Non-destructive digging, also referred to as VAC trucks has quickly become an essential excavation service within the residential and commercial industry. This is due to many factors including safety, affordability and efficiency.
When locating underground material that must not be damaged, non-destructive digging is often sought after to ensure the job is done correctly. The ability to deploy and setup trucks in a matter of hours combined without the need for permits makes hydro excavation the obvious choice.
What is non-destructive digging (NDD)?
Non-destructive digging is the process of removing excavated material into a debris tank using pressurised water. This allows job sites to remain tidy and free from large piles of excavted material, making it more environmentally friendly. You can use non-destructive digging on a variety of different surfaces including:
- Dirt
- Grass
- Mud
- Clay
- Gravel
- Ice
There are many advantages of using NDD rather then alternative excavation methods. These advantages are:
- No need for any permits before starting excavation
- Areas that aren’t easily accessible can be reached using hydro excavation
- NDD can be deployed from over 80m away from the truck
- When called upon, NDD can be deployed very fast
- Reduced damage potential when working around underground assets
How non-destructive digging works
Very often throughout the construction industry there is a high demand for professional equipment around excavation practices. Non-destructive digging offers a high degree of precision whilst operating at an efficient speed. When working around delicate underground location services the best option is always non-destructive digging.
Underground utilities are often intruding on the excavation process. At times they are impossible to dig around, making hydro excavation the obvious choice. By using highly pressurised water and strong vacuum suction, it is possible to excavate surface material safely and efficiently. The material extracted is then stored in a VAC truck for transportation off site, removing the loose material from being left around. Not having traditional excavation machinery moving back and forth along a job site puts minimal risk on damaging assets as well as minimal ground disturbance and footprint on the work area. The process can be so precise it is possible to work around heritage listed and/or protected flora sites without damaging plant life, lawns or major root systems.
The Process
Our NDN trucks use a 4 stage process which guarantees quality and safety
- Locate underground services
- Loosen soil using pressurised water
- Extract material using vacuum excavation
- Material is then stored and transported away
What is non-destructive digging used for?
People usually use non-destructive excavation for digging and removing soil. However, there are various other applications that follow this excavation process. Some examples are:
- Piling
- Potholing
- Confined digging
- Tree roots
- Remote excavation
- Trenching
- Hard and cold surface excavation
- Debris removal using a suction method
- Using the machine in tight spaces where excavators can’t reach easily.
- Deep-level excavation
- Mains or service exposure
- Utility service repairs
- An example of a different way to use non-destructive digging; pot holing
What makes non-destructive digging important?
The much-needed flexibility NDR offers makes it an essential service in any contractors arsenal. Excavating soil using traditional methods is very time-consuming and can pose many safety risks. Why take a chance on these excavation methods when non-destructive digging is faster, safer and environmentally conscious.
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Accuracy
- Reliability
- Environment
What are the benefits of non-destructive digging?
One of the essential reasons for non-destructive excavation is its efficiency and accuracy. Excavating using traditional methods involves much more risk whilst also not being as reliable. When working around fiber optic lines, water mains or electrical cables it is far superior when thinking about safety. It also eliminates to potential for a mass outage or unnecessary damage to surrounding area of a job site.
Another benefit is the much-needed flexibility NDR offers, making it an essential service in any contractors arsenal. Excavating soil using traditional methods is very time-consuming and can pose many safety risks. Why take a chance on these excavation methods when non-destructive digging is faster, safer and environmentally conscious.
Always remember to dial before you dig!
