1. https://newenglandenterprises.

com/common-basement-
excavation-techniques/
2. https://theconstructor.org/construction/types-of-soil-exc
avation-tools-machines/12307/
3. https://gharpedia.com/blog/excavation-equipment-use-o
n-construction-site/
4. http://www.buildersengineer.info/2015/10/basement-exc
avations-perimeter-trench.html
5. https://newenglandenterprises.com/common-basemen
t-excavation-techniques/
6. https://theconstructor.org/construction/types-of-soil-e
xcavation-tools-machines/12307/

EXCAVATION
OF
BASEMENTS
1. https://newenglandenterprises.com/common-basement-
excavation-techniques/
2. https://theconstructor.org/construction/types-of-soil-exc
avation-tools-machines/12307/
3. https://gharpedia.com/blog/excavation-equipment-use-o
n-construction-site/
4.
52 _PALLAVI TAORI
http://www.buildersengineer.info/2015/10/basement-exc
avations-perimeter-trench.html
5. BTECH SEM 7
https://newenglandenterprises.com/common-basemen

6.
t-excavation-techniques/
PICA, NEW PANVEL
https://theconstructor.org/construction/types-of-soil-e
xcavation-tools-machines/12307/
7. https://gharpedia.com/blog/excavation-equipment-use-
on-construction-site/
8. http://www.buildersengineer.info/2015/10/basement-e
xcavations-perimeter-trench.html
9. https://mwipumps.com/2016/03/23/5-ways-to-control-
groundwater-during-excavation/
10. https://theconstructor.org/construction/excavations-gr
oundwater-control-methods/17909/
11. https://www.keller-na.com/expertise/techniques/sheet
-piles#:~:text=Sheet%20piles%20are%20installed%20se
quentially,additional%20lateral%20support%20if%20req
uired.
12. https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/excavation-
methods-deep-foundations/21157/
EXCAVATION OF BASEMENTS

● Basement excavation is the process of removing dirt, rock, and other debris to create
space for a basement.
● Typically it is the first step in building work, as excavated material gets displaced, leaving a
hole in the ground where a home’s basement will be built.
● Basement excavation can also take place after a home has already been built.
● This type of work is significantly harder and requires a seasoned excavation contractor
who can dig into the earth and haul away excavated materials without damaging your
building’s foundation, footings, or floor joists.
● To significantly reduce excavating costs, basements should ideally be dug out before any
part of the building goes up.

FACTORS AFFECTING SELECTION OF EXCAVATION METHODS

● Nature of subsoil – affect type of machine used and the necessity of soil protection.
● Size of excavation – affect type of machine used and method to excavate.
● Scale of work – large volume of excavation may involve complicated phasing
arrangement and work planning
● Ground water condition – affect degree of protection (watertight sheet piling or
dewatering may required.)
● Surrounding condition – impose certain restrictions and precautions (eg. diversion of a
government drain, or underpinning work to the nearby building foundation)

ADVANTAGES

● Work done quicker

● Avoid dangerous condition of work by human workers, say, existence of ground
water or collapse of soil
● Achieve greater depth
● Use fewer manpower and work done in lower cost (for larger scale work only)

DISADVANTAGES

● Involve larger running and maintenance costs

● Require a larger operating area
● Access provision to working area
● Less flexible in work planning
● Idling time increase cost of work

52_PALLAVI TAORI
 TYPES OF BASEMENT EXCAVATION

1. FULL OPEN CUT METHOD

○ It divided into two major types including sloped full open
cut and cantilever full open cut.
○ The former is assumed to be economical since the side
of excavation would be sloped and does not need any
support to held foundation wall. However, if the slope is
considerably gentle or the excavation is largely deep, it
will costly.
○ The latter needs retaining wall to support foundation
wall soil and prevent collapse of foundation wall but it
neither require backing nor slopes. Therefore, it cannot
categorically be claimed that which method is more cost
effect.
○ The economical method may be distinguished based on
analysis, design, and evaluation results. SLOPED FULL OPEN CUT CANTILEVER FULL OPEN CUT

2. PERIMETER TRENCH EXCAVATION

○ In this method a trench wide enough for the basement
walls to be constructed is excavated and supported with
timbering as required.
○ It may be necessary for runners or steel sheet piling to
be driven ahead of the excavation work.
○ This method can be used where weak subsoils are
encountered so that the basement walls act as
permanent timbering whilst the mound or dumpling is
excavated and the base slab cast.
○ Perimeter trench excavations can also be employed in
firm subsoils when the mechanical plant required for
excavating the dumpling is not available at the right
time.

