What Does Slot Trenching Mean?
Slot trenching is a construction method involving the excavation of narrow trenches for the installation of underground utilities such as pipes, cables, and conduits. Slot trenching may also be used to install other items such as signs and posts. Slot trenching can be done by conventional excavation methods, although minimal impact techniques, such as hydro excavation, are typically preferred due to its non-mechanical, non-destructive, and more efficient operation.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Slot Trenching
Before some underground utilities are installed, a narrow corridor or trench must be first constructed. Conventional excavation methods involving manual labor, excavators, and other construction equipment can be time-consuming and pose a safety risk to construction personnel. These trenches are typically very narrow and can sometimes be unstable; therefore requiring construction personnel to work in confined spaces. Conventional excavation is also unable to dig adequately narrow trenches; often resulting in over-excavation as more than enough soil is removed from the site.
Non-mechanical methods such as hydro excavation are typically used in slot trenching. In addition to reduced manual labor and more precise trench excavations, hydro excavation is also classified as non-destructive since this technique poses minimal threat to existing utilities.
