Hydrogeology in Construction: The Important Role It Plays

During construction projects, a lot of builders discover excessive quantities of water during the excavation stage. The substantial water volume and flow will make daily construction site management complicated, which might have a negative effect on schedules and budgets. This will compromise the quality of work. Sometimes, it becomes important to install a dewatering system to drawdown the water table for good. But, this type of issue can be avoided from the get-go by conducting a geotechnical investigation, particularly, an étude hydrologique.

Engineers and builders can depend on hydrogeology when getting information on the underground water resources. Also, they will be able to obtain details of tables for underground water. Engineers need these aspects when designing water supplies, irrigation schemes, and flood protection work.

Importance of Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology is meant to determine the geological descriptions of existing soils and bedrock, the water table’s depth, groundwater quality, the hydraulic conductivity of soils and bedrock, as well as the groundwater flow direction and hydraulic gradient. Builders and site assessors drill and install observation wells, conduct a hydraulic conductivity test, perform piezometric level surveys, and carry out groundwater sampling to achieve these purposes. If soils and bedrock ad highly permeable, they perform more exhaustive analysis. By having these basic hydrogeological parameters, they can expect groundwater infiltration issues during the excavation stage.

Moreover, hydrogeology helps improve site work planning and increases synergy, improves the selection and design of dewatering methods, minimises health and safety risks, as well as ensures sound risk management.

Hydrogeology for Water Sustainability

Groundwater can save lives, especially in times of drought. But, it can also be a hindrance to mining and construction projects. Drainage or excavation can disturb soils and rocks that contain metalliferous sulfides, which may react with the atmosphere, oxidising and producing acidic, saline, and metalliferous drainage. Hydrogeologists offer specialized groundwater services for civil, mining, water supply, agriculture, and wastewater management. Hydrogeology implements innovative solutions to water challenges.

Engaging in Hydrogeology Consultant Services

Hydrogeology consultants effectively assess any site condition and recommend solutions to client issues. Their strong team of experts assists clients to develop and protect surface and groundwater supplies, Theycarryout groundwater resource assessments, analyze impacts and mitigation methods, as well as support the design of new water wells for the development of water supplies. Also, they perform specialized hydrogeological and environmental studies to address the environmental impacts of a project. This is necessary to assess the relationship between water levels, vegetation, and soil moisture.

Comments are closed.