3. BRACING METHOD
○ If you’re using this method, you must install straight,
horizontal struts in front of the retaining wall.
○ The struts will hold the material pressure off of your
retaining wall. Bracing systems require center, end, and
corner posts along with struts and wales.
○ The weight from the excavated earth will get transferred
to the ruts through the wale.
○ The purpose of the end and corner braces is to reduce
the wall span without increasing your strut number. The
center posts help prevent strut failure. 52_PALLAVI TAORI
1. Ghghgh
TYPES OF BASEMENT EXCAVATION
2. Dbdh Beh 1. Ghghgh
3. Fvjbvb 2. Dbdh Beh
4. COFFERDAMS 3. Fvjbvb
○ Cofferdams are temporary structures used to create a dry working area4. in COFFERDAMS
waterlogged or soft soil conditions. ○ Cofferdams are temporary structures used to create a dry working area in
○ They are typically constructed by driving sheet piles or constructing walls waterlogged or soft soil conditions.
around the perimeter of the excavation area and then pumping out the water ○ They are typically constructed by driving sheet piles or constructing walls
or soil inside. around the perimeter of the excavation area and then pumping out the water or
○ Cofferdams allow for dewatering and excavation in challenging soil inside.
environments. ○ Cofferdams allow for dewatering and excavation in challenging environments.

5. CONTINU COFFERDAMS
5. CONTINUOUS PILING/SECANT PILING
OUS PILING/SECANT PILING ○ Contiguous piling is a way of creating a retaining wall by inserting a row of
○ Contiguous piling is a way of creating a retaining wall by inserting a row of augered piles that almost touch one another. The most common ways of
augered piles that almost touch one another. The most common ways of inserting an augered pile are either:
inserting an augered pile are either: i. to bore a hole with continuous steel sections, which can then be removed
i. to bore a hole with continuous steel sections, which can then be and the hole filled with concrete, or
removed and the hole filled with concrete, or ii. to bore with a continuous steel flight, which can then have grout pumped
ii. to bore with a continuous steel flight, which can then have grout into the hollow centre as it’s removed.
pumped into the hollow centre as it’s removed. ○ The piles are inserted with the gaps between them typically around 50-150mm.
○ The CONTINUOUS PILINGwith the gaps between them
piles are inserted SHEET PILINGaround
typically These gaps, with earth packed between them, can be grouted, and then a
50-150mm. These gaps, with earth packed between them, can be gro second wall may be constructed in front of the piles.
6. SHEET PILING
6. SHEET PILING
○ Sheet piles are steel sheets with interlocking edges that retain soil and are
installed using vibratory and vibration-free rigs. ○ Sheet piles are steel sheets with interlocking edges that retain soil and are
○ Sheet piles are installed sequentially to design depth along the planned installed using vibratory and vibration-free rigs.
excavation perimeter or seawall alignment. ○ Sheet piles are installed sequentially to design depth along the planned
○ The interlocked sheet piles form a wall for permanent or temporary lateral excavation perimeter or seawall alignment.
earth support with reduced groundwater inflow. ○ The interlocked sheet piles form a wall for permanent or temporary lateral earth
○ Anchors can be included to provide additional lateral support if required. support with reduced groundwater inflow.
○ Sheet pile walls have been used to support excavations for below-grade ○ Anchors can be included to provide additional lateral support if required.
parking structures, basements, pump houses, and foundations, to construct ○ Sheet pile walls have been used to support excavations for below-grade parking
cofferdams, and to construct seawalls and bulkheads. structures, basements, pump houses, and foundations, to construct cofferdams,
and to construct seawalls and bulkheads.
7. DIAPHRAGM WALL
○ Diaphragm wall is a continuous reinforced concrete wall constructed in the
ground to support major construction activities like the construction of
dams, tunnel approaches, deep basements and enclosures.
○ They act as a retaining wall, support for the underground structure, as a
foundation or facilitate cut off provision in order to support deep excavation.
52_PALLAVI TAORI
MACHINERY TOOLS FOR SOIL EXCAVATION

These are the tools which are operated by mechanical force and are used for the larger depths of excavations. There are
so many types of machine tools with ease of operation are designed in this modern day period.

