If you need to install pipelines in rocky or stony ground, then you might think that blasting is the only way to cut through this tough terrain. However, this isn't the case.
You can use an alternative cutting technique known as trenching. Trenching uses specialty equipment to cut down into the ground and can cut through the hardest materials.
While blasting works in a basic way, trenching is often a better solution. Why?
Trenching Gives You Better Landscape Control
Even if your crew has experience in trench blasting, the results you get after this process aren't always perfect. You can't always control or predict the finished results you get after a blast.
For example, the force of the blast might disturb a bigger area than the size of your trench. Your trench walls are likely to be sloped rather straight; your trench depth levels might be uneven.
So, you might have to do extra excavation work to get your trenches in the right shape. You might have to do some remediation work in the area to restore disturbed ground.
Trenching is a more precise process because you can control the size and depth of your trenches more effectively. Trenching machines create digs with straight sides that are immediately ready for use.
Plus, trenching doesn't disturb the ground around a site as much. You're less likely to have to take care of peripheral damage.
Trenching Creates Backfill
Once you have created your trenches and installed your pipelines, then you have to backfill the holes to cover them over. If you use blasting to create your trenches, then you usually have to buy extra backfill materials at this stage. Blasting doesn't leave behind a tidy and easily usable supply of suitable materials.
A trenching machine does this. At the end of the cutting process, you'll usually have a pile of material that came out of the trench. You can use this material as backfill.
So, you won't have to source supplies and get them to the site. Your job material costs will be lower.
Trenching Is Safer
If you use blasting to create trenches in remote areas, then you don't have to worry so much about peripheral damage. If a blast causes some earth to move away from the trench, then this might not have a significant impact.
However, if you are cutting trenches in more built-up areas, then blasting can cause problems to surrounding building foundations. You also have to take extra care to keep people away from your site during each blast.
Trenching is a better solution if you are working in populated areas. It won't cause damage that could affect surrounding buildings and it has fewer safety risks.
To find out more about the benefits of trenching over blasting, contact pipeline trenching and blasting contractors.