What Is Concrete Sitework?
One of the most essential parts of any construction project is concrete site work. This refers to all the work that needs to be done to prepare the site for the foundation and slab. It’s a critical step in any construction project, so it’s important to know what to expect. In this blog post, we’ll explain what concrete site work entails and how it can help your project go more smoothly. Stay tuned!
What Is Concrete Sitework?
In construction, site work includes the scope of work related to the exterior of a project. Surveying, grading, excavation, site utilities, paving, concrete work, and landscaping are all examples that can be included in site work projects.
In short, site work prepares the land to build a physical structure. It’s critical to keeping the project moving smoothly, both for the eventual construction of the building’s shell and its future interior build-out.
Surveying
Surveying is the first step in any ground-up project as it sets the lay of the construction land. Surveyors are experts in positioning and measurement. They create an accurate topographical map, make precise locations for foundations, map out boundaries and settle land disputes between neighbors.
Excavation and Grading
With the land mapped out, the general contractor can accurately place temporary construction fencing and install erosion control. Excavators often perform erosion control, the prevention or controlling of wind or water destruction in land development and construction.
Both excavation and grading prepare the land for the structure. Site clearing takes place, trees and shrubs are removed and the land is flattened and smoothed for the foundation.
Site Utilities
The installation of site utilities brings the gas, water, electric, fire mains, storm, and sewer to the building. Utilities are brought in through a variety of materials in different sizes. Cast iron, concrete, metal, and thermoplastic pipes can be used during this stage. The pipes are excavated and laid down on top of some form of bedding material. After inspection, they’re backfilled and leveled to grade.
Concrete and Paving
Concrete can be classified as cast-in-place or precast. Cast-in-place concrete means that the concrete is poured into forms to create the foundation, foundation walls, slabs, sidewalks, patios, etc. Pre-cast concrete is casting concrete in a reusable form. It is cured in a controlled environment before being transported to the site for installation.
Typically, precast concrete gives the general contractor more control over material quality and the final product, but it’s not ideal for every situation. Cast-in-place concrete is superior in versatility, insulation, construction speed, and strength.
In many cases, paving is started before construction. It involves the pouring of asphalt or concrete over portions of the construction site. Site paving provides a good surface that still allows for construction in bad weather. It also helps with erosion control and offers a solid surface for materials storage.
Roads and parking lots are the most common examples of paving at a construction site. Paving won’t be 100% complete until the final stages of the project when striping occurs. After the final layer of pavement is applied, lines for parking spots, road directionals, and markings are added.
Landscaping
While it may be the finishing touch of construction, many factors, beyond planting trees and grass, are involved in landscaping. Terrain, soil qualities, potential erosion, and native flora must all be considered during landscaping. A well-done landscape goes deeper than looks.
How to prepare your ground for concrete site work?
The first step is to remove any existing vegetation or debris from the area where you’ll be working. This will help to ensure that your concrete site work is level and even. Once the area is clear, you’ll need to compact the soil so that it’s firm enough to support the weight of the concrete. You can do this with a hand tamper or a plate compactor.
Next, you’ll need to stake out the area where you’ll be pouring the concrete. This will help to ensure that your concrete is the correct size and shape. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to excavate the area. Be sure to dig down far enough so that the concrete will be at least four inches thick.
After you’ve excavated the area, you’ll need to level it off so that the concrete will have a flat surface to sit on. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to lay down the gravel base. This should be at least four inches deep and should be compacted before you begin to pour the concrete.
Now you’re ready to begin pouring the concrete. Be sure to start in one corner and work your way out so that the concrete is evenly distributed. Once you’ve finished pouring, use a trowel to smooth out the surface. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before using it.
Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Foundation for Your New Home?
Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builder for over 30 years. We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.
To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas.
