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RGCI Earthwork Services

Delivering Professional Grading and Excavation services since 1987, RGCI is your certified earthwork partner for on-time and on-budget development preparation. Licensed, insured and trusted by California's top developers.

Site Preparation | Excavation | Erosion Control | Site Compaction

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Site Preparation

Construction site preparation encompasses a multifaceted process crucial for laying the groundwork before any building or development work commences. It's a meticulous orchestration of tasks aimed at transforming raw land into a suitable canvas for construction activities. This intricate process involves several key components.

 

Vegetation Clearing
Initially, vegetation clearing involves the removal of trees, bushes, and other foliage that obstruct the construction area. This step is crucial to create ample space and ensure safety during the building process.

 

Hole Filling
Any existing holes or depressions on the site need to be filled and leveled to create a uniform surface for construction. This can involve filling holes with suitable materials, compacting them to ensure stability, and leveling them with the surrounding ground.

 

Leveling
This step is about achieving a uniform and flat surface across the construction area. It involves grading and leveling the terrain to match the required specifications. Heavy equipment like bulldozers and graders are used to accomplish this, ensuring the site is adequately prepared for the subsequent construction phases.

 

Root Removal
Clearing the land not only involves removing above-ground vegetation but also addressing underground obstacles. Root removal is crucial to prevent future disturbances to the construction's foundation.

 

Bench Marks
Establishing bench marks involves setting reference points to ensure accurate measurements and alignments during construction. These benchmarks serve as guides for subsequent phases of the building process.

 

Orientation and Trench Lines
Orientation and trench lines are set based on architectural and engineering plans. They mark the exact locations for various elements of the construction, including foundations, utilities, and other essential structures.

 

Construction site preparation demands expertise, precision, and adherence to safety standards. Professional teams, equipped with advanced technology and guided by engineering expertise, ensure that the site is optimally prepared for construction, streamlining workflows and timelines while prioritizing safety and integrity at every stage.

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Site Excavation

Site Excavation is a fundamental stage of the any construction process and is often necessary to level the foundation by removing soil and rock in preparation for the construction phase of any structure. Each step of the excavation process contributes to the seamless progression of the building endeavor.


Excavation also can involve digging trenches for underground utilities, such as water and sewage pipes, power, gas, and communication lines.

 

Ground and Top Levels
Understanding the site's topography is imperative. Excavation begins with a thorough analysis of ground levels, ensuring a comprehensive comprehension of the landscape. Precise calculations delineate the intended depth, enabling a harmonious integration of the structure within its surroundings.

 

Excavation to Approved Depth
The excavation process adheres rigorously to pre-approved specifications, meticulously digging to the required depth. This precision guarantees a stable foundation while aligning with architectural plans and engineering standards.

 

Dressing Loose Soil
Post-excavation, the soil undergoes a meticulous dressing process. Loose soil is diligently managed and leveled to enhance stability and provide a conducive base for subsequent construction phases.

 

Making up to Cut Off Level
Achieving the prescribed cut-off level is crucial for structural integrity. Careful adjustments and additions are made to ensure the site meets the specified elevation, a vital step toward a solid foundation.

 

Dewatering Wells

In areas prone to water accumulation, dewatering wells come into play. These wells efficiently manage groundwater, preventing saturation and ensuring a stable construction environment.

 

Interconnecting Trenches
The establishment of interconnected trenches is pivotal, especially for utility installation. These meticulously designed pathways house vital utilities, ensuring a seamless integration within the site's framework.

 

Protection Bunds and Drains
To safeguard against erosion and manage excess water, protection bunds and drains are meticulously designed and implemented. These structures serve as guardians, preserving the integrity of the site and preventing potential damage during and after construction.

 

Through the technical orchestration of these important procedures, excavation not only prepares the ground but also sets the stage for a robust, enduring foundation, ensuring the smooth transition to the next  construction phases.

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Erosion Control

Erosion prevention and sediment control practices are necessary in order to stabilize geographic slopes and drainage ways, during the construction phase of a project. Expert planning significantly reduces the impact of soil disturbance on local resources and reduces the need for unexpected and costly restorations.

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Errosion Control Measures
To curb erosion, various techniques are employed. Silt fences, made of geotextiles, act as barriers, trapping sediment carried by water runoff. Erosion control blankets, seeded with vegetation, cover and shield soil, reducing erosion by absorbing rainfall impact and promoting plant growth. Additionally, terracing, mulching, and geotextile matting are deployed to stabilize soil and prevent its displacement during construction activities.

 

Sediment Control Measures
Sediment control aims to contain and manage sediment-laden water. Sediment ponds strategically trap runoff, allowing sediment to settle before water disperses. Sediment traps, check dams, and sediment barriers are also utilized to detain sediment and prevent its migration to sensitive areas, preserving water quality and preventing pollution.

 

Runoff (Drainage) Control
Managing stormwater runoff is vital to prevent erosion. Properly installed drainage systems, such as swales, ditches, and culverts, redirect water away from vulnerable areas. These systems regulate water flow, minimizing its erosive force and effectively managing runoff to prevent soil displacement.

 

Maintenance
Regular upkeep of erosion and sediment control measures is crucial. Inspection and maintenance ensure the effectiveness of installed systems. This includes repairing damaged barriers, clearing sediment traps, and replenishing erosion control blankets or mulch. Ongoing maintenance guarantees continued protection against erosion, preserving the environment's integrity throughout the construction process.

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RGCI exercises these measures to manage stormwater runoff and preserve environmental integrity, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding nearby ecosystems from disturbance caused by construction activities.

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Site Compaction

Soil compaction involves compressing soil particles, reducing the gaps between them to increase soil density. This process creates highly dense soil with fewer voids, significantly enhancing its weight compared to uncompressed soil. 

 

RGCI is highly experienced in standard trade techniques vital in construction to prevent settling issues post-construction, minimizing risks of premature pavement failure, costly repairs, or maintenance. 

 

Compaction establishes a robust foundation, crucial for all residential and commercial structures. A well-compacted soil base ensures strength and durability throughout the construction process and guarantees the longevity and performance of the entire project once the pavement structure is installed.

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We are prepared for you next project

Contact RGCI today (949) 954-0281

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