Non-Destructive Excavation

QEST Infrastructure is the premier provider of non-destructive excavation, and the most diverse provider of a comprehensive suite of solutions to underground asset management servicing Melbourne, Geelong, across Victoria and interstate.  

Our team of experts have over 2 decades of on-the-ground and project management experience, and pride ourselves on our timely and accurate provision of non-destructive digging utilising the best-available techniques, like hydro vacuum excavation. We are the only underground utility locating serviceprovider delivering a holistic solution to underground infrastructure reporting including service location, utility mapping, geotechnical and environmental drilling, soil and contamination reporting, surveying, non-destructive excavation (hydro vacuum excavation), 3D scanning, drone flight surveying, and CAD drafting.

If you are considering whether you need non-destructive digging for your project, there are several factors to first consider.  Below we explain what non-destructive excavation is, why non-destructive digging is advantageous over traditional methods, and how hydro vacuum excavation works,to assist you in choosing QEST Infrastructure as your non-destructive excavation provider.

If we have left any of your questions unanswered or you would like to know if QEST Infrastructure’s hydro vacuum excavation is right for your project, contact us today.

What is non-destructive excavation?

Non-destructive excavation or non-destructive digging is a precise, clean, and low impact method for uncovering underground utilities without causing harm. QEST Infrastructure utilises cutting-edge technology, like hydro vacuum excavation, to remove soil to expose utilities. As underground services are often poorly mapped, excavation with traditional methods can damage these services, putting operators and property at risk. Our precision digging techniques for underground utility locating ensure the integrity of the excavation site. If you have an upcoming project that may require non-destructive excavation in Melbourne, Geelong, across Victoria or interstate, contact QEST Infrastructure today.

How does non-destructive digging work?

Non-destructive digging (known as non-destructive excavation) employs non-destructive methods of excavation, like hydro vacuum excavation – a specialised method that combines high-pressure water and a vacuum system. The targeted application of pressurised water breaks up soil, and the vacuum system simultaneously removes and stores the soil in a debris tank.

Non-destructive excavation is a precise technique for underground utility locating, allowing us to uncover underground assets with accuracy, minimising the risks associated with traditional excavation – like accidental damage to utilities and workplace injuries, which lead to costly project delays.

At QEST Infrastructure, our non-destructive digging services are safe and efficient, utilising the best available techniques and technologies to preserve surrounding structures and utility lines.

What is the difference between non-destructive digging and destructive methods?

Compared with traditional destructive methods of excavation such as digging with an excavator, non-destructive excavation is safer and more accurate. If a service has been electronically detected, Hydro excavation can be very precise and accurate, minimising the amount of disturbed ground.

Non-destructive digging, in some contexts known as geotechnical vacuum excavation, mitigates the risk of accidental damage to underground utilities, which can cause costly delays to projects and serious injuries to workers.

By employing non-destructive techniques like hydro vacuum excavation, we ensure the underground utility lines and structures surrounding your site are safeguarded. QEST is an industry leader in safe digging techniques, with the safety of your project being our priority.

What are the benefits of non-destructive digging?

There are many benefits to opting for non-destructive digging over traditional methods. By prioritising precision, QEST’s methods minimise the risk of accidental damage to underground utilities, reducing potential project delays, workplace injuries, and costly and inconvenient interruptions to utility services.

We utilise advanced techniques like hydro vacuum excavation – a safe, accurate, and less environmentally harmful technique – which ensures the longevity of underground utilities and surrounding structures. Non-destructive excavation is effective for underground utility locating, precision digging, digging in service dense areas, and foundations repairs, amongst others.

How does hydro vacuum excavation contribute to non-destructive digging?

Hydro vacuum excavation is a method of non-destructive digging (also known as Hydro excavation) which combines high-pressure water and a vacuum system to excavate underground utility services, such as electrical and communication cables. The high-pressure water breaks up the soil, which is then vacuumed into the debris tank. This method of non-destructive digging allows us to precisely expose underground utilities, while minimising the risk of costly damage.

Underground utility locating can only be precisely achieved by physically exposing and sighting the asset. Hydro vacuum excavation is recommended by asset owners as the preferred method physically exposing assets, due to its high level of precision, reduced environmental impact, and reduced likelihood of injury to workers and the public.

Is non-destructive excavation safe for underground utilities?

Non-destructive excavation is the only method of excavation that is safe for underground utilities. The services beneath the surface are an increasingly complex web of electrical, gas, sewer, telecommunication lines, and many others. It is impossible to know the precise location of underground utilities without uncovering and physically sighting the underground assets.

Accidental damage to underground services is costly and can cause inconvenient interruptions to essential services, and in worst cases, serious injury to workers and the public. Non-destructive digging is more accurate, efficient, and safe than traditional mechanical excavation methods. Our team of accredited field technicians boast over 2 decades of on-the-ground and project management experience in hydro excavation and employ precision digging techniques to guarantee the integrity of underground utilities.

Choose QEST Infrastructure’s non-destructive excavation services for your project to safeguard your project timeline and safety. We are accredited to work around the most highly regulated services such as high-voltage, gas transmission, oil transmission and optic cables.

When is non-destructive digging recommended for construction projects?

Non-destructive digging is recommended for construction projects requiring precision, efficiency, and safety. QEST Infrastructure’s non-destructive excavation services, backed by 2 decades of on-the-ground and project management expertise, to deliver safe digging solutions tailored to intricate utility networks.

Our precision digging techniques, like hydro vacuum excavation, are particularly suitable for excavating in confined and restricted areas or heavily serviced areas.

Whether your project involves complex underground utility locating or requires swift excavation with minimal disruption, our approach prioritises safety and precision, ensuring your project proceeds seamlessly.

How deep can non-destructive digging go?

Our advanced methods of non-destructive digging can reach varying depths, making it a versatile choice for diverse project needs. However deep the excavation required, our tooling for hydro vacuum excavation such as custom long lances and additional hose guarantees optimal results.

Our non-destructive excavation methods can efficiently reach depths suitable for any clients’ unique project requirements, and we haven’t come across a problem where we couldn’t develop a tailored solution. Contact us to have a valuable discussion about our precision digging services.