(973) 304-0500
Rock splitting might become an integral part of site preparation in order to clear out the obstruction that interferes with further excavation, grading, foundations, utilities, drainage, and other construction work.
At some point, the site might appear to be ready for excavation, but the actual digging might reveal the presence of rocks that are impossible to remove with a usual approach.
An understanding of how rock affects construction site preparation will help prepare the following steps to ensure the successful completion of the entire project.
Why Is the Problem of Rock Delaying Site Preparation?
Site preparation is the key stage of the majority of construction projects, as excavation, grading, drainage, utilities installation, foundations, and access all depend on preparing the site to a required elevation and configuration.
When rock is discovered on site, regular excavation might become insufficient.
An excavator is able to easily work with soil, but solid rock or boulders may resist the usual excavation equipment.
Trying to dig further will just waste time and efforts and will prevent the site from reaching the required configuration.
When rock appears at the place where there should be a foundation, utility trench, septic system, drainage system, driveway, or another facility, it is time to take care of it properly.
If the rock obstructs excavation or construction work, RFC Excavating & Landscape Construction is able to assess the site and recommend professional rock splitting during the preparation process.
Rock Splitting and Site Preparation Service Description
Rock splitting is the process of breaking down large rock formations or boulders into smaller and more convenient sections so they could be either removed or used further during excavation.
Since the conditions of each site differ, the approach to dealing with rock must also be unique. This means that it is impossible to use the same approach in all cases; instead, it is necessary to assess the situation and choose the best option for further construction.
Features of Professional Rock Splitting Service
Depending on site conditions and requirements, rock-related site preparation might include:
- Assessment of exposed or discovered rock
- Determination of the impact of the obstruction on the planned excavation
- Splitting of large and oversized rocks
- Use of the appropriate equipment for rock breaking and excavation
- Removal of broken pieces in case it is needed
- Preparation of the site for further excavation or grading
- Coordination of rock splitting with the overall site preparation process
There are multiple options and the specific approach is dependent on the particular project. There is a difference between the buried boulder obstructing the trench and a large rock formation blocking the construction site.
Reasons Why Rock Can Cause Delays
Rock does not have to cover the whole site in order to cause serious problems with construction. In many cases, it is sufficient for an obstruction to be placed at a single critical location to delay the work.
Rock Can Prevent Further Digging From Reaching the Necessary Elevation
Almost every construction project has specific requirements regarding the depth of excavation.
In case if there is solid rock located somewhere above the required level, it is impossible to continue the digging until it is either broken or removed. This issue can affect the work related to foundations, utilities trenches, drainage systems, septic systems, and other below-grade facilities.
Rock Can Prevent Proper Grading
The correct grading implies reshaping the land according to the requirements of the site plan.
If there is a rock formation, it may significantly limit the amount of soil that can be shaped in that area. If the obstruction is located above the finished grade, it is impossible to grade the site until it is addressed.
Rock Can Influence the Efficiency of Equipment
Regular excavating equipment works with soil in a completely different way than with solid rock.
Trying to dig through the rock formation using the standard excavating equipment without special tools will waste time and prevent the contractor from completing the work.
Using Rock Breaker Excavator During Site Preparation
Rock breaker excavator is a combination of standard excavator and hydraulic rock breaker attachment that delivers repeated impact and breaks down hard rock formations.
When Is It Time to Use the Rock Breaker Excavator?
Hydraulic breaker excavator may be considered in case if there is hard and/or large rock on the site that cannot be removed with the standard excavating bucket.
Whether rock breaker excavator is needed depends on:
- Size and hardness of the rock
- Amount of rock
- Accessibility of the area
- Surrounding structures and site conditions
- Depth of excavation
- Other project requirements
- Available space for equipment operation
Thus, the equipment should be selected according to the specific site conditions and not every project will require the use of the same equipment.
Benefits of Rock Splitting Service
When the rock is discovered on site, it is possible to integrate the rock splitting into the regular excavation and preparation process.
One of the main benefits is the control of the situation.
Instead of letting a large rock formation to dictate the process of excavation, it is possible to reduce it into sections and then remove.
With professional rock splitting service, it will also be possible to:
- Create new excavation areas
- Prepare areas for foundations and other structures
- Open up the required area for utilities, drainage and other facilities
- Ensure the proper grading to the required elevation
- Reduce the size of the rock for easier handling
- Integrate rock splitting into the broader site preparation process
Uses and Applications of Rock Splitting
There are numerous cases when rock may affect the excavation or construction project.
Foundation Preparation
During the foundation excavation it is necessary to meet certain dimensions and elevations. Large rock within the planned foundation area needs to be removed before further work.
Drainage Facilities
Correct installation of exterior drainage systems implies digging trenches at a required elevation.
Large rocks can interfere with the process of trenching.
