When working in hard and dense rock, site preparation can be a significant undertaking on civil construction projects. Traditional digging methods, such as using excavators with breakers or dozers with rippers, may not be effective in breaking through and removing the rock. This can extend project timelines and increase costs.
To overcome challenges with rocky ground conditions, contractors are turning to specialized equipment like Vermeer surface miners and large trenchers. These machines are designed specifically to deliver superior performance and efficiency in rocky grounds.
To determine if Vermeer surface miners and trenchers are the right equipment for your next civil construction project, it’s essential to understand the challenges posed by rocky terrain and the advantages of specialized machines.
Mass excavation in rocky ground
When determining the best equipment for mass excavation, you must consider the geological survey of the site. The survey will determine the rock’s hardness and the feasibility of excavation. If the survey indicates that significant work will be required, you need to evaluate whether dozers with rippers and excavators can be used or if you need to consider alternative methods.
According to John May, rental manager at Vermeer Mountain West, if rock hardness exceeds 12,000 psi (82.7 MPa), contractors should consider using surface miners or drill and blast methods. In areas where the dominant rock formation is hard rock like caliche, traditional equipment like dozers and excavators can be slow and require a lot of labor. In such cases, excavation methods are limited to using surface miners or drill and blast methods when rock densities exceed 15,000 psi (103.4 MPa).
Vermeer surface miners use a milling drum to grind rocky materials into usable mill material. It can grind up to 20 in (50.8 cm) deep per pass, making it ideal for removing caliche and other hard materials from the ground. It can also level the ground and create a smooth surface for construction.
May also noted that using drilling and blasting excavation methods in populated areas presents its own set of challenges.
“In Las Vegas, for example, some desirable construction sites have been left empty because the density of the rock made it cost prohibitive for development. The rest of the city has grown around these vacant areas, and now it’s nearly impossible to use explosives because of the vibration and dust produced in the process. Instead, contractors are bringing in surface miners equipped with dust suppression systems. This method of mass excavation minimizes vibration, dust and noise from the site,” explained May.
Utility and foundation work
Hard rock not only presents a challenge for mass excavation work but also for installing utility lines and digging footings. If this is an obstacle you’re currently facing, consider using large trenchers specifically designed for these conditions.
“Vermeer trenchers are productive at utility work in rocky areas. They can create trenches and provide ideal backfill material for the trench after a utility has been placed. Contractors can rely on these machines to streamline the trenching process and enhance project efficiency,” May explained.
Importing and exporting material
Surface miners and trenchers not only mill and cut the ground but also produce optimal fill material that can be reused.
According to May, many civil construction projects in rocky grounds require cutting in one area and filling in another. Excavators, dozers and drill and blast methods typically leave crews with chunky materials that require additional processing equipment to be brought to the jobsite or additional fill material to be hauled in. In contrast, milling and cutting rocky ground produces consistent, packable material that crews can use as fill in low spots and in trenches. If the material is not needed onsite, it can be efficiently hauled away and potentially resold for use in another project.
Renting provides flexibility
In certain situations, purchasing a surface miner or large trencher may not be practical, depending on your line of work and location. In such cases, renting could be a viable option to consider. Many Vermeer dealers, particularly those located in areas where rocky terrain is common, offer rental and leasing options for these specialized machines.
“Renting Vermeer surface miners and trenchers can be a cost-effective solution for contractors working in rocky terrains. It allows them to bid on a wider range of jobs than their current equipment fleet may be able to support. We’ve had a lot of customers grow their organizations through the rental of these machines. Eventually, they build up enough expertise in this area to make owning their own surface miners and trenchers a viable option. But until that day arrives, we are here with rental units,” explained May.
Synergy of surface miners and trenchers
While Vermeer surface miners and trenchers excel individually in their respective applications, their true power lies in their ability to complement each other on civil construction sites. These machines work in harmony to tackle the challenges posed by rocky grounds, maximizing efficiency and productivity.
By combining the capabilities of specialized site prep equipment, contractors can minimize the need for additional equipment, control costs and better manage project timelines. This synergy ensures a seamless workflow, allowing for smooth progress in even the most challenging ground conditions.
For more equipment support on your next civil construction project in rocky grounds, contact your local Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
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