Excavation & Trenching Safety

The Unit Weight of Soil refers to the weight of one unit of a particular soil. The weight of soil varies with type and moisture content. One cubic foot of soil can weigh from 110 pounds to 140 pounds or more, and one cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet) of soil can weigh more than 3,000 […]

In addition to sliding, tension cracks can cause toppling. Toppling occurs when the trench’s vertical face shears along the tension crack line and topples into the excavation. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section III: Overview: Soil Mechanics. At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private […]

An unsupported excavation can create an unbalanced stress in the soil, which, in turn, causes subsidence at the surface and bulging of the vertical face of the trench. If uncorrected, this condition can cause face failure and entrapment of workers in the trench. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section III: Overview: Soil Mechanics. […]

To determine the unconfined compressive strength of the soil with a shearvane, the blades of the vane are pressed into a level section of undisturbed soil, and the torsional knob is slowly turned until soil failure occurs. The direct instrument reading must be multiplied by 2 to provide results in tons per square foot (tsf) […]

Per OSHA, Heaving or Squeezing is caused by the downward pressure created by the weight of adjoining soil. This pressure causes a bulge in the bottom of the cut. Heaving and squeezing can occur even when shoring or shielding has been properly installed. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). […]

Per OSHA, Surcharge means an excessive vertical load or weight caused by spoil, overburden, vehicles, equipment, or activities that may affect trench stability. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for […]