Groundworks and construction
The team ‘groundworks’ refers to the work carried out to prepare the ground to enable construction work to be carried out safely and efficiently. Essentially, ‘groundworks’ is the very first of all activities and tasks undertaken on a construction site that enable the foundations to be laid. As such, groundworks are crucial to the overall success of a construction project and something that, within this article, we’ll explore: groundworks and construction.
The importance of groundworks and construction
Groundworks isn’t about simply digging up and investigating the ground and that beneath the ground. No, groundworks are complex and involve a number of services and steps in order to complete that are different for each site and every unique construction project.
For example, aside from any demolition works that need to be completed, groundworks tend to involve the following:
- Ground investigation
- Site clearance
- Installation of footings and foundations
- Provisions for drainage
- Cabling
- Installation of utilities
- Landscaping.
A ground investigation is usually the very first step of groundworks and is imperative to understanding what’s happening on and within the ground!
It’s an extensive investigation of a potential construction site to determine any potential issues, including the condition of the land and any past uses of the site which could cause problems during the construction phase.
The result of this investigation, then, really can determine the trajectory of the construction phase as, should any issues be uncovered, this could delay and/or add additional costs to construction in order to remedy before the build can begin.
Moving on to site clearance and installation of footings and foundations, then, it’s crucial that the site is cleared of any debris or items that could interfere with all other works required onsite. With this, it’s also important that the correct footings and foundations are put in place to reinforce support and prevent settling.
Next, a well-designed drainage system effectively and efficiently manages construction runoff and sediment, minimizing the impact on the environment and ensuring a site isn’t damaged or delayed by the build up of water. What’s more, drainage also prevents soil erosion, protects overall water quality, and reduces sedimentation in nearby water bodies.
Groundworks, as mentioned above, also covers cabling and the installation of utilities – this includes things like fibre optics, telephone lines and gas pipes. Fibre optics and telephone lines, for example, are all necessities for both commercial and residential buildings as many homes and businesses will need WiFi and telephone access.
And finally, landscaping. Landscaping in construction not only refers to the usual planting of trees and plants, but also adjustments to the site terrain and building structural features on site.
Essentially, groundworks lays the physical and metaphoric foundations of a construction site, making it one of the most important initial elements of the construction process.
To find out more about our commercial construction services, please click here or contact us to discuss your next project.
