Dewatering is often one of the first tasks carried out on a site to prepare it for construction or agriculture in some cases. It involves the removal of excess water from the ground, and it helps to keep the ground dried for a better foundation building.
Different construction companies adopt different dewatering methods for sites. The system to be used often depends on several factors that mostly have to do with the soil condition and how much water is on the site. One commonly utilized method is the wellpoint system, and it has always been very effective, especially when adequately done. This article will consider the different techniques of wellpoint dewatering and how effective they are. Read on for more information.
Wellpoint Dewatering System
Many construction companies adopt the wellpoint system as their primary dewatering method because of its efficiency and simplicity. This system serves as a tool for deep-water removal, and it involves the installation of several small-diameter wells on the construction site.
The wellpoints are installed using a water jetting or pre-drilled water jetting method. The wellpoints are connected to the manifold via the flexbows. The manifold is connected to the pump which discharges the recovered ground water to the designated discharge point.
Types of Wellpoint Dewatering
There are mainly two types of dewatering via the wellpoint system.
- Single level wellpoint
- Multi-level WellPoint
- Single stage wellpoint system Is used when the required dewatering depth does not exceed 4- 4.5m. Self jetting wellpoints are made of steel pipe and have a non return valve ( normally a ball valve) at the bottom of the wellpoint screen that closes after wellpoint installation preventing the ingress of sand and mud into the wellpoint.
- Multi-Level Wellpoint: Also referred to as a multi-stage wellpoint, this system is often adopted when the required drawdown exceeds 4.5M. In this system, the well points are installed in stages or to different grades until it reaches the desired depth.
Advantages of the Wellpoint Dewatering System
Most construction companies prefer to use the wellpoint system for dewatering sites, except in cases where this system is not the most appropriate. Here are some significant advantages of wellpoint dewatering that have made it very popular.
- Less expensive than other dewatering methods
- Very effective
- Straightforward dewatering system
- Used for water removal down to 4.0 -4.5m deep
- Suitable for many projects, including:
- Deep sewer lines laying
- Canal construction
- Bridge construction
- Subway construction
- Water distribution
- Residential buildings
Bottom Line
The wellpoint dewatering system has proven to be one of the best methods for removing groundwater, and the different techniques in this system make it more versatile.
The types, advantages, and applications of the wellpoint dewatering system have been highlighted in this article. This is to help you understand the concept better for more suitable and effective constructions. It’s important to note that all dewatering services must always use the finest quality dewatering hire equipment.
