Excavation During A Paving Project
Excavation equipment is often used to prepare land for new pavement, or to remove existing pavement that is damaged. An operator uses hand controls to move a boom (long arm) that contains a bucket attachment. There are different types of excavators that are each used for specific applications.
Equipment Types
- tracked excavator
- wheeled excavator
- suction excavator
- long-armed excavator
Machinery Uses
A tracked excavator is used primarily for digging. The steel tracks that lay below this type of machine will provide stability and a lower center of gravity, in comparison to a wheeled excavator. This type of equipment can cut deep into the ground and remove layers of soil or existing pavement.
A wheeled excavator can be used for digging and the transportation of pavement, dirt, and brush. This type of excavator is suitable for moving around paved and unpaved surfaces and will provide an operator with the ability to maneuver over rough terrain that a tracked model may have more difficulty traversing.
A suction excavator uses high water pressure and a powerful vacuum to loosen and remove materials. If pavement pieces are wedged inside of a hole or if fragmented pieces that comprise a damaged parking lot are difficult to remove with the aid of a standard excavator, a suction excavator can be used to complete the required action. A long-armed excavator contains an extended boom that can be used to reach areas that are not easily accessible.
Bucket Types
The bucket is an attachment that is secured to the end of a boom. It may contain a serrated or straight edge. A serrated edge is necessary if cutting through pavement or compacted dirt. If a rock-covered surface impedes an excavator operator's ability to dig down into the earth, a rock loader may be attached to a boom.
This type of bucket is larger and sturdier than a claw attachment. A clean-up bucket is used after each digging session has been completed. This type of bucket is used primarily for the removal of debris that is present on a construction site.
Buckets come in several sizes, allowing an operator to adjust how much debris is hauled away during each cleanup session. For hard to reach areas that require the use of a bucket, an extension that possesses a unique shape may be used. A V-shaped bucket can reach into narrow trenches and other irregular-shaped areas.
For more information about excavation or excavation equipment, contact an excavation company in your area.