Dirt Work

What is Dirt Work?

“Dirt Work” refers to the preparation and manipulation of soil for construction or landscaping projects. This can include tasks like grading, excavating, digging, leveling, and trenching. Dirt work is essential for creating a stable foundation for buildings, roads, and other structures, as well as for managing water drainage and preparing the ground for further development. Heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and graders are often used in dirt work.

Services We Offer

• Building Pads
• Grading
• Gravel Driveways
• Private Roads

See our gallery below!

Building Pads

A building pad is a level area of compacted soil that serves as a foundation for structures such as homes, buildings, or other infrastructure. It involves grading, excavating, compacting, and sometimes stabilizing the soil. The process ensures a stable, level surface that can support the weight of the structure.

Here is a general outline of the steps involved in preparing a building pad:

1. Site Clearing: Removing any trees, vegetation, and debris from the construction site.
2. Excavation: Depending on the design, the land may need to be excavated to reach the desired grade. This step helps in leveling the ground or removing unsuitable soil.
3. Grading: The site is graded to provide proper drainage and create a flat surface for the building pad. Grading ensures water flows away from the foundation, preventing future water damage.
4. Compaction: The soil is compacted to achieve a dense, stable base. This process minimizes the risk of settling or shifting after the construction is complete.
5. Fill Material: Sometimes, fill material (such as: gravel or select fill dirt) is added to help with stability, especially if the existing soil is unsuitable
6. Stabilization (if needed): In areas with poor soil conditions, additional stabilization methods, such as geo-textiles or limes treatment, may be used to strengthen the building pad.
7. Final Grading: After compaction, final grading ensures the pad is perfectly level, with the proper elevation and slope.

Grading

Grading is the process of reshaping the land to ensure proper drainage and create a stable, level surface for construction. It plays a critical role in site preparation, especially for a building pad, to prevent water pooling around the foundation and ensure the ground is suitable for building.

There are 2 main types of grading:

1. Rough Grading: Purpose: To achieve the general contours of the land, removing high spots and filling in low areas to meet the project’s design specifications. Process: Heavy machinery like bulldozers, graders, and excavators are used to move large amounts of earth. The soil is shaped to provide a general slope that allows water to flow away from the future building site. A common slope is a 5% grade away from the structure to ensure proper drainage. During rough grading, the land may also be leveled for roads, driveways, and other areas on the property.
2. Final Grading: Purpose: To create a smooth, even surface with a precise elevation for building. Process: This step involves more detailed work than rough grading and may include fine-tuning the grade with smaller machinery or manual tools like rakes. The final surface is prepared to the exact elevation and slope specified by the construction plan. It ensures that water drains away from the building pad and the area looks finished. At this stage, topsoil may be added if necessary for landscaping or to promote vegetation growth.

Gravel Driveways/Private Roads

Gravel driveways are a popular and cost-effective option for residential and rural properties. They provide good drainage, are relatively easy to install, and offer a rustic, durable surface. However, proper construction and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity and usability of the driveway.