1. Tracked Excavator
○ This is also called as track hoe. These are the tools which are operated by mechanical force and are used for the larger depths of excavations. There are so
○ It consists of cabinet and long arm. Long many types
arm againofconsists
machineof tools with ease of operation are designed in this modern day period.
2 parts.
○ The first part which is closure to cabinet is called as Boom and the other part is called as Dipper-stick.
Digging bucket is attached to the end of1.dipper.
Tracked Excavator
○ This entire system can rotate 360 degrees. In○thisThiscaseisVehicle
also called as track
is moved hoe.
by traction, so we can use this
It consists of cabinet and long arm. Long arm again consists of 2 parts.
○ etc.
equipment in mines, forestry, pipeline industries
○ The function of excavator is done by hydraulic○ fluid Theso,first
it ispart
alsowhich
calledisas
closure to cabinet
hydraulic is called as Boom and the other part is called as Dipper-stick. Digging
excavators.
bucket is attached to the end of dipper.
2. Wheeled Excavator ○ This entire system can rotate 360 degrees. In this case Vehicle is moved by traction, so we can use this
equipmentexcept
○ This whole arrangement is similar to the tracked excavator in mines,
thatforestry, pipelineofindustries
the movement vehicle isetc.
done by
wheels. ○ The function of excavator is done by hydraulic fluid so, it is also called as hydraulic excavators.
○ It can move quickly when compared to tracked excavator but it is not suitable for uneven grounds or hilly
areas because of slippery nature. 2. Wheeled Excavator
○ This
○ So these are generally used for road constructions etc.whole arrangement is similar to the tracked excavator except that the movement of vehicle is done by
wheels.
3. Backhoe Excavator ○ It can move quickly when compared to tracked excavator but it is not suitable for uneven grounds or hilly areas
○ In case of backhoe excavator, the hoe arrangement because of slippery
is on back side andnature.
loader bucket is arranged in front of
the vehicle. ○ So these are generally used for road constructions etc.
○ So two operations digging and loading or lifting is done by hoe and loader.
○ This is widely used equipment nowadays 3. because
Backhoeof Excavator
its small size and versatility.
○ In case
○ This is moved with the help of wheels. so, moving from one of backhoe excavator,
workstation the hoe
to another arrangement
is quickly done. is on back side and loader bucket is arranged in front of the
vehicle.
○
4. Bulldozer
○ Bulldozer consists of hard steel plate with sharp edge at its front.
○ This sharp edge is helps the plate to cut the soil and for excavation.
○ The metal plate can be raised and lowered with the help of hydraulic arms.
○ The bulldozers are available in both tracked and wheeled form.
○ These are widely used for the works of soil excavations, weak rock strata removal, lifting of soil etc.

5. Dragline Excavators
○ Dragline excavators consists large length boom.
○ A cable is hanged from the top of the boom and digging bucket is suspended to the cable.
○ Generally dragline excavators are used for larger depth excavations like port construction, underwater sediment
removal etc.
○ These are heavy equipment with greater economy.

52_PALLAVI TAORI
 2. UHD UCB
3. EFJVE
4. SJVNEJN
MACHINERY TOOLS FOR SOIL EXCAVATION
5. DJVN

6. Trenchers
○ Trenchers are the equipments used to dig trenches in the ground. These are also available in many
sizes based on our requirement.
○ The trenches dug are generally used for drainage purpose, pipeline laying, cable laying.
○ The trenchers are generally available in two types.
i. Chain trenchers - Chain trenchers Chain trencher consists of a fixed arm called boom around
which digging chain is arranged. The chain is very hard and consists sharp tooth. Whenever it
is driven into ground the chain rotates around boom with rapid force and cuts the ground. By
adjusting the angle of the boom we can manage the depth to be excavated. It cuts the soil
with hard strata which cannot excavate by bucket type excavator. In case of smaller chain
trenchers wheeled vehicles are available and for larger chain trenchers are available in tracked
form.
ii. Wheeled trenchers - Wheeled trenchers In case of wheeled trencher, toothed metal wheel is
used as trenching tool. This equipment is available in both tracked and wheeled form of
vehicles. When compared to chain trencher the wheeled trencher can cut harder soil strata. It
is also used to cut pavement surface while road repair works. Economically also wheeled
trencher is better than the chain trencher.

7. Power Shovels
○ It is used to excavate earth of all classes except rock and load it into wagons. They are mounted on
crawless tracks. It consists of a mounting, cab, boom, dipper stick and hoist line

8. Clamshell
○ Clamshell consists of a bucket of two halves, which are hinged together at top. The bucket halves
can be attached to the shovel-crane units or the boom of the dragline.
○ Clamshell is used to excavate soft to medium materials and loose material at or below the existing
ground surface.

9. Scrapers:
○ It is a self-sufficient machine which can dig, load, haul, and discharge the material in uniformly thick Power shovels Clamshell
layers..

