Why Dredging Can Be Important For Construction
Dredging is often thought of as something most important for shipping or the maintenance of smaller waterways that can be most affected by the build-up of sediment along the bottom. However, dredging is often a key part of many construction sites and construction projects in general, and not always in direct and obvious ways. Anytime you see a pier, dock, bridge, dam, or any other kind of construction in or around a waterway, it likely involved dredging, but so do many others. Here are a few ways construction site dredging is often more widespread than you might think.
For Projects On The Water
It might not seem that important, but sediment can wreak havoc on construction projects based on the water by completely eroding the security of any foundations set in them. Sediment and silt are not strong materials to try to build on top of and in many ways can be corrosive. To clear the path for concrete, wood, or synthetic materials used in the foundations of many of these constructions, most engineers and architects will organize thorough dredging of the area to ensure there is no loose material that can get in the way.
Gathering Of Materials
The aggregates found in the silt and sediment are not something that you just throw out. Most of the time these tiny rocks and pieces of dirt are either immediately turned into gravel or sold to a company that will do so. In some cases, this material is used to shore up wetlands and similar environments because it easily fits back into that ecosystem without harming any wildlife. It can even be used in construction as well. Nothing is wasted when it is possible to turn it into what can be quite valuable material down the track.
Restoring Balance
Sometimes dredging is done not for the benefit of human purposes like building or to gather resources, but simply to restore the balance of nature. Large-scale weather events can be harsh to those above water but can also severely damage large swathes of underwater habitats by sending thousands of pounds of silt and material spiraling throughout the many waterways nearby. Often, construction site dredging will then take a backseat to the cause of dredging material to restore the river to its former glory. When done properly, dredging can be a very beneficial process either in the service of construction or just to help a badly damaged area.