Air Excavation
What Is Air Excavation
Just like hydro excavation, air excavation is a non-mechanical, non-destructive dirt excavation process that virtually eliminates any risk for underground utility damage. This process can be utilized in place of a hydrovac on most projects that require hydro excavation.
By using compressed air to break apart soil and then vacuum it up into a debris tank, workers can safely expose underground utility lines while still being able to backfill the hole with the previously collected soil.
Air excavation is also a safer, faster, and more efficient excavation process than traditional mechanical digging. While it may take more time to excavate using air than when using hydro excavation, air excavation keeps the soil dry throughout the process. This means it can be vacuumed out and then re-used as backfill—negating the need to haul the slurry away and return with dry dirt fill like you have to do when using hydro excavation.
Air Vacuum Trucks Provide Cleaner & Safer Excavation
There are many advantages to using air excavation instead of hydro excavation. Primarily, the excavated soil collected during this process is always dry, so it can be put back into the hole afterward if needed and returning the excavation site to its original condition. Since the air excavation process uses air instead of water, the excavated hole will be dry, providing a safer and cleaner working environment.
- Ability to reuse the excavated debris to backfill the hole
- Cleaner work site
- Increased digging efficiency
- Ability to easily navigate and excavate projects in congested areas
Types of Air Excavation Projects
Using air excavation services instead of mechanical excavation makes sense for a wide variety of construction and excavation projects. If your project requires a high level of accuracy while keeping the area around the excavation site as undisturbed as possible, air excavation is your best choice. Projects that often use air excavation include:
- Slot trenching
- Line installation
- Underground utility location
- Daylighting
- Potholing
- Sign installation
- Debris removal
Choose Discovery Hydrovac For Your Air Excavation Project Today
Discovery Hydrovac provides air excavation services that will ensure your excavation project is safer and more precise than traditional mechanical excavation techniques.
If you’re interested in using air excavation for your next dig, we’re here to help. Talk to one of our industry experts today for more information about the process as well as help choosing the best equipment for your specific project.