The Difference Between Trenching & Site Excavation

Key Takeaways:

• Trenching and site excavation are the two primary methods when you need to dig holes in your property.
• Both methods differ in various areas, such as purpose, machinery, and more.
• In trench excavation, you require small scaled machines to create a narrow and deep hole for the placement of utilities.
• On the other hand, site excavation is a more significant project that requires heavy machinery.

Several kinds of construction projects require digging holes in the ground. This practice can fall into two main classes: trenching and site excavation. Though they may seem similar, there are some critical differences between the two that you should be aware of before starting your project.

In this article, Dirt Werx LLC provides a detailed guide about the difference between excavating a site and digging a trench. 

What is trenching?

Trenching is the process where you dig a narrow, deep hole in the ground. Generally, you will use it to create a foundation for a new structure or to install utilities such as water, sewer, or electrical lines. You may have seen excavation contractors at work as they dig those long, narrow ditches you sometimes see in construction zones.

What is excavation?

Excavating is the process of digging a large hole in the ground. It is used for construction projects such as building a foundation for a new home or office building. People also excavate sites for environmental purposes, such as cleaning up an oil spill.

What are the differences between trenching and site excavation?

Let’s get into the details of trenching first.

Trenching is narrow, shallow-ditch

Before we go into further details, make sure you don’t confuse trench excavation with simple excavation, as the two can mean different things. Trenching creates a narrow, shallow ditch in the ground. These ditches are typically no wider than 15 feet, and the depth is also not more than 6 feet. Their narrowness will become more apparent as you learn about their uses.

Used for utility lines

Utility lines include a line laid down for any specific purpose. For example, the gas in your homes that you use to cook your food or heat your home comes from one of these utility lines. Someone, at some point, dug a hole, placed the pipe in it, and then refilled the hole. This is an example of trench excavation.

Used for water and sewer lines

Similar to utility lines, the water and sewer lines are also created by trenching. In both cases, a ditch is dug to place the pipe and refilled after the pipes have been sealed. Without these ditches, a water or sewer line network would be nearly impossible.

Other uses of trenches include underground cables or electricity lines. To keep these connections hidden from view and to protect them, they are placed in ditches, and then the ditch is refilled. The concealment protects the lines and ensures they are not tampered with or damaged.

Machinery required

Trench excavation requires minimal machinery if the hole isn’t any deeper than a few feet. For most home projects, a shovel will suffice. If you need to dig a deeper trench, you will need to rent a small tractor or trencher. You can always call an excavation contractor to gain some insight into the recommended machines.

Now, let’s examine what excavation entails:

Site excavation requires heavy machinery

Heavy-duty machinery such as backhoes, excavators, and bulldozers are required to remove large amounts of dirt and rock from an area – which is what we call site excavation. Obviously, you cannot excavate a construction site on your own, meaning DIY is off limits. The expertise and heavy machinery required make hiring an excavation contractor mandatory. 

For digging larger and deeper holes

In its essence, site excavation means digging larger holes, distinguishing it from trenching. Unlike trenches, there’s no limit to how large a hole can be, as we have seen in the previous point. The depth is also not restricted, making it possible to go as deep as needed.

The power of water

Water is one of the most potent tools during site excavation. The contractor will use it to break down hard materials such as rocks so they can be removed easily. Water is also used to clean the area and get rid of debris. When the excavation contractor lets the water run through the site, it will remove any small stones or pebbles, making the process much smoother.

The use of explosives

Sometimes, the contractor will need to use explosives to remove large rocks or boulders. This is a hazardous process and should only be attempted by experts with the proper training. Commercial sites are generally excavated using large machinery that can handle the weight and size of the rocks. 

Used for construction and foundations 

As it may have become apparent at this point, site excavation is mainly used for construction purposes. Without a clear foundation and land to build on, no construction can take place. To ensure that the construction site is level and ready for building, the excavation process is helpful to level out the land. This is done by using large machinery to remove any rocks or debris that may be in the way.

When is trenching and excavation the best solution for your property?

There are many cases where trenching and site excavation may be the best solution for your property. If you plan on doing any construction, you will need to have clear and level land to build on. To do this, you will need to use either trench excavation or site excavation.

Another case in which these two solutions may be the best is if you have issues with your drains. If your drains are not draining properly, it could be due to a blockage. To clear the blockage, you must dig a trench or excavate the area around the drain.

Ending Note:

Homeowners need to know the difference between trenching and site excavation to make an informed decision when hiring an excavation contractor. Trenching is generally less expensive, but it can also be less reliable. Site excavation is more costly but provides a more comprehensive and lasting solution.

Dirt Werx LLC is your go-to excavation contractor in Easton, PA. We have the experience, knowledge, and required machinery to get to the bottom of your drainage issue and more. By availing of our site excavation services, you will have a more permanent solution to your newly laid foundation.

Get a free estimate today.

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