The Essential Guide to Groundworks
In this blog from CMT, we will cover several topics including the best tools for groundwork. What's involved in groundwork. Why groundworks are necessary. Major Aspects of groundworks.What's involved in groundworks?
Groundworks include several steps and processes. Each process must be analysed before continuing. Once this is undertaken, your site and its sub-surfaces are prepared for building. For a well-structured project, the foundations are critical (both metaphorically and literally). Robust & well-constructed projects rely on preparation and choosing the best tools for groundwork. This starting point sets the scene for the project.Groundworks involve:
Ground investigation - this investigation accumulates data that is then used to ensure that the build's design is suited to the setting. It identifies and takes into consideration potential issues such as contamination or abandoned mine works, for instance. Site clearance - clearing the site and taking up topsoil to prepare it for further groundworks. The specifics of site clearance will vary between projects and will largely depend on the lay of the land. Issues such as sloping may need to be rectified and levelled for works to begin. Substructure and ground stabilisation works - substructure is defined by BICS as:"all work below the underside of screed or…to the underside of lowest floor finishes including DPM, together with relevant excavations and foundations…"Substructure and ground stabilisation works entail ground stabilisation processes such as retaining walls, soil nails, ground anchors, and geosynthetic materials. Site services - site adaptations and alterations that allow the works to begin, such as temporary or permanent drainage, utility connections, specialist tunnelling or shaft sinking solutions (for specific complex sites) to allow for caballing etc. Landscaping - may include earthworks to remodel the site to accommodate the build or otherwise adjust the setting to allow the build to take place effectively.
Why are groundworks necessary?
Sturdy groundwork is key to a successful build as it supports all work going upwards. The build's weight will be placed upon the foundations meaning the build's integrity relies heavily on the quality, consistency and strength of the groundwork. Groundwork is about layout, structure and strength. The fundaments of any build and crucial to the success of all projects.Major Aspects of Groundworks
Foundations
Foundations provide a building with structure. They’re vital to creating builds with resilience and that are built to last. They must be built as approved plans states so as not to interfere or disrupt neighbouring builds. The first step in laying the foundation is to establish a datum point from which all heights are based. All vegetation and soil must be then be stripped, foundation trenches dug up, and oversite treatment applied. Support pegs must be hammers into where concrete levels are marked (based off the datum point). Concrete is then poured and levelled to create sturdy foundations that serve as the build's base level. Outlined below are two of the most common types of foundation.Trench Fill Foundation
This foundation method pours concrete within 150mm of surface ground level. Whilst a convenient method and one that gets work started with more efficiency, this method can only be used on stable grounds with firm and strong trench sides.Strip Foundations
This foundation method is a shallow foundation. The exact thickness of concrete used in the strip foundation method depends on soil conditions, building design, and several masonry courses in the walls. Generally, the depth of a traditional strip foundation is equal to or greater than the overall wall width, between 150mm and 500mm. The foundation width is then usually three times the width of the supported wall.Landscaping
Landscaping is the process of changing the land to suit its intended use, as well as processes that occurs in the latter part of construction, such as seeding and construction of driveways, etc. It's much safer to work/build on a site that has been properly flattened when creating a project that requires level grounds, rather than trying to work around inconsistencies in landscape levels. Early landscaping crafts a sort of blank canvas ready for further groundworks and building to begin.
Excavations
Excavation in construction refers to removing the earth to create a cavity or indent in the ground. The best tools for groundwork in this instance would be an excavator or digging spade. The list includes; - Removal of topsoil. - Earth excavation (removing the soil beneath topsoil). - Rock excavation (for materials that need to be removed with special methods such as drilling or with explosives). - Muck excavation (for excessively wet materials and soil that cant be stockpiled). - Unclassified excavation (for removal of a mixture of above materials that cannot be distinguished between).Drainage systems
Groundworkers are also responsible for the drainage of a building itself. They must assess what position drains should be in, taking into account gradients and bends for the most effective drainage positioning. Trenches then need to be dug for the drainage system. Care must be taken to ensure the correct depth and gradient to avoid needing excessive bedding to support the pipes. When laying a drainage pipe, a spirit level bubble should be at least half out.Driveways
Features such as driveways, need to be based on solid foundations. Correct drainage is also critical here.Establishment of flooring (beam and block)
Beam and block is a method to support flooring, particularly ground floors, which uses 'T' shaped beams. This method, popular for domestic builds, allows for fast assembly and installation. On top of a beam and block floor usually lay a layer of insulation before a final concrete topping to seal the floor.Footing
Footing transfers the load of a structure to the underlying soil. The type of footing required for a build is dependent on three factors; - The depth of soil at which safe bearing strata exists - The type and condition of the soil. - The type of superstructure.Sloped or Trapezoidal Footing
These types of footing have a sloped top or side faces that resemble a pyramid. They're suitable for saving concrete and for keeping water away from the surface.Stepped Footing
Stepped footing is used to keep metal columns out of contact with soil to prevent any corrosive effects. It also balances out the heavy load of metal columns and transmits this load below ground.The best tools for groundwork from CMT
Here at CMT, we stock a fantastic range of groundwork equipment that will have you covered for any number of construction tasks. From great basics like brooms & brushes, wheelbarrows and winter essentials, to mortar mixing supplies and water sprayers, we’ll have the groundwork equipment you need to get the job done. Groundworks are the fundaments of any great projects, so make sure you’re using equipment you know you can trust and browse the CMT range now.
Hand Tools
We’re proud of our huge selection of hand tools. There’s something for every type of handiwork you could imagine. With specialist ranges available for plumbing, building, and soldering as well as extensive spanner, screwdriver, and hammer collections – we’ve got the best tools for groundwork available. Browse the range below and you can be confident that you’re getting groundwork tools built with quality and durability in mind. Procure excellent groundwork tools from CMT.Plant & Machinery
In need of cement mixers? Or perhaps a petrol saw? Browse CMTs great range of plant & machinery. We may not be able to get you a bulldozer, but you can be assured that the plant & machinery we have on offer is built to last and will get the job done in no time. Top quality is the name of the game here at CMT, so browse the range below and find what you need to crack on. Procure with CMT.
Loading...
