Groundwater Hazards and Construction

groundwater dewatering service

Groundwater can have a substantial impact on commercial construction projects. It can influence the structural design, construction procedures, and overall costs involved. There have been cases where extreme groundwater problems have caused significant delays and the need for substantial adjustments to project plans.

Moreover, we have seen instances where groundwater has led to the abandonment of an entire project, despite enormous investments in the construction. Therefore, groundwater dewatering services are essential. Given the potential consequences, it must be dealt with as early as possible during the early planning stages of a project.

Why dewater?

The way in which we manage groundwater can make or break a commercial construction project. The potential hazards that groundwater poses include liquefication of the ground, increased pressure on retaining walls, and equipment damage.

All these problems can render a construction site unsafe and significantly delay the project’s completion. It is essential to recognize and control groundwater risks during the design stage of a project by utilizing groundwater dewatering services.

Dewatering methods

The geotechnical data of a project is what determines which type of groundwater dewatering service is best suited to the task. There is a range of techniques used by dewatering specialists.

1. Deep well system

A deep well system consists of a well assembly placed into boreholes, with each hole fitted with a multi-stage, submersible electric pump.

The pumping action of each well reduces the groundwater, creating a cone-shaped depression around itself. The deep well system is suitable where soil permeability is moderate to high, and for deep excavations.

2. WellPoint system

WellPoint systems consist of a series of small wells connected to a pump by a header pipe. They are suited to dewatering shallow foundations and excavations and provide stable working conditions by lowering groundwater levels. The pump draws water up from the ground by creating a vacuum inside the header pipe.

3. Ejector systems

An ejector system incorporates wells with holes drilled into them to lower the groundwater level in a very similar way to a WellPoint system. These wells create a vacuum using the air inside them to draw water out of the soil. An ejector system is suitable for silts and fine sands.

4. Siphon systems

Siphon systems work by using gravity to pump water along siphon pipes. They are installed within or above the unsteady region of a slope. The siphons take advantage of the natural downward angle of the terrain to remove the groundwater.

Other factors such as soil quality and the nature of the construction project you are working on will all affect which ground dewatering method will work best for you.

Do not underestimate the importance of carrying out this procedure before you start building. A failure to remove groundwater before commencing construction could lead to costly and time-consuming issues down the line.

If you are concerned about groundwater, seek the help of a groundwater dewatering service in Michigan. Merlo Construction has been assisting commercial construction projects in the state of Michigan and the surrounding area since 1991.

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