"Building From The Ground Up"
Behind every famous landmark is a solid set of groundworks. It’s certainly not a glamourous job, but it’s so important to the structural integrity of a building. There’s no point in building a beautiful library if its just going to sink into the earth. Likewise, constructing the house of your dreams, but not being able to use the toilets because of poor drainage and pipe work is redundant. Groundworks is such a vital component in the construction of almost anything, however it’s often overlooked. Let’s look at the hidden elements behind our home’s functionality and longevity.
The Different Branches of Groundworks
When most people think of groundworks, they imagine digging holes. Now, that’s not to say this isn’t partially true. However, so much more goes on beneath the soil that can go unnoticed. Not only this, but groundworks as a whole can cover a wide range of services. Instead of just digging holes, it should be seen as installing the roots of a building.
Earthworks
Digging holes is a big part of groundworks. Usually, the very beginning of the job involves moving earth. Depending on the size of the building, this is usually done with excavators ranging from 5-14 tonnes.
The larger the machine used, the faster you load your lorries and get the job done. However, on smaller sites it’s important to consider a smaller machine for not only maneuverability, but fuel usage too.
Drainage
There’s a huge amount of planning that goes into the base of a building. Before you start construction, you’ll need to know the layout of the house in order to plan accordingly.
Groundworks covers the trenches, pipework and general drainage of a building by marking out key points from a drawing. So when it comes to installing your bathroom, or a heavy storm, you can flush the toilet in a dry, flood-free home.
Structural Concrete & Formwork
This aspect of groundworks is arguably the most important. As a groundworker, you’re responsible for the base of the building. Without this, any work you do above ground will be for nothing. Quite often, you’ll work with architects and structural engineers to double check the formwork before a concrete pour. This covers all your sewer and storm pipes, steelwork, heights and the makeup to ensure it works out to module.
You’re in a race against time not only to get it all finished quickly, but to a high standard too. So much can go wrong with concrete, it’s complex and heavily thought out. However, it’s often an aspect of construction taken for granted.
Groundworks Legislation and Regulations
As you would imagine, with the use of heavy machinery comes an array of health and safety regulations and work legislations. You’ll need licensing for all machinery and you’ll need to provide health and safety precautions such as hard hats and fluorescent jackets. Quite often you also need to meet environmental requirements on all jobs you start.
At R & C Skip Hire & Grab Hire, we make sure to carry all licenses for every aspect of our business. Our drivers are fully qualified in use of all machinery and vehicles. We have waste carrier licenses kept up to date to ensure a safe, environmentally conscious work site.
Contact R & C Skip Hire & Grab Hire For Groundworks In Caerphilly
We provide licensed, experienced and safety conscious staff for all your groundwork needs. We cover all machinery and aggregates, as well as waste disposal. If you’re looking for a company that comes with all aspects of groundworks in house, and provides a hardworking, time conscious service, then get in touch today.
