Dewatering processes are crucial in construction sites to ensure the safety and success of mining and construction projects. The dewatering process includes removing groundwater and surface water from the construction site.
This process is mainly carried out using submersible dewatering pumps to lower the water table for rapid digging.
The importance of dewatering construction sites can’t be overstated due to the multiple advantages it provides, like stable digging, equipment protection, environment preservation, and prevention of soil erosion.
Nearly all construction sites use submersible dewatering pumps to remove water collected in long deep holes and pits. To understand why dewatering pumps are highly preferred to get the job done, let’s cover:
- What is dewatering in construction?
- Benefits of using dewatering pumps in construction
- Methods of dewatering at construction sites
- Submersible dewatering pumps for construction
- Things to consider during the dewatering process
- Common challenges faced in the construction dewatering process
What Is Dewatering In Construction?
Dewatering is the process of removing groundwater or surface water from a construction site by using dewatering pumps. In construction, dewatering is crucial for creating drier and a safe work environment. It also helps in creating more stable soil for successful construction.
Benefits Of Using Dewatering Pumps In Construction
Safe & Stable Work Areas:
Excess water can damage construction equipment and slow downs the operation. Whereas dry soil reduces the risk of residue carried off by water, which helps stabilize the work area.
Dewatering pumps help remove excess water to improve site safety and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Moreover, it also helps prevent various hazards like mudslides, unstable slippery surfaces, and equipment failure due to bogging.
Reducing and controlling these hazards guarantees a safe and stable work environment for site workers and managers.
Reduced Downtime:
Another advantage of using a dewatering pump in construction is that it keeps a site dry by removing excess water. The dewatering pump helps reduce delays and downtime and increases site productivity.
Better Work Environment:
Motionless water often ends up being contaminated, which can pose several health risks for site workers, managers, and surrounding communities. By removing excess water, a dewatering pump improves the overall work condition on a construction site. This also includes lowering humidity and heat to make the work environment more comfortable to operate in.
Protect Valuable Equipment:
Construction and building equipment is expensive; hence, it is crucial to minimize the risk of equipment damage for efficient project success. Using a dewatering pump can help protect valuable equipment from certain damage caused by water.
Prevent Soil Erosion:
Groundwater can lead to soil erosion that can cause the collapse of dug walls. Hence, using a submersible dewatering pump to dewater the construction site can reduce the water in the pit, prevent soil erosion, and preserve structural integrity.
Environment Protection:
Dewatering is vital for environmental protection too, as the water removed from the construction site can accumulate debris and toxins from airborne contaminants that could harm the environment if not properly disposed of.
Dewatering pumps allow construction sites to remove these contaminants and prevent hazards and soil erosion hence, lessening the impact on the surrounding environment.
Methods Of Dewatering Construction Sites
Removing water from construction sites can be done in many ways; below are some of the most popular dewatering methods.
Wellpoint Systems:
This is one of the most popular methods of construction dewatering that involves the installation of small wells around the site. These small-diameter wells are connected to a header pipe which is connected to a pump that removes the water from the wells.
Deep Well Systems:
This dewatering method involves drilling a well and installing a submersible dewatering pump at the bottom of the well. The dewatering pump effectively removes the water from the well and discharges it outside.
Sump Pumping:
Sump pumping includes the installation of perforated pipes connected to a sump which is connected to a pump. The installed pump removes the water from the well and discharges it to the outer surface.
Eductor Wells:
In this method, the installation of a well with a high-pressure jet is done at the bottom of the ground. The high-pressure jet is used to create a vacuum that draws water into the well.
Submersible Dewatering Pumps For Construction
Submersible dewatering pumps are the best dewatering solution for every builder. It is installed at construction sites below the groundwater level to reduce and maintain the water level. These pumps are also wear-resistant and corrosion to handle fluids containing solids and suspended solids safely.
Submersible Dewatering Pump Specification
| Motor | Two Pole Construction Duty Squirrel Cage Submersible Type Induction Motor |
| Insulation Class | F |
| Protection | IP – 68 / Thermal Over Load / Moisture |
| Cable | Oil Proof PVC Insulated Double Sheathed Copper Conductor Flexible Cable |
| Range | 1 HP to 50 HP |
| RPM | 2800 |
| Size | 2-inch to 6 inch |
| Connection | DoL or Star Delta |
Material Of Construction
| Motor Body | S.S 202/304 or Aluminum |
| Cooling Jacket | S.S 202/304 / M.S |
| Impeller>/td> | C.I IS 210 FG260 / S.S 304 / S.S 316 |
| Shaft | S.S 410 |
| Strainer | S.S 202 |
| Mech. Seal | Double type: TC Vs. TC |
| Bearing | Deep Groove Ball Bearing (Top), Double Row Angular Contact Bearing (Bottom) |
Benefits Of Using Submersible Dewatering Pumps In Construction Sites
- Energy Efficient
- Self Priming
- Noiseless
- Highly Durable
- Easy To Install
- Low Maintenance
- High Safety
Things To Consider During The Dewatering Process
When selecting a discharge location for pumping out water, keep these things in mind to avoid erosion.
- Avoid direct water pumping into slopes
- Stop the dewatering in the discharge area with erosion or instability
- Use steady and better channels for dewatering
- Avoid discharging contaminated water
- Acquire supplementary access and requirements from the local authorities
To Wrap Up
Above is the breakdown of the advantages of using a dewatering pump in the construction industry as well as what are some of the common methods of dewatering construction sites.
By and large, the dewatering process in construction sites is crucial to ensure a safe work environment and the success of construction projects.
JB Pumps is a leading industrial pump manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of pumps, including Submersible Dewatering Pumps for the construction industry. Our dewatering pump is efficiently designed for construction dewatering with huge solid handling capacity and excellent pump hydraulic efficiencies.
Contact us for the best dewatering pump for your construction site.
