Dewatering - Made Easy
What is Dewatering and What Methods Can be Used to Manage Groundwater.
Construction projects, such a building foundations,
basements and new service installs, often require effective groundwater and surface water management to ensure a safe and smooth construction process. This is where dewatering becomes essential.
Dewatering is the process of removing both surface and subsurface water from a construction site. Whether dealing with shallow excavations or deep ones, ranging from less than 1.5 meters to over 15 meters deep, it's vital to consider a wide range of methods to ensure adequate precautions are taken to control water levels effectively.
Content Overview.
- What To Consider
- What Is Groundwater
- Method | Wellpoint Dewatering
- Method | Deepwell Dewatering
- Method | Open Sump Dewatering
Why Dewater?
Dewatering isn't just a construction process; it's a cornerstone of safety and structural integrity when working in and around large bodies of water. Picture this: a dry, stable excavation site that enhances soil stability, prevents delays and guarantees the well-being of your workforce. That's the benefits of dewatering.
But here's the kicker: neglecting proper collection and disposal of surface and sub-surface water (groundwater) can unleash a wave of troubles. From soil instability impacting your excavation's or building's structure to the nightmare of surface flooding, these issues can haunt your construction project and impact program causing delays and unwanted costs.
Consider this your warning beacon:
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Unattended groundwater intrusion can trigger soil variations that jeopardise your excavation's integrity.
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Ignoring proper drainage can lead to surface flooding nightmares, especially during large rainfall events.
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Careless water pooling can result in construction program delays, adding unwanted costs to the project.
What To Consider Before Choosing A Dewatering Method?
Before selecting a dewatering method, it's crucial to rely on a wealth of information sources for the best results. Start by referencing geotechnical and groundwater site investigations, along with risk assessments specific to your construction project. If necessary, seek guidance from local authorities for additional insights including what the local disposal criteria requirement is.
Some important questions to consider.
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What is the drawdown required to allow for a dry excavation including any compaction requirements?
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What is the estimated flow rate for the dewatering system including the hydraulic conductivity of the surrounding soil strata? - (See our drawdown calculator for more information here)
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Is there any hydrostatic cut-off available from surrounding retention systems?
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Is the site located in a high risk acid Sulphate soil area and is there any groundwater quality data available?
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What options are available for the discharge of the dewatering effluent and is treatment required prior to disposal?
The dewatering process typically unfolds in several phases, including well installation, pumping, silt filtration or removal, and ultimately, controlled discharge. Careful consideration of these factors will pave the way for a successful and well-executed dewatering strategy.
In many instances, the expertise of specialist dewatering services becomes indispensable. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring both soil stabilization and the effective control of groundwater throughout your project. Contact GSS today to speak with a dewatering expert for your next project.
TAILORED MADE
TO SUIT SITE REQUIRMENTS
Efficient Wellpoint Dewatering:
The Smart Choice
Wellpoint system for dewatering stands out for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various soil and hydrological conditions. This method involves hand jetting a number of wells, also known as dewatering spears around the construction site and connecting them to a series of vacuum pumps.
These dewatering systems comprise a network of small-diameter wells linked by a central header pipe connected to a suction pump. Groundwater is drawn up through the wellpoints, thanks to the vacuum created by the Wellpoint pumps. These perforated pipes feature ball valves, regulating water flow and preventing mud from entering. This method can effectively lower groundwater levels by approximately six meters.
Wellpoint dewatering shines in scenarios like new service installs and connections, single or double level basement construction and works exceptionally well in sandy soils and gravelly terrains.
The systems can be installed single or doubled sided and can be setup in layers to achieve greater drawdown depths. They are a practical and efficient choice for keeping excavation areas dry and stable during construction.
To The Right - Double Sided Dewatering Spears With Trench Boxes.
THE KEY TO PROVIDING
DRY WORKING ENVIROMENTS
THE PACKAGE
Since 2016, we have expanded our capabilities to water table management through dewatering, water treatment, and pumping equipment hire.
We now provide our valued customers with turnkey packages including dewatering service and a full range of pumping equipment for groundwater control solutions on their projects. Not only that, but we also offer solutions to your construction water supply requirement as well as environmental management services.
With a combination of water management services and shoring equipment, we can offer a complete supportive package on your next project.
PUMPING
GSS Hire has an extensive collection of reliable and well-maintained pumping equipment ready for hire. Our hire representatives work closely with our clients to offer the best, cost-effective solutions for every situation. Every pumping solution is also tailored to suit your environmental and safety requirement.
Along with selections of high-quality equipment, we also have a line of accessories and complementing products to support every water management requirement. These include; telemetry system, flow meter, specialized hoses, valves and fittings, and many more.
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Water Transfer Pumping
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Sewer Bypass Pumping
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Construction Water Supply
ENVIROMENTAL FOCUS
GSS is committed to delivering innovative and practical environmental sustainability solutions. We offer unsurpassed expertise in the environmental management of water, land, and air with our integrated network of environmental scientists, consultants, and laboratories.
Groundwater management
Dewatering Management Plans
Groundwater Treatment & monitoring
Environmental monitoring and testing
Environmental approvals, permits & licenses
SOLUTIONS BASED
We are a one-stop destination, offering comprehensive groundwork packages that focus on practical, safe, and value-adding solutions to your projects. Contact your nearest GSS hire branch to discover our services and product range.
