Commercial site work plays a crucial role in the overall success of asphalt paving and contracting projects. It involves a series of preparatory tasks that ensure the construction site is properly graded, cleared, and ready for the installation of asphalt surfaces and buildings! Let’s dive into the commercial site work process for our asphalt paving and contracting projects.
Site Evaluation and Planning
Before any asphalt paving project begins, a comprehensive site evaluation and planning phase is essential. This involves assessing the terrain, drainage patterns, soil conditions, and potential challenges or obstacles that might affect the paving and construction process. A well-designed plan ensures that the paving project meets the specific requirements of the site and maximizes its longevity.
Clearing and Excavation
Clearing the construction site is the first step in commercial site work. This process involves removing vegetation, debris, rocks, and any existing structures that may interfere with the paving and project goals. Excavation is then carried out to establish the desired grade and remove unsuitable soil. Proper clearance and excavation lay the foundation for a smooth and durable asphalt surface.
Grading and Compaction
Achieving the correct grade and compaction is crucial for the longevity and performance of the asphalt pavement. Grading ensures proper water drainage, preventing pooling and erosion. It also promotes even weight distribution on the surface, reducing the risk of cracks and potholes. Compaction, on the other hand, ensures that the soil is properly compressed, providing a stable base for the asphalt layers.
Water Management
Effective water management is a critical aspect of commercial site work. This involves designing and implementing systems that control the flow of surface and rain water, preventing flooding and erosion. By incorporating features like catch basins, retention ponds, and underground drainage pipes, our team can ensure the longevity of the pavement by reducing, or eliminating, the potential for damaging effects of water on the underlying layers.
Utility Coordination
Commercial sites often have various utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity lines running beneath the surface. Coordinating with utility providers and ensuring proper relocation or protection of these lines is essential to avoid accidents, delays, or damage to the infrastructure. Clear communication and coordination with utility companies minimize disruptions and ensures a safe working environment for all.
Environmental Considerations
At HMA, we are increasingly embracing environmentally friendly practices and commercial site work provides an opportunity to implement sustainable solutions. This may include using recycled materials in the base layers, installing permeable pavements to facilitate groundwater recharge, and implementing erosion control measures to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.
Hiawatha Trails – Commercial Site Highlight
Our HMA team has had the privilege of bringing new walking trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and more to Hiawatha Trails in Guilderland! Project Manager Jeff Otruba has spearheaded this large-scale project for the past two years and will be coming to a close in 2023. Our work at Hiawatha Trails spans across 50 acres with 25 acres of paving, 135,000sf of building excavation, and 60,000 cubic yards of heavy earth moving completed; and that’s just phase one!
Phase two is currently underway and we are in the midst of additional building excavation totaling 50,000sf and 185,000sf for the entire project! All in all, our team will have implemented a total of 130,000sf of porous pavement that includes roads, walking trails, parking lots, and other infrastructure like sidewalks and curbing. Our HMA team is proud of our work at Hiawatha Trails and is excited for our Capital Region community to explore this new area!
Learn More About Our HMA Team Today!
Commercial site work sets the stage for successful asphalt paving and contracting projects. From site evaluation and planning to grading, compaction, water management, utility coordination, and environmental considerations, each step plays a vital role in the durability, functionality, and longevity of the asphalt surface. By prioritizing commercial site work, our HMA Paving and Contracting team delivers high-quality results that meet the needs of our clients while contributing to a more sustainable future.