Dewatering is a method of draining and removing surface water or groundwater from a construction site or any particular area. It is one of the first and most crucial steps in excavation or foundation work, especially in waterlogged or low-lying areas.
Before starting any construction project, the very first step is to dewater the surface water or groundwater to ensure the work is done safely and securely.
Dewatering is fundamental for any project, and it cannot be skipped.
Without the dewatering process, further steps cannot be taken because if we begin construction without dewatering, it can lead to soil failures, employee safety issues, financial losses, and many more problems, which can be a risk to life.
Apart from that, dewatering is also used in mining, agriculture, wastewater treatment, flood control and more.
In this blog, we will let you know why dewatering is important, how dewatering is done, and all the other important details about the dewatering process.
Why is dewatering important?
As we discussed, dewatering is used mainly for construction, so let’s understand why it’s important to use it at construction sites.
Construction projects are massive and should be completed on time, while ensuring safety. If dewatering is done, there’s a high chance the work will stay on schedule, and employees can work safely.
Without the dewatering process, there is a huge possibility of soil slippage or construction failure at any time. This can also increase financial expenses, so dewatering is a step that can’t be ignored on construction sites.
Besides this, dewatering is done in mining and farming. If water is present for any reason, work cannot begin. In places where flooding has occurred, dewatering helps remove the water. It also plays an important role in wastewater disposal. Dewatering also plays a vital role in tunnelling. If water is coming out, dewatering stores the water and transfers it to rivers or wells. In environmental cleaning, dewatering is very necessary.
How is dewatering done?
Dewatering can be done in several ways, and the method chosen will rely on the goal, such as environmental considerations, site construction, soil conditions, and other particular needs, all have an impact on the chosen approach. Here are a few dewatering methods that work for different conditions.
1. Wellpoint Systems
Wellpoint system works well on construction sites where shallow excavations and digging are required. In this method, many small pipes are inserted into the surface where you want to dig. These pipes are all attached to a big main pipe and also a vacuum pump. The pump draws water out from the surface or the ground. The dewatering method is efficient in shallow excavation and soft soils such as sand or silt.
2. Deep Well Dewatering
Deep well dewatering is used to intensive construction sites such as underground parking spaces, where deeper excavation is required. These wells can pull water from deeper underground and a wider area. Each well has its own pump that pushes water up and away from the site.
3. Electro-Osmosis
The electro-osmosis process works just like its name. This dewatering technique is used in fine-grained and low-permeability soils such as clay where water doesn’t move easily. It uses electrical current to move water through sticky soil that normal wellpoint pumps or other traditional methods can not handle well.
4. Groundwater Cutoff Methods
In this method, instead of removing, the water is stopped right there by making the boundaries of the steel and cement sheets. It also includes slurry walls and grouting (the process of filling the gaps using a cement-based mixture) to block water.
This method is mostly employed when groundwater is entering the construction site from all directions.
5. Sump Pumping
Sump pumping is the easiest method of dewatering. Workers dig small shafts (called sumps) at the lowest parts of the work site. Water naturally flows into these sumps. Then, pumps are used to remove this collected water. This method works well for small projects or along with other methods.
What are the risks of dewatering?
Although it is important to know where and how dewatering should be performed, if not executed well, it can pose several risks. Dewatering can settle or move the soil, which not only impacts the construction site but also the area around it. Moreover, when the removed water is not treated properly, it can pollute surrounding rivers or other sources with chemicals or sand, thus generating pollution.
Further, dewatering can also bring down the underground levels, which can cause storage of water in surrounding wells or borewells.
Lastly, improper methods used for dewatering can hinder equipment such as pumps, decreasing the entire system’s efficiency as well as economic value.
What equipment is used for dewatering?
As we’ve already discussed, the type of soil, the water level, and the presence of nearby water sources, such as lakes or rivers, all influence the best dewatering technique. The question now is , what equipment is appropriate to use?
Raajgad Pump can help with that.
We provide a large and dependable selection of dewatering tools designed to meet various project requirements and site conditions. Our equipment is made to work effectively whether you’re working with wastewater, muddy water, clean water or any other site condition. Raajgad Pumps’ products range includes Submersible Dewatering Pumps, Submersible Sewage Pumps, Electric Dewatering construction, and much more. Because each pump is made to last and perform well, you can easily handle water issues and keep your project moving forward.
Conclusion
Dewatering isn’t just a preliminary step, it’s the ultimate foundation for a safe, timely, and successful construction project. From construction to mining, agricultural activities, flood control, and wastewater treatment, the right dewatering method makes all the difference.
That’s why choosing the right machine is not just about how it works, but also about trust and reliability. Raajgad Pump is one such name that stands out. Our equipment is designed to perform efficiently across different conditions and industries. The quality of a product is proven through its performance, and in case of any issues, Raajgad also provides strong warranty support, so our customers never have to worry.
At the end of the day, we believe that it’s not just a name that builds a brand; it’s the trust of the people who use it.