Septic Systems
Installation of the septic systems involves excavation of the planned areas according to the required rules. Large rocks may influence this process.
Utility Trenches
It is necessary to dig trenches for water, sewage, electrical, and other utilities.
Driveways and Landscape
Rock can also interfere with the process of driveway preparation, grading, landscape construction, and other changes in the terrain.
Did You Know?
Large rock or boulders can be hidden under the layer of soil and vegetation, thus, preventing the contractor from seeing them until excavation begins.
What Happens When Rock Is Discovered
The discovery of the rock does not mean the complete stoppage of the project. The first thing to do is to determine the extent to the rock is interfering with the project.
Assess the Location of the Rock
First, it is necessary to define whether there is really an obstacle that has to be removed.
If there is a rock formation somewhere away from the active work zone, it may be left there. However, any rock located at the foundation area, trench, drainage route, or at the location where the proper grade is needed, should be addressed.
Determine the Extent of the Obstruction
In many cases, the obstruction may seem like a single rock, but it may turn out to be a part of something larger.
Thus, it is necessary to expose more of the rock to determine the most appropriate action.
Choose the Appropriate Equipment
The appropriate equipment depends on the situation.
Some loose boulders may be easily removed using the excavation equipment. Other cases may require rock splitting or use of the rock breaker excavator.
Proceed With Site Preparation
Once the rock is removed, it will be possible to return to the regular excavation or other construction works.
It is one more reason why coordination is so important. The rock splitting should support the following stage of construction and should not be treated as a separate job.
Why Should You Hire Professional Site Preparation Contractors?
Rock excavation is not only about the use of powerful equipment. It is also about understanding how the problem affects the site preparation.
Professional site preparation contractors are capable of considering the access, excavation requirements, required grades, positioning of the equipment, surrounding conditions, and further actions.
RFC Excavating & Landscape Construction offers rock splitting and excavation services for projects with difficult ground conditions.
It is beneficial to consider rock work and excavation as a part of the same process in order to avoid unnecessary switching between the contractors and focus on real site requirements.
How to Plan for the Site With Difficult Ground Conditions?
Although there is no way to predict all of the underground conditions, it is still possible to get additional information about the problems.
Property owner and contractors can discuss the available information about previous excavation, ledge, exposed rock, or previously discovered rock.
The plans of the project are also important.
It is necessary to understand where there will be foundations, drainage systems, utilities, septic system, driveways, or other facilities in order to determine whether rock may interfere with construction.
When the ground conditions are already known, it will be useful to discuss them with an excavation contractor before the start of the project.
Looking for Rock Splitting and Site Preparation in Your Area?
If there are large rocks on your site or rock is already discovered during the construction, the professional assessment will help to determine the next steps.
When contacting the contractor, it is useful to provide as many details as possible about the planned construction, location of the obstruction, site accessibility, and activities that have to be completed in that area.
Photos might be helpful for discussion, but it will be necessary to assess the site directly in order to determine the scope of work.
RFC Excavating & Landscape Construction provides rock splitting and site preparation services in Northern and Central New Jersey.
Our ability to serve your area may depend on the location, scope, equipment needs, and site conditions.
Property owners and contractors are welcome to contact RFC directly at (973) 304-0500 to discuss the project and to find out whether we are able to serve you.
Conclusion
Unexpected rock can quickly change the dynamics of site preparation. The underground rock may prevent the excavation from reaching the required depth or grade or may interfere with foundations, utilities, drainage, septic installation, or other facilities.
Professional rock splitting allows addressing large or hard rock by splitting it into smaller sections and further removal.
Depending on site conditions, contractors may use such equipment as rock breaker excavator and coordinate rock splitting with grading, excavation, drainage, and other preparation processes.
In fact, rock splitting is about more than splitting the rock. It is about preparing the ground properly for the construction.
Contact RFC Excavating & Landscape Construction at (973) 304-0500 to discuss rock splitting and site preparation for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does rock delay construction site preparation?
It is impossible to continue excavation without removing the obstruction, and rock can prevent excavation from reaching the required depth or grade, interfere with foundations, utility trenches, drainage systems, septic systems, and other planned construction activities.
What is rock splitting during excavation?
It is the process of breaking large boulder or rock formations into smaller pieces that can be handled.
The appropriate technique depends on the material and conditions of the site. After that, the rock is removed to allow further construction.
What is rock breaker excavator?
It is the excavator with the hydraulic rock breaker attachment instead of the usual digging bucket. This attachment repeatedly strikes the rock and helps to break it down into smaller pieces.
Can rock splitting be used for the foundation excavation?
Yes. If there is rock that interferes with the foundation excavation, it can be addressed using rock splitting or other technique.
How do site prep contractors know that rock needs to be removed?
It depends on the location of the rock with respect to the planned construction. Some rocks may be left as they are if they do not interfere with further construction.
