If you’re managing a construction project, there are many aspects you need to consider and organise to ensure a successful project. From planning and time management to groundworks and sourcing concrete suppliers. The whole project depends on different companies and individuals completing work in order to make the final product successful.
If you’ve ever been involved in project management for a construction project, you’ll likely know about the importance of groundwork and how vital it is to the overall success of the construction work. In this blog, we’ll go into detail about groundwork and give you a greater understanding of how important it is to commit time and energy to this vital construction process.
Here’s everything you need to know about groundwork.
What are groundworks?
Groundwork refers to the work done to prepare sub-surfaces for the start of a construction project. It’s a vital part of preparing the area that you will begin building on. It is the process of activities of initial excavations that lead to laying foundations. As you can imagine, the preparation for the foundations is a very important part, as the foundations determine the structural integrity of the entire building or structure.
Groundwork also includes things such as laying drains and cabling, so that the build can take place. In some cases, it may also include utility installations like water pipes, fiber optic cables, telephone lines and gas pipes. Groundworks are typically the first stage of construction that needs to be carried out if there is no demolition or site enabling works that need to be completed.
Groundworks can include the following types of work:
- Foundations
- Trenching
- Reinstatement
- Substructure
- Sewer construction
- Basement construction
- All drainage
- Landscaping
Why is groundwork important?
Groundwork creates the foundation of a building which is where the weight of the structure is going to sit. The foundation is designed to help the building withstand earthquakes, flooding and strong winds and reduce the risk of subsidence. Without having a strong foundation, it is unlikely that the building will be able to stand for as long as you would want it to. It’s likely you would start to see signs of deterioration over the years from natural ground movement and weather. The risk of this is much lower when the building has had strong groundworks and foundations in the first place.
Foundation and groundworks also help to prevent moisture intrusion which can damage walls and the ground. You will need to find professional builders and reliable concrete companies to ensure your groundworks are sound and of a high standard. This ensures your project will be compliant with health and safety requirements and future-proof it for decades to come. It is also much more cost-effective to hire a professional contractor to complete your groundwork because it lowers the risk of uncovering expensive issues further down the line. You could also run into issues that may cause your project to be delayed, which can cost you money the longer you need to wait for work to be done properly.
What are the stages of groundwork?
The construction process requires several different steps that all help ensure the success of the project.
Ground investigation
In order to comply with legal requirements and local authorities, it’s vital that a thorough investigation of the site is carried out. This will help identify past land uses, stability or potential problems. Ground investigation is a vital first step in the groundwork process, helping ensure that any necessary data is gathered to create an effective design. You can then establish any potential problems like contamination that may impact development further down the line.
A ground investigation will also look into geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil conditions and contaminated land issues.
Site clearance
Once the ground investigation has taken place, the site will need to be cleared to prepare it for construction. Many sites will have undergone demolition or won’t have been maintained for several years. This means it is required to clear the site of debris and collect the topsoil from the land.
The depth of clearance will depend on whether the site has a slope, if this is the case, it may need to be levelled. Retaining walls will create level development platforms.
Building foundations
Creating the building foundations requires ordering concrete and pouring to create a solid base for the building to sit on. Once the site has been prepared, you’ll need to find out which concrete to use and order from a reputable concrete company. They will be able to advise you on what type and how much you will need to create your building foundations.
Using concrete is challenging as it is a time-sensitive process. This means that within two hours of being mixed, the concrete will start to go off. This varies depending on the type of concrete and the temperature. This is why it’s vital it is unloaded and levelled as quickly as possible. Ensuring you use a professional concrete supplier in your area will help give you peace of mind that the task will be completed successfully.
On top of pouring, it’s also important that the concrete doesn’t dry out too quickly as it hardens as this can cause a weak/dusty surface. The process of curing involves keeping the slab damp by covering it with plastic sheeting, making sure the edges are sealed and monitoring temperature. The rest of the construction process can usually continue after 48 hours but it is often best to leave the groundwork for 72 hours to avoid any potential damage to the concrete.
How to find quality groundwork contractors
Whether you need assistance with site clearance, ground investigation or building foundations, it’s important to find reputable groundwork contractors. The best way to do this is to speak to your builders. They will likely have contacts for the best groundwork contractors or concrete companies that they trust and are happy to work with. Having somebody in the know within the business helps point you in the right direction when trying to find the best person suited to the job. You can also look online and read the company’s reviews and testimonials to establish a quality groundwork contractor.
If you are able to see the contractors in action, this will be a good way of establishing whether you can rely on them to get the job done to a high standard. When visiting a site they are working on, or if they have already started work on your project, think about whether they are organised, have the right materials and whether the concrete has been properly poured and levelled.
Forth Valley Concrete: Concrete Suppliers in Glasgow
Are you looking for reliable and efficient concrete suppliers in central Scotland? At Forth Valley Concrete, we offer premium concrete products for both domestic and commercial clients. Working across Scotland, we can provide you with everything you need to create successful groundwork for your construction project. We can supply concrete blocks, ready mix concrete and durable materials for your concrete driveway.
We are committed to ensuring each client receives a high standard of concrete to make their project durable and reliable. Whether you are constructing a house extension, driveway or drainage system, we’re here to help. Concrete is a challenging material which is why you need professional concrete suppliers on your side to ensure the task is completed successfully. To learn more about our services and to see what we can offer you or your business, contact us today. We are also able to advise you on the right concrete for your project and ensure it gets poured properly. Get in touch with Forth Valley Concrete today by visiting our website or calling us on 01236 347 018. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.