Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How does erosion affect construction?

It leads to mudslides and safety hazards, and it can ruin the work that's been done. That's why finding efficient solutions for the prevention of soil erosion on construction sites is a must. Without the proper precautions in place, soil can quickly wash away, creating irreparable environmental and economic damages.

How do roads affect soil?

Road construction and traffic drainage will cause varying degrees of soil erosion, topsoil stripping, and other changes. Many studies have shown that soil erosion can change physical and chemical properties such as soil density, soil moisture, and pH, leading to soil nutrient loss [28,29].

How does construction affect rivers?

Construction projects can have adverse impacts on water bodies, including pollution, habitat destruction, and erosion. Implementing best practices, such as erosion and sediment control, proper chemical handling, and protecting riparian zones, is crucial for minimizing these impacts.

How can construction sites prevent pollution?

Air Pollution

1. Never burn waste materials.
2. Adopt hybrid technology in place of diggers and excavators with diesel engines.
3. Use low sulphur diesel to power equipment and vehicles.
4. Improve your existing equipment by using particulate filters and catalyst converters.

How do you reduce river pollution?

Ways to Prevent Water Pollution

1. Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.
2. Blow or sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas.
3. Mulch or compost grass or yard waste.
4. Wash your car or outdoor equipment where it can flow to a gravel or grassy area instead of a street.

How can construction sites reduce erosion?

Soil stabilization – Soil in the project's path or newly exposed to wind and sun is particularly high risk for erosion. We use a combination of soil blankets, mulch and the replanting of vegetation and trees to stabilize the soil during the project and beyond.

How can construction pollute water?

During construction, activities such as grading and demolition create pollutants that can leave the site and harm our waterways. Sediment is one of the main pollutants of concern. When it rains, stormwater washes over the loose soil on a construction site, along with various materials and products being stored outside.

How do you compact a pond?

Add water to the soil for lining to raise the moisture content above optimum moisture. Place each lift of loose soil at the proper moisture content in a 9-inch thickness, and compact each lift with a sheepsfoot roller. This will result in a compacted lift that is 6-inches thick.

How do you compact a building site?

Rolling is the fastest and most efficient compaction method for large fill areas. In small areas where large equipment can't reach, hand-held compactors can be used. Vibrating plate compactors are best for granular soils. For cohesive soils, rammers or impact type machines are recommended.

What is the purpose of compaction on site?

It provides the necessary flat base which provides the crucial support for buildings, construction foundations, pavements, roads and various other construction structures. The process of compaction gives the soil underneath these supports higher resistance and greater stability.

Does soil compaction remove water?

In addition, the compacted wheel tracks tend to shed water and have less total water than less-compacted soil between the tracks. This decreases bicarbonate solubility when soils are wet in the wheel tracks, also helping to decrease chlorosis.

How do you get a pond to hold water?

Sodium bentonite should be applied, mixed with the existing soil, and compacted. SoilFloc may be applied over the compacted bentonite/soil mixture as an added measure of sealing. Ponds with very poor soils may require a geomembrane liner in order to hold water.

What is topsoil used for in construction?

Topsoil contains the essential microorganisms, nutrients, organic matter, and physical characteristics necessary to grow and sustain permanent vegetation. Stripping, stockpiling, and reusing topsoil on construction projects is essential for proper reclamation of disturbed areas.

Where does the dirt go after excavation?

We either store topsoil on site, or remove it and store it elsewhere. Any spoil from digging, that will not be required, is removed and used to fill the voids made by the removal over many years of sand and gravel at local pits.

How is top soil removed in construction?

As the bulldozer moves forward, the blades break up the soil and remove any tree stumps and roots found in the ground. All tree roots and stumps are loaded into dump trucks and taken away. Next the topsoil is removed. Bulldozers push the topsoil from the site into piles called wind-rows.

Why do developers remove topsoil?

Topsoil is removed for practical reasons. All traces of vedgetation growth have to be removed in order to reach soil that will stand compaction and weight bearing . This is required under housing, roads and foot ways enabling the much harder sub soil be compacted , hardcored tarmacked etc .

Why is topsoil so valuable?

The topsoil layer is where nutrients are delivered to plants, water is absorbed, sunlight helps to aid the growing process, and wildlife and microorganisms interact with the plant in various ways. In short, it is where the "magic" happens.

Why do construction sites wet the dirt?

Pre-wetting the dirt makes it easier to move, helps the crews eliminate dust pollution and allows them to bring the soil's moisture content up to a level that enhances compaction. If you've ever built a sand castle, you know it's much easier to work with sand that's a little wet (but not too wet).

What is the purpose of water in construction?

Water holds a very prominent position during the process of construction. The water is majorly used in the preparation of mortar, mixing of cement concrete, curing of the final structure; and therefore, it creates a direct impact on the strength of the mortator and cement concrete.

How do you get water out of footings?

dig a hole deeper than the footings trenches, then dig a trench from that hole to the footings trench and the water will flow out of the footings trench and into the hole where it should soak away.. or at least it'll be out of the footings trench and somewhere you can get a bucket into..

