Hydro Excavation Objectives • Hydro excavation as a non-destructive method. • Discuss the advantages of using hydro excavation for utility exposure. • The pros and cons of hydro excavation. • The standards supporting this methodology. • summary of the presentation. Introduction to Hydro Excavation • Hydro excavation is a non-destructive digging technique that utilizes pressurized water and a vacuum system. • It is commonly used to expose underground utilities such as pipelines, cables, and sewer lines • The demand for hydro excavation has increased due to its efficiency, precision, and safety. History to Hydro Excavation • • • It is believed that hydro excavation started in the mid 1800’s. This is when the miners in California used steam pump-pressurized water to wear away land masses. They do this to capture the gold and other minerals easily. The process that they used was then referred to as Hydraulic Mining. As time passed, technology got better and people invented a more competitive machine for excavation. The first hydro excavation services machine called the “ExcaVactor” was built in 1969. In 1970 and 1980, vacuum trucks and sewer cleaners were adapted by the public for hydro excavation use. Some people removed the vacuums from these vehicles and put them on allterrain types of vehicles in order to get to remote locations more easily. Benefits of Hydro Excavation for Exposing Underground Utilities • Efficient and Non-Destructive: Hydro excavation minimizes damage to utility lines, reducing repair costs and service disruptions. • Precision and Accuracy: It allows for precise digging and targeted exposure of underground utilities, preventing accidental damage. • Increased Safety: Hydro excavation eliminates risks associated with traditional excavation methods, such as cave-ins or accidental utility strikes. Pros and Cons of Hydro Excavation Pros: • Speed and Efficiency: Hydro excavation is faster compared to traditional digging methods, saving time and labor. • Reduced Damage: It significantly decreases the risk of damaging underground utilities during the excavation process. • Minimal Disruption: Hydro excavation causes minimal disruption to surrounding infrastructure and reduces restoration efforts. Pros and Cons of Hydro Excavation Pros: • Minimizes physical strain and hazards associated with manual excavation • Workers can operate from a safer distance • Decreases the risk of injuries related to deep or unstable soil Pros and Cons of Hydro Excavation Cons: • Operator Skill: Skilled operators are required to ensure precise and safe execution of hydro excavation. • Water/soil mixture (Slurry) is generated via the hydro-excavation process • Disposal Requirement : 3 : 4 days required for the Slurry to dry in the landfill , Or to be mixed with a Dry material if we need immediate disposing Standards Supporting Hydro Excavation • Industry standards such as : • the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) guidelines support the use of hydro excavation. • Technical standards & safety authority (TSSA ) • Infrastructure health and safety association( IHSA ) • These standards ensure the proper implementation of hydro excavation techniques and emphasize the importance of safe excavation practices. Hydro Excavation Best Practice & Guidelines • the water pressure to be used with a straight tipped nozzle during excavation shall be reduced to a maximum of 1,500 psi . • The pressurized water wand shall never remain motionless during the excavation. • A distance of 8 inches shall be maintained between the end of the pressure wand nozzle and the underground facility and/or subsoil” Conclusion • • • • Hydro excavation is a proven and efficient method for exposing underground utilities. Its benefits include reduced damage, increased safety, precision, and environmental friendliness. Adherence to industry standards ensures the safe and effective implementation of hydro excavation techniques. The utilization of hydro excavation contributes to cost savings, improved project timelines, and reduced disruptions to public services. Questions and Discussion
