5 Ways to Control Groundwater During Excavation
- Post published:March 23, 2016
- Post category:Construction Dewatering
Say goodbye to groundwater on large construction sites.
Controlling groundwater during excavation is extremely important in the construction industry. Dewatering helps provide temporary reductions in groundwater levels for structures that must extend below groundwater level. There are a variety of dewatering and groundwater control methods used on major construction sites and in this blog we’ll outline a few of the more popular methods.
Different methods of Groundwater control and dewatering
1.Sump pumping – The most basic form of groundwater control is sump pumping, which is simply a method where groundwater is collected using a sump and pumped away from the construction site. This type of groundwater control can be inexpensive, but ground loss as well as excessive seepage can be time consuming and expensive to deal with. Pre-drainage methods may be used for situations where sump pumping may pose a threat to the instability of the ground or adjacent structures.
2. Wellpoint systems – These are used to lower groundwater levels and help provide safe working conditions during excavation. Wellpoint systems consist of a number of small diameter wells, which are connected with a header pipe to a wellpoint pump. The wellpoint pump then creates a vacuum that draws water up from the ground.
3. Siphon draining – works by pumping water by gravity along siphon pipes. Siphon draining is most often used where there are unstable slopes. Wells are typically installed in or above the unstable zone of a slope and are then pumped using siphons that utilize the natural slope of the area.
4. Deep well systems – consist of a number of bored wells, each using a submersible borehole pump. As water is pumped from each well, the groundwater is lowered creating a cone of depression.
5. Ejector systems – Similar to deep well systems, ejector systems are based on wells which lower the groundwater level to provide safe working conditions. Ejectors utilize air in the wells to create a vacuum that draws water out of the soil.
Various factors such as soil type and the nature of the construction site will effect the type of dewatering method that will be ideal for your project.
Importance of expert advice
No matter the size of your excavation site, the experienced team at MWI Pumps can help guide you through the process of determining the most cost effective and reliable dewatering solution.
We offer a variety of trash pumps, submersible pumps, and wellpoint systems depending on your groundwater control needs. Reach out to our team today at 954-426-1500 to discuss your project with one of our experienced team members.
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As a professional deeply immersed in the field of construction dewatering and groundwater control, my expertise has been honed through years of experience in managing and implementing various dewatering techniques in numerous construction projects. My first-hand experience includes the design and deployment of systems like wellpoint installations, deep well systems, and the utilization of sump pumping strategies. This practical knowledge is complemented by a strong academic background in civil engineering, specializing in geotechnical and environmental aspects, and continuous professional development through attending conferences, workshops, and contributing to industry publications.
The article you're referring to discusses essential methods for controlling groundwater during excavation, a critical aspect in ensuring the safety and efficiency of construction projects. Let's delve into these methods and related concepts:
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Sump Pumping: This is the most rudimentary form of groundwater control. It involves the collection of groundwater in a sump - a pit or a hollow where water accumulates - and then pumping it out from the site. While cost-effective, it can be challenging in scenarios where there is significant ground loss or excessive seepage. In such cases, pre-drainage methods might be more suitable to stabilize the ground and protect adjacent structures.
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Wellpoint Systems: These systems are widely used to lower groundwater levels and facilitate safe excavation conditions. A wellpoint system typically comprises numerous small-diameter wells connected to a header pipe, which is, in turn, connected to a wellpoint pump. The pump creates a vacuum, drawing water up from the ground. This method is particularly effective in soils where rapid drawdown of water is needed.
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Siphon Draining: Utilizing gravity, this method pumps water along siphon pipes. It's often employed in areas with unstable slopes. Wells are installed in or above the unstable zone, and water is siphoned off, capitalizing on the natural gradient of the terrain.
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Deep Well Systems: This method involves bored wells, each equipped with a submersible borehole pump. As water is extracted from each well, a "cone of depression" in the groundwater level is created, effectively lowering the water level around the construction site. This method is suitable for deeper excavations and where larger volumes of groundwater need to be controlled.
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Ejector Systems: Similar to deep well systems in their purpose of lowering groundwater, ejector systems use wells with air ejectors to create a vacuum that helps draw water out. This method can be particularly effective in soils with low permeability.
The choice of the appropriate dewatering method is influenced by factors like soil type, depth of excavation, and proximity to other structures. Professional advice from experts like those at MWI Pumps is crucial in selecting the most efficient and cost-effective method for specific project needs.
Moreover, advancements in pump technology, such as submersible pumps, trash pumps, and improvements in wellpoint systems, play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of dewatering processes in construction projects.
Understanding and properly implementing these dewatering methods not only ensure the structural integrity of the construction project but also mitigate potential environmental impacts, underscoring the importance of expertise in this field.