10. Dump trucks

○ Dump trucks or dumpers generally vary in size from 1 to about 80 tonne capacity.
○ Large capacity machines are also available but are generally used in mines, queries or opencast
sites.
○ In recent years articulated dump trucks with capacities up to 35 tonne have become popular as
they are versatile and are especially suitable for hauling on softer sub grades.
○ The speed of tipping in increased over a road lorry by the absence of a tailgate.
○ Small dumper units are available for work on small sites and mounted dump trucks are also
Scrapers Dump truck
available with load capacities up to about 20 tonne.
52_PALLAVI TAORI
HOW TO DETERMINE THE BEST EXCAVATION METHOD
The choice of how to excavate a basement will be made by the project owner and the excavating contractor on the job. When choosing the best excavation method for your
project, consider the following factors.

1. TYPE OF PROJECT
○ Several types of projects may require excavation for foundations:
○ Building a new house with a concrete foundation
○ Construction of a commercial building with a concrete foundation
○ Installation of foundation piles
○ Repairing or waterproofing foundations
○ Repairing or installing a French drain

2. EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT

○ The equipment needed to complete your foundation excavation project also has an impact on its cost.
○ For example, a project that requires the use of excavation equipment also means that the expenses associated with fuel and transportation will have to be
considered. In general, the larger or more specialized equipment is required, the higher the amount of the quote.
○ For your information, if the contractor uses a 160-gauge excavator, the hourly rate for this machine should be around $120/hour. Add to this a prime rate of $200 to
cover transportation costs.

3. LABOUR REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT

○ A company hired to do foundation excavation work will undoubtedly have to pay its employees for the work they do.
○ It makes sense that the more workers required for a contract, the greater the amount to be spent on labour for the contractor. The contribution of certain specialists
(surveyors or complex machine operators, for example) can also have an impact on the cost of a foundation excavation.

4. TYPE OF SOIL TO BE EXCAVATED

○ There are many different types of soil. If the soil to be excavated has special characteristics that complicate the excavation process, the price to be paid for the work
will be higher.
○ Soft soil is easier to dig, while hard, stony soil will make things more complex. In some cases, the excavation company may also have to do post-disaster demolition
and destroy an existing concrete slab or solid structure.

5. DIMENSIONS OF THE AREA TO BE EXCAVATED

○ The cost of excavation for foundations can also vary in relation to the size and depth of the hole to be dug. When preparing a quote, the contractor will also take into
account the price related to the disposal of the excavated material.

6. THE SEASON DURING WHICH THE EXCAVATION WORK IS CARRIED OUT

○ Seasonal differences also have an impact on the cost of foundation excavation projects. In Quebec, most people plan their excavation work between late spring and
early fall.
○ You may be able to take advantage of a lower rate if you plan the excavation in early spring or late fall, when contractors have more time. However, you should be
aware that this is still a risk, as temperatures that are too cold could affect the work.

7. LOCATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

○ Is the area to be excavated located in a remote or difficult to access area? If this is the case, the logistical challenge may result in additional costs for the excavation
contractor, who will have to transport his machinery to the job site. 52_PALLAVI TAORI
GROUND WATER CONTROL AND DEWATERING

Controlling groundwater during excavation is extremely important in the construction industry. Dewatering helps provide
temporary reductions in groundwater levels for structures that must extend below groundwater level. Dewatering means
removal of excess
Controlling water during
groundwater from saturated soil.
excavation is •extremely
Dewatering is a necessary
important process whenindustry.
in the construction it comesDewatering
to many construction
helps provide temporary reductions in groundwater levels for
projects, particularly
structures that must when
extendthe construction
below is forlevel.
groundwater underground projects.
Dewatering means removal of excess water from saturated soil. • Dewatering is a necessary process when it comes to
many construction projects, particularly when the construction is for underground projects.
1. SHEET PILING
○ Sheet
1. SHEET piles are installed sequentially to design depth along the planned excavation perimeter or seawall
PILING
alignment.
○ Sheet piles are installed sequentially to design depth along the planned excavation perimeter or seawall alignment.
The interlocked
○ The
○ interlocked sheet
sheet piles
piles form
form aa wall
wall for
for permanent
permanent or or temporary
temporary lateral
lateral earth
earth support
support with
with reduced
reduced groundwater inflow. Anchors can be included to provide
groundwater
additional inflow.
lateral Anchors
support can be included to provide additional lateral support if required.
if required.
Sheet pile
○ Sheet
○ pile walls
walls have
have been
been used
used to
to support
support excavations
excavations for
for below-grade
below-grade parking
parking structures,
structures, basements,
basements, pump
pump houses, and foundations, to construct cofferdams,
houses,
and and foundations,
to construct seawallstoandconstruct cofferdams, and to construct seawalls and bulkheads.
bulkheads.
2. SUMP
2. SUMP PUMPING
PUMPING
○ The most basic form of groundwater control is sump pumping, which is simply a method where groundwater is
collected
The most using
basic aform
sump
of and pumped away
groundwater controlfrom the construction
is sump site. This
pumping, which type a
is simply ofmethod
groundwater
wherecontrol can beis collected using a sump and pumped away from the
groundwater
inexpensive, but ground loss as well as excessive seepage can be time consuming and expensive to deal with. Pre-drainage methods may be used for situations
where sump pumping may pose a threat to the instability of the ground or adjacent structures.