Does construction use a lot of water?

The construction sector uses a lot of water, not least in the manufacture of essential materials like concrete and mortar. As the world confronts a looming climate crisis, what does the industry need to do to manage its water usage more effectively when delivering the homes and other buildings society needs?

How does construction cause soil erosion

Is it safe to live next to a construction site?	Dust at a construction site can take many different forms, and the materials released into the air can be made of rock, wood, chemicals, and even metal, creating a potentially lethal dust that can spread for a very long distance.
Why do construction sites use water?	The primary purpose of construction water is for on-site dust control and soil consolidation during construction and/or grading activities on lands within the District's boundary.
Why do demolitions spray with water?	Dust suppression is the application of liquid to effectively restrict the airborne dissemination of fine particles. The water captures airborne dust particles, causing them to fall to the ground rather than disperse into the air.
Why do they water the road before paving?	Water applicatin in road construction comes in several applications. First, it prevents dust from passing vehicles while works are on progress. Second it allows density to grade materials during base preparation thereby allowing initial settlement and proper compaction of base materials.
Why do they spray water on asphalt?	Some contractors practice spraying water onto the freshly paved asphalt to accelerate the cooling time, so the new sections can be quickly opened to traffic.
How does water affect an excavation site?	Water accumulation in an excavation can undermine the sides of the excavation and make it more difficult for workers to get out of the excavation.
What is the purpose of drainage in construction?	Drainage is a fundamental part of construction, essential in roads and the urban environment to remove surface and sub-surface water. This must be factored into any type planning by the project team of civil engineers, construction managers, architects, site managers and surveyors.
What is the role of a drainage worker?	Job Description Drainage workers assemble and maintain drainage and dewatering systems. They lay tubes or drainpipes to dry out the ground of a certain structure in order to put a hold to imminent groundwater. This work is usually performed under pavements and in basements.
Why is drainage work important?	A well-designed drainage system is essential to remove excess water from your house and helps in the prevention of water-related damage to a home or building. The main objective of a drainage system is to collect and remove waste matter to maintain healthy conditions in and around a building.
What is the purpose of drainage improvement?	First, it is necessary for safeguarding the people's health. If there is no proper drainage system, water will stagnate and the stagnant water becomes breeding place for harmful insects. Second, it is necessary for proper discharge of wastewater, rain water and run-offs and for efficient flood control.
What are 3 benefits of drainage?	Drainage reduces soil and nutrient loss from runoff and can help avoid soil erosion. Drainage on hill slopes helps to reduce the risk of soil slippage. Drainage can be collected and saved for future use during periods of dry weather.
How does silt affect water?	Agricultural and industrial runoff can also clog ecosystems with silt and other sediment. In areas that use chemical fertilizers, runoff can make silt toxic. Toxic silt can poison rivers, lakes, and streams.
Why is silt used in construction?	Installing a silt fence, also known as a sediment fence, on construction sites is a standard practice used for controlling runoff and mitigating the effects construction site runoff has on the surrounding environment, including lakes, streams, and habitats.
How do you prevent silt build up?	There are several methods depending on where you are trying to apply sediment control. These can include stormwater best management practices such as storm drain filters, erosion control, sediment barriers, and turbidity curtains. To stop sediment pollution, we must first understand why it is a problem.
Why is silt important?	Silty soil is usually more fertile than other types of soil, meaning it is good for growing crops. Silt promotes water retention and air circulation. Too much clay can make soil too stiff for plants to thrive.
How do you fix a muddy construction site?	THE SOLUTION: LIME! of either quicklime or hydrated lime, dries up wet soil quickly, so that it can be compacted readily, forming a working table that will resist further wetting as well--you can get back to work! hydrated lime are both highly effective in drying wet clay and silt soils.
How do you make mud less sticky?	Some operators apply oil or grease on the buckets and other attachments as the solution to this “sticky” issue. It is most of the time effective but then it may consume more time as re-application is needed when the oil or grease gets dry.
Can mud be used in building?	Mud can be used either directly to construct walls or in the form of compressed mud blocks. The most popular mud or earth building techniques are rammed earth, daub, compressed earth blocks and cob [32].
What is a mud construction?	The mud – house construction uses only simple natural materials, which are any digging soil from the earth mixed with water and added up with paddy or hay or any dried fiber or even recycling garbage.
How do you fix soil after construction?	How to fix compacted soils Amend your soil by adding organic matter, like compost. Decomposing organic matter helps build soil aggregates. Aerate the soil, which removes small plugs of soil to alleviate compaction and prevent thatch accumulation. Get planting! Not all weeds are bad!
How does construction affect plant growth?	Driving heavy equipment back and forth and piling up soil and building supplies around trees will cause compaction. This can be life-threatening to a tree because it deprives their roots of oxygen and decreases the permeability and holding capacity of water, all of which trees need to survive.

• How does construction affect agriculture?

  • Construction plays a substantial part in the loss or conversion of agricultural land, both by the extension of human settlements and by the increase in the quarrying and mining used to provide raw construction materials.

• Will trees grow in compacted soil?

