Cutting and filling are two separate processes that are widely used during the preparation of a site for construction. Cutting is used when ground levels are too high or are not sufficiently level and involves the removal of soil, rocks and other material to achieve the required level. Filling is the opposite, raising ground levels by adding soil from elsewhere.
The two processes are often used together in order to achieve the required level for a site. There are substantial benefits in doing this but alternatives are available.
The Process of Site Cuts and Fills and the Benefits it Provides
Site preparation is necessary before construction of buildings, roads and any other structures can start. It will follow a survey of the site that will determine its size and features, including the different levels and the type of soil.
If the survey determines that the site is too hilly or uneven for construction, cut and fill may be used to improve the situation. Thorough planning may be necessary before this can take place, depending on the severity of the slope, the size of the site and the amount of soil that needs to be moved.
Specialist equipment such as excavators and bulldozers will be used to remove soil and rocks from the higher levels. For large sites, the removed soil may be loaded onto trucks and transported to the lower level.
The soil that has been cut from the higher level is then used to fill the lower level so that the whole plot then becomes reasonably flat and much more usable, whether for construction, farming or other purposes. Once the site is level, the soil may need to be graded and compacted before any construction work can start.
The purpose of cut and fill is to create a level site that is workable. One of the big advantages of using this method is that the required level is achieved by using materials that are already on site. There is no need to transport in extra soil nor to remove and dispose of any excess material.
Alternatives to Cut and Fill and Why they are Needed
Existing land is naturally compacted to some degree but moving it using cut and fill will disturb the land and make it aerated. This makes the soil more prone to settling at a later stage or to erosion caused by water and wind, therefore compaction is necessary.
Cut and fill may be difficult where there are adjoining sites that slope or have different levels. These may necessitate retaining walls being built, which add to the complexity and cost of the process.
If cut and fill is not possible, the alternative may be to create different levels on the site so that less soil needs to be moved.
Another possibility is to construct piers at the bottom end of the land so that the building is supported by land at the highest end and the piers further down. There will be space beneath the concrete floor of the building, which can be used or enclosed.
If you have sloping land where you wish to construct a property, we at Fraser Earthworks can advise on the best way to do this. Contact us and we will create a solution that is most suitable for construction.
