Site work consists of everything within a construction project that has to do with the location itself. It is all about preparing the site for the building that will eventually sit on it. Read on to learn more exactly what site work is and why it is important.

What is Site work?

Site work is important to the success of a construction project because it sets the base for the rest of the work. It consists of tasks such as excavation, grading, landscaping, and paving.

It is especially important in Florida because there are so many environmental issues to consider. Things like type of soil, underground water level, the flood plain, and local vegetation are all important considerations.

Stabilizing The Ground

Soil can be measured on a plasticity index which measures the shift between when the material is damp and dry. The higher on the plasticity index, the less stable the ground. If the ground is not stabilized, it can settle and ruin the foundation and structure of the building sitting on it.

Site work contractors often solve issues with stabilization by compacting the soil and importing more stable soil to add to the site. This stable soil is called fill material, and it is common to use in Florida, because of the proximity to sea level.

Avoiding Flooding

Building sites must have proper drainage to prevent flooding. Oftentimes the solution is to build up certain areas of a site while excavating others to direct the flow of water away from the building.

Natural landscaping can be used to the same effect, because it prevents erosion. Erosion prevention is often established by planting native plants, particularly trees. Once these plants establish themselves and develop a root system, they are a natural soil stabilizer.

Grading

Grading is the process of making the ground on a site level. The process takes two different forms. The first is making a site completely flat by eliminating any land or natural vegetation, this is the best option is drainage is not a concern. The second possibility is a smoothing of any inclines or declines. This is the best decision for a project that requires extensive landscaping to avoid flooding.

Why Is Site work Important?

The short answer is that it protects the project.

All of these steps prevent a host of potential future issues that may arise. Without site work, your home or business could flood, the foundation could crack, and the walls may lean. If no site work is done, it is possible for the entire project to collapse.

While site work is important, it is often not the focus of the overall project. There are a few exceptions though. Oftentimes public works projects, particularly the growth of transportation infrastructure, lean heavily on site work. Other public works include development of public spaces and public services.