  • Soil compaction can be a severe issue in agricultural soils causing slowed water infiltration, ponding, runoff, and soil erosion. It can negatively affect plant growth and root development, which can lead to poor water and nutrient uptake and decreased yields.

• What damages tree roots?
  • Soil compaction is by far the most common way construction damage can harm and kill trees. Tree roots need crumbly, well-aerated soil to grow and to obtain oxygen, water and nutrients. Lacking good soil aeration, roots suffocate and tree health declines.

• How does construction affect the soil?

  • Soil Erosion Caused by Construction Activity. Soil erosion from construction sites is a major pattern of land degradation. Excavation and backfill disturbed the surface vegetation and generated waste soil during the construction period, resulting in serious soil erosion.

• How does farming cause erosion?

  • Agriculture. When agriculture fields replace natural vegetation, topsoil is exposed and can dry out. The diversity and quantity of microorganisms that help to keep the soil fertile can decrease, and nutrients may wash out. Soil can be blown away by the winds or washed away by rains.

• What are the 4 main causes of erosion?
  • Four Causes of Soil Erosion
    • Water. Water is the most common cause of soil erosion.
    • Wind. Wind can also make soil erode by displacing it.
    • Ice. We don't get much ice here in Lawrenceville, GA, but for those that do, the concept is the same as water.
    • Gravity. Gravity is a primary culprit behind the three other causes.
• How can farming erosion be prevented?
  • Chisel and other forms of mulch tillage leave more crop residue on the soil surface to protect the soil from erosion. No till planting reduces erosion by keeping more resi- due on the soil and less soil disturbance. Grasses, small grains, and legume cover crops protect soil from erosion during non-crop periods .

• What happens to construction dirt?

  • When they cannot find a site to take their good dirt, or they have rocky and unusable dirt, subcontractors are forced to pay to dump it at a landfill or quarry.

• How does soil affect construction?
  • Soils can make or break construction projects. Engineers and soil scientists measure soil strength to see how easily a soil changes shape or shifts, to see whether it will bear the weight of structures. Watch out for soil texture and type of clay.

• What type of soil is used for construction?
  • Loam: An ideal soil type for home construction, loam consists of silt, sand and clay. Dark and dry, loam is crumbly and soft to the touch. Because it is evenly balanced, loam is able to hold water at a more balanced rate.

• How bad is construction dust?

  • Dust can build up in the lungs and harm them gradually over time. The effects are often not immediately obvious. Unfortunately, by the time it is noticed the total damage done may already be serious and life changing. It may mean permanent disability and early death.

• What is the process of sediment control?

  • Sediment “control” captures sediment after soil erosion has occurred and prevents it from leaving a site or reaching surface water. Compost filter socks and filter berms have been used widely as sediment control BMP, including concentrated water flow environments.

• What are two strategies that limit the amount of sediment that leaves a new construction site?

  • Control surface runoff—Divert water from undisturbed areas to avoid disturbed areas. Break up long slopes with temporary diversions to reduce the velocity of runoff. Divert sediment-laden water to sediment impoundments.

• What is sedimentation in construction?

  • Sedimentation is the process of allowing soil particles, minerals, sand, or clay, to deposit in low slope areas. When the residues from soil erosion settle in adjacent water bodies, they alter the water flow, reduce water depth, and affect its quality.

• What is the best method to reduce erosion and sediment control measures?
  • Adding vegetation to bare soil areas is the most common and natural erosion control method practiced. Native vegetation species, such as wildflowers and grasses, are ideal for sediment control situations.

• What are the 4 types of sedimentation process?

  • Type 1 – Dilutes, non-flocculent, free-settling (every particle settles independently.) Type 2 – Dilute, flocculent (particles can flocculate as they settle). Type 3 – Concentrated suspensions, zone settling, hindered settling (sludge thickening). Type 4 – Concentrated suspensions, compression (sludge thickening).

• How does mining cause erosion?
  • Mining increases rates of both weathering and erosion. Because digging and blasting break rock into smaller pieces (mechanical weathering), waste rock has more surface area exposed to chemical weathering. For some mining wastes, this is only a small problem.

• How does mining damage the environment?

  • Mine exploration, construction, operation, and maintenance may result in land-use change, and may have associated negative impacts on environments, including deforestation, erosion, contamination and alteration of soil profiles, contamination of local streams and wetlands, and an increase in noise level, dust and

• How could mining increase the risk of erosion?

  • In strip mining, for example, the top layers of soil and vegetation are removed to reveal the desired ore. If an area where strip mining occurred has not been properly reclaimed after mining activities have ended (soil replaced and graded, vegetation replanted), erosion can occur.

• How do mining affect the rate of erosion?

  • Mining activities disturbing large areas of land may increase erosion rate up to several hundred times greater than from undisturbed areas. The erosion process occurs in stripping overburden, excavation of rocks and minerals, dumping in stock file and waste dump, and mine reclamation.

• How does mining affect soil?

  • After mining, the pH of mine soils significantly increases and the pH value was negatively correlated with soil nutrients and enzyme activities; and thus, tolerant grass species should be established in such an alkaline soil.