3. WELLPOINT SYSTEMS
○ These are used to lower groundwater levels and help provide safe working conditions during excavation. Wellpoint systems consist of a number of small diameter
wells, which are connected with a header pipe to a wellpoint pump.
○ The wellpoint pump then creates a vacuum that draws water up from the ground.
4. SHALLOW OR DEEP BORE WELLS
○ A hole of 30 cm diameter or more is bored into the ground to a depth not more than 10 m below the pump level. A strainer tube of 15 cm diameter is lowered in the
bore hole having a casing tube.
○ A gravel filter is formed around the strainer tube by gradually removing the casing tube and simultaneously pouring the filter well so formed.
○ The suction pipe from a number of such wells may be connected to one common header connected to the pumping unit.
5. HORIZONTAL GROUNDWATER CONTROL
○ Groundwater control encompasses the range of temporary works techniques used to allow below-ground construction projects to be carried out in dry and stable
conditions. Two principal approaches can be used: groundwater control by pumping (also known as construction dewatering), which involves pumping from an
array of wells or sumps to lower groundwater levels in the vicinity of an excavation; or groundwater control by exclusion, which relies on low permeability cut-off
walls around the excavation to prevent or reduce groundwater inflows.
6. ELECTRO OSMOSIS METHOD
○ Electro-osmosis Is Defined As "The Movement Of Water (And Whatever Is Contained In The Water) Through A Porous Media By Applying A Direct Current (Dc) Field.
• This Technique of Dewatering Done Through The Use Of Cathodes & Anodes With Passage Of Electrical Current. • This Is The Only Effective Method Of
Dewatering In Deep Clay Soils.
52_PALLAVI TAORI
CONSTRUCTION OF BASEMENT

REMOVAL OF SOIL

There will have great amount of excavated soil produced during the process of excavation. Suitable planning
for the removal of the excavated material should be made in advance in order not to cause disruption to work
and incur extra costs. Soil removal can be done by the following ways.
1. Using manual method, say, by wheelbarrow.
2. Using bucket and lift to ground level by crane.
3. Using hoist rack (opening has to be provided in the basement/excavation pit first).
4. Using gantry crane (opening has to be provided in the basement/excavation pit first).
5. Using conveyor belt
6. Using excavating machine to removal spoil, may be in stepped position in case of very deep pit.
7. Using dump truck but access provision has to be provided in advance (such as a temporary ramp
or the permanent vehicular access into a basement)

BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION METHODS Open cut method

1. Open-cut method
○ There are two ways to execute open-cut basement excavation. There is the slope
method, which has some of the lowest excavating costs of any technique. It creates
an excavated area with walls that are on a downward slope. (Excess dirt is later
layered on top of this slope). The open-cut slope method does not require any
retaining walls to hold back the earth from crumbling onto your building’s foundation.
○ A more complicated and expensive variant is called the cantilever open-cut method,
which does require retaining walls to keep the surrounding terrain from crushing your
foundation. The advantage to a cantilever method is that you can dig much deeper
basements.
2. Top-down method
○ This excavation method is often used for constructing high-rise buildings in urban Comparison between top down construction and bottom up
areas. construction
○ It starts with constructing load-bearing foundation walls and laying a concrete
ground floor on top of those walls.
○ Then, a large (often complex basement) gets excavated beneath that ground floor.
○ This method is expensive, but it is actually more nimble than an open-cut excavation
because it allows a building’s upper floors to be built at the same time that a
basement is getting excavated.
3. Cut and cover method
○ The cut and cover method is a traditional form of tunneling that involves opening up
the ground surface and excavating to the required depth. Once the construction is
complete, the excavation is backfilled. The method is used when excavation is
possible and economical from the surface, and environmentally acceptable.
○ Shallow tunnels, tunnels for underpasses, and in flat terrain are built using this Top down method Cut and cover method
method. A section of the earth is excavated and then covered with a support system. 52_PALLAVI TAORI