What are Preliminary Works in Construction? – The Engineer

It involves removing vegetation, debris, and any elements that could obstruct or interfere with the construction. This includes the removal of roots and soils with organic matter, expansive clays, or any other materials considered unsuitable for construction by specialists. This stage prepares the area for the commencement of construction.

Important note: The materials resulting from this activity should be relocated to a place where they do not affect the community. Depending on regional or national legislation, there may be specific transportation or waste treatment requirements. The responsible professional should inform themselves about waste and debris management in their locality.

The tools used for this work vary depending on the amount of land to be cleared. For smaller projects, the following tools are generally used: pickaxe, axes, hammer, mallet, shovel, crowbar, mattock, machete, saw; and equipment such as wheelbarrows and mini-loaders are also needed.

Construction Process

The construction process for clearing the land consists of several fundamental stages that must be executed with precision and care. The following points detail each of these stages to provide a deeper understanding of the process:

1. Limitation of clearing: The first step is to define and delimit the specific areas where clearing will take place, i.e., the removal of the upper vegetation layer of the soil. This delimitation is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions in areas that will not be used in the project, in order to preserve the ecosystem and reduce environmental impact.
2. Inventory and management of trees: A detailed inventory of all trees in the area to be cleared is carried out. Based on this inventory, decisions are made regarding which trees should be relocated, pruned for maintenance, or, in some cases, transplanted for conservation. This measure aims to minimize the loss of valuable trees and promote the protection of the natural environment.
3. Cutting trees, shrubs, and undergrowth: Any trees, shrubs, and undergrowth that are not part of conservation plans and interfere with the project must be carefully cut. This involves using appropriate techniques to avoid unnecessary damage and ensure environmentally respectful intervention.
4. Selective felling and wood utilization: In the case of necessary tree felling for the project, priority is given to selective and responsible felling. It focuses on mature trees that do not compromise the integrity of the ecosystem. The wood resulting from this selective felling can be sustainably used for various purposes, such as furniture or additional structural elements.
5. Removal of topsoil and black soil: The topsoil, rich in nutrients and organic matter, is carefully removed from the intervention area. This topsoil can be reused in other spaces, such as planned garden areas, contributing to maintaining soil fertility and promoting subsequent revegetation.
6. Proper waste management: The remaining materials resulting from clearing and clearing must be managed responsibly. Items that cannot be reused or recycled are transported and properly disposed of at authorized waste management sites, thereby avoiding potential negative impacts on the environment.

Clearing and clearing the land is an essential phase in the construction process, as it lays the foundation for any project in the area. Its correct execution and planning help preserve biodiversity and natural resources in the area, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction. Selective tree felling and conscientious wood utilization encourage responsible use of forest resources. Furthermore, reusing topsoil and black soil in garden areas helps maintain soil fertility and enrich green spaces. In summary, each of these stages has a direct impact on the project’s development while seeking to maintain balance and harmony with the surrounding environment.