building retaining walls, silt fences or erosion control blankets. Such methods help control surface runoff and reduce erosion caused by elements like wind, water and construction activities.
Earthworks support positive environmental impacts
Not only do earthworks provide a solid foundation for construction, they also plays an important role in managing the environmental impact of the build, which needs to be considered during all stages of construction to ensure minimal damage is done.
For civil engineers, ensuring a positive environmental impact includes looking at elements like:
- Identifying and preserving the habitat of any ecologically sensitive areas around the build, using methods like creating buffer zones to protect vegetation and wildlife
- Advising on the incorporation of energy-efficient design principles like installing solar panels or optimising building orientation
- Using sustainable construction methods that minimise waste
- Conducting environmental impact assessments to mitigate the overall impacts.
Full-service civil consultancy support
If you need a highly skilled and experienced civil or environmental engineer to consult on your project, our expert team can help. We are unique in the way we operate, working with you as your partner in your project.
So whether it’s earthworks and civil engineering or stormwater, wastewater and ESC, contact us today for efficient, high-quality civil and environmental engineering solutions, tailored to your specific needs.
