Backfilling Compaction Requirements and The Use of Mini Diggers

29 June 2020

Many construction companies are known for maximising the features and properties of mini diggers since they can fit well with different types of construction sites and projects. Mini diggers basically work like heavy-duty excavators, with the addition of versatility, compactness, and cost-effectiveness. And despite their small form factor, mini diggers can sometimes exceed their overall usefulness and functionality than their counterpart as they can perform a wide variety of construction processes. One of them is backfilling.

Backfilling with Mini Diggers

Backfilling is a construction process that replaces and reuses the soil from a building structure to another set of structures. The main purpose of this process is to strengthen and protect a structure’s foundation, roadways, walkways, and other related structures. Backfilling is typically done after the excavation process wherein the soil, together with rocks and stones, is brought back into the trench. Fortunately, mini diggers can not only do the excavation process, but it can also perform the backfilling process.

The backfilling process can be done in several methods. One of these methods is backfilling in layers. This backfilling method must be done in intervals so that the whole soil composition is compacted properly. The required number of inches per each layer of the soil typically depends on the project requirements. A specific backfilled layer must be levelled to the ground surrounding it before putting on the subsequent layers or lifts.

Another backfilling method is compacting. Compacting can be further grouped into various techniques, which vary depending on the materials being backfilled, the materials used, and the amount of stress applied. Another important element in compacting is the natural soil condition. The backfilling process can fail if the natural soil is not yet ready to be filled. To avoid backfilling failure, a compacting technique called proof rolling is conducted. This technique is done to look for deflections on a specific fill site.

Backfilling can also be done with the presence of water. Watering the soil thoroughly after setting up a fill layer is important for a more effective backfilling. And if you are working with pipes, any excavation must be backfilled immediately. To avoid damaging the pipe and its coating, you must carefully select appropriate backfilling materials.

Other Uses of Mini Diggers

Aside from backfilling, mini diggers can also perform other construction tasks that their heavy counterparts can do. They can be utilised to repair sewer lines, install swimming pools, demolish small to medium-size structures, make small trenches, do landscaping works, and excavate holes. All these activities are possible since mini diggers can use different attachments to get everything done quickly. They can also move into small access areas that help speed up the completion of construction activities.

Mini diggers can truly help with backfilling and other construction activities. If you need mini diggers for your next project, feel free to contact us at Melbourne Mini Diggers so that we can provide them for you.