Vacuum Excavation is the safest method of excavation, when compared to the more traditional methods of using picks, shovels, diggers etc.
The no-dig method provides a lower risk to workers on-site and helps to prevent utility strikes, which have long-lasting and severe consequences. Not only that, but it is also faster and more efficient than manual excavation.
A great example of this was a major project that we carried out for a customer in Bedford.
With new retaining walls needing to be built along the road, our customer knew that there were services across the site area, but they were unsure of their location. To discover the location of the services they needed to build 5 trenches. Initially, they chose manual excavation, using three labourers. However, over a 2-day period, only 1 of the 5 trenches had been dug. With two trenches needing to be dug per day; the time, spoil and cost to manually excavate all 5 trenches was not feasible.
The depth of the trenches and spoil produced revealed that there were different levels of material that needed to be excavated thoroughly. With the use of one of our standard 26T vacuum excavators, two PIER (UK) operators used an air lance and a clay spade to make light work of the second trench. The job was completed in just two and a half hours – a massive reduction in the time taken, compared to manual excavation.
Using vacuum excavation to complete the job meant the remaining 3 trenches were successfully excavated in a quick and safe manner, with the spoil contained within the vacuum excavator, ready for backfilling.
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A typical cost comparison between vacuum and manual excavation is shown below:
| Vacuum Excavation | Manual Excavation | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount excavated per day* | 25 m3 | 2 m3 |
| Average cost per day** | £1,100.00 | £150.00 |
| Cost per cubic metre | £44.00 | £75.00 |
Vacuum excavation is not just less expensive than manual excavation, it is the smartest, safest, fastest, and most economical method of excavation. Its benefits also include:
- reducing reinstatement costs
- eliminating the hazard of utility strikes
- minimising traffic disruption
- reducing the amount of manpower and equipment required.
As the UK leaders in vacuum excavation, our team are experts in excavation and are on hand to answer your questions. Contact us here or call 01925 228 674. Alternatively, you can view our latest projects on our Social Media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
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