Open-section excavation: what is it and how best to perform it?

September 20, 2023
Cormidi

There are so many types of excavation that construction companies need to know how to complete quickly and accurately. Among them, we find the open-section excavation, which is an important phase for any masonry construction: it is from this work that the foundations (or foundations) of the building will later be built.

Precisely because of its importance, it is necessary to have specific mechanical means to carry out this type of excavation in the best possible way. Which ones? How can the complete safety of construction workers be combined with greater efficiency? We see it in detail in this guide.

What do we mean by “open-section excavation”?

The term “construction excavation” encompasses all those activities in the field of construction that involve the removal of rocks, soil or plant debris from a given location with a view to future construction. There are numerous types of excavations in construction that have different characteristics and objectives and, consequently, also require the use of different mechanical means.

Open-section excavation (or earthwork excavation) is generally carried out to prepare the ground on which the foundation of a new building will stand. In this case, the width and length of the excavation are greater than its depth, which will still exceed three meters when the work is finished. Intervening over large areas is also the distinguishing feature of splatement excavation: this operation, however, is lighter and never goes deeper than six inches.

When the focus is on the laying of pipes, wells or conduits, however, we speak instead of restricted or compulsory section excavations: in these cases, the area of soil on which the work is carried out is equal to or less than the depth of the excavation, which is therefore vertical.Discover here the main differences between splat excavation and earthwork excavation.

How to perform open-section excavation?

Open-section excavation operations are very delicate: in fact, they represent the basis for the foundation of a building. It is from this step that the masonry construction will subsequently be able to unload its weight on the ground and thus ensure lasting stability for the entire structure. For this reason, in addition to labor specialized in this kind of work, it is a good idea to rely on earthmoving machines that can offer:

    • – Safety for the operator, who often has to maneuver the machine over rough and uneven terrain;
    • – Accuracy in workmanship, with the goal of performing excavations of the highest quality;
    • – Efficiency, to achieve increased productivity while eliminating downtime.

To perform open-section excavations, it is advisable to equip oneself first and foremost with professional crawler loaders. Unlike wheeled vehicles, these machines can move with agility even on uneven terrain, ensuring smooth maneuvers even in the most treacherous work situations. The presence of suspensions/dampers cancels the perception of vibrations, in perfect harmony with a more ergonomic conception of work. In this regard, to ensure comfort and safety for those working, it is possible to opt for a wheelbarrow with an operator’s platform, which will not only make operations less stressful, but also allow for a full view. Personnel, therefore, will enjoy greater control of the vehicle, with the possibility of noticing hazards and obstacles already in the distance.

Precision and efficiency come from high-tech and versatile machines. There are numerous tasks that a construction company performs before, during and after open-section excavation: just think of the removal of large plant debris on the ground, the transport of earth from one area to another, and the making of the concrete with which masonry construction will begin. It is to achieve better productivity that versatile construction dumpers are born, on which different equipment can be integrated from time to time. With just one machine (and a minimum physical footprint), you thus have numerous pieces of equipment useful for perfecting the performance of the company and relieving the arduous task of construction operators. For example:

    • – Excavation bucket. Durable, practical, and equipped with a toothed structure, it will pick up stone, earth, rock, and waste deposited above or below ground. The material will then be lifted and dumped into the wheelbarrow.
    • Tracked concrete mixer. Using its rotary system, it will mix and knead the mortar or concrete that will later be used to build the foundation and the entire construction work.
    • Professional Construction minidumper. This equipment is perfect for all material loading and unloading operations, as well as for transporting construction rubble at the end of the work, as required by current regulations.

Cormidi motorcarriages: innovation and efficiency

Cormidi dumpers, a Made in Italy company with decades of experience behind it, are developed in detail to ensure unprecedented design and consistently high performance.

To meet the needs of construction companies, Cormidi’s engineering team has created Multifunction dumpers: available in different containing capacities (1200 kg, 1500 kg and 1600 kg) they can be integrated with multiple accessories to ensure a reduced footprint and achieve maximum efficiency. Fluid, ergonomic, powerful, and compact to get over even the tightest spots, they will be easy to maneuver and become the best support in even the most difficult work situations.

In conclusion

Open-section excavation is the starting point for the construction of buildings and other masonry work: it allows the ground to be cleared in preparation for the construction of stable, safe and durable foundations. This is why the use of ad hoc machines is required, oriented to the building operator’s serenity, reduction of downtime and speed of execution.

With Cormidi Multipurpose dumpers, moving from one operation to another is a quick, easy and pleasant task. Want to know all their features and benefits in more detail? Contact us for an immediate comparison.