Non-destructive digging (NDD) is a method of excavation that uses vacuum technology and high-pressure water (hydro excavation) to safely excavate a precise amount of earth out of the ground. NDD limits the damage that manual digging with jackhammers and spades can cause and it doesn’t need heavy, aggressive machinery.
Non-destructive digging services have only been around for a few years, but this method of digging has quickly become a preferred method for excavating as there are numerous benefits including safety and cost effectiveness.
NDD digging can be used to access underground water or sewer pipes, gas lines or telecommunication lines for repairs. Other uses include excavation for the construction industry, and it enables soil samples to be taken without cross-contamination.
Non-destructive excavation is ideal for relining underground pipes, enabling fast and easy access to the pipes if there is no other access, without any significant damage to the land. It suits different sized projects and can be used for both residential and commercial work.
Benefits of Non-Destructive Excavation
Because of the precision involved in the process of non-destructive excavation and the specialised type of equipment used, there are many benefits to NDD.
Safer Digging
Widely considered the safest way to dig commercially, NDD dramatically reduces the risk of damaging underground services like wiring and pipes. This process makes it really easy to check the status of any underground infrastructure before commencing a project.
NDD is also safer for the workers too as the use of boom arms and hydraulic power arms reduces the manual handling. The machinery can sometimes be operated remotely so that the team can stay at a safe distance.
Ideal For Densely Populated Areas
Excavation can be the cause of some severe damage to neighbouring properties in built-up locations. Structures close to the excavation site can become unstable or suffer structural damage caused by vibration and collapse of the ground. The precision used in this type of digging greatly reduces the risk of damage to buildings in the vicinity.
Reduces Environmental Impact
With such a focus on minimising the damage to the environment these days, non-destructive excavation does just this. Because only a really small section of earth is excavated, without the need for heavy plant machinery trampling the ground, ecosystems remain relatively undisturbed.
Only One Machine Required
Where excavation traditionally involved a large drill to break up ground, an excavator to scoop up the soil and rock and also a truck to remove it from the project site, NDD digging is done with only one machine, which sucks up the debris, stores it and can remove it from the site easily.
Vacuum Excavation Is Cost Effective
With fewer crew members required for the job, less hours needed to excavate and less mess to clean up than other digging methods, operational costs are kept lower. It’s fast and also, due to the non-invasive method, there is unlikely to be any damage to underground infrastructure or surrounding buildings to repair.
How Non-Destructive Digging Services Work
Expert vacuum excavation services provide the best way of digging for all those benefits mentioned - here is how it actually works.
The requirements of the job are determined, and the site inspected. A hydro vac truck is parked at the site and a section of ground is marked out for digging, whether that is a single hole or a trench. Then, hydraulic excavation breaks up soil and rocks using a powerful jet of water. This jet of water can be accurately aimed at the area requiring excavation, reducing damage to the surrounding area.
The hydro vacuum truck sucks up the loosened soil, rocks and other debris with a high-volume suction hose into the storage tank on board. The truck can be driven away to be emptied or alternatively, the matter can be put straight back in the hole after the job is complete, reducing waste.
It really is quite a simple process, and the advantages make it safe, affordable and environmentally friendly. Our hydro crews are highly trained in NDD, and we have the skills and experience to make us a leading vacuum excavation service.
No matter how challenging your project, call or email us today to discuss your excavation work.
If you have any questions about pipeline inspections, drain clearing or pipe relining at your premises, contact our friendly team. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
Drains relined by The Drain Man carry a Lifetime Warranty.
