Dredging is a necessary part of keeping waterways clean and clear. It also allows for construction of important bridges, dykes, and dams. Many types of dredgers can be rented for use in various situations. They have different uses but can be broken down into three categories: mechanical, hydraulic/suction, and others.
Stationary Dredgers
Dredging is a necessary activity that helps keep shipping channels, harbors, and inland waterways open. It is a hugely important activity impacting the world’s supply chain. Many different dredging equipment Spring, TX, can be split into two main categories: mechanical and hydraulic. The most common type of dredge is mechanical, which uses buckets to scrape the bottom of bodies of water. These buckets are then filled and transported off to be disposed of. Mechanical dredges are usually used for smaller jobs in shallow waters and can be moved while they work by winches. The other type of dredge is a hydraulic dredger, which sucks up sand, silt, and gravel from the seabed using a pipe that extends from it. This type of dredge is often used for larger projects in deeper waters.
Self-Propelled Dredgers
Dredging involves the excavation of sand, silt, sediment, and other materials from the bottom of a body of water. It’s a vital part of harbor maintenance and a great way to clean the marine environment. There are three types of dredgers: stationary, portable, and self-propelled. Stationary dredgers are built in place and stand on columns called spuds. They are a great choice for environmental projects as they use water jets to fluidize the bed material and carry it away with natural currents. Portable dredgers are powered by their engines and can move from one location to another. However, they still require tugboats for ocean towing. They are best used when working on a small scale and in confined spaces.
Mobile Dredgers
Dredging is often used to remove sediments that accumulate in harbors, docks, and piers over time. These materials can lower the water level and impede shipping. They can also cause accretion and erosion, which can affect ecosystems. Mechanical dredgers are rugged and work well in tightly confined areas around docks and piers. They are towed to the dredging site on large barges and secured in place by anchor piling called “spud poles.” These dredgers can also be used in relatively protected channels with calmer seas.
Beach towns and vacation destinations benefit from dredging, which brings back sand to eroded beaches and increases tourism in the summer months. Businesses near lakes or rivers can also benefit from dredging, maintaining the lake’s depth, and eliminating harmful chemical accumulations. Once the dredged material is removed from an area, it can be used for many different purposes, including in land projects such as roads, building pads, and even mulch. Using the material on land is typically cheaper than disposing it in a landfill.
Hopper Dredgers
Hopper dredgers are self-propelled vessels that carry their load in a large onboard hold known as a hopper. These dredgers are used for maintenance, land reclamation, beach nourishment, and capital dredging projects. Once the dredged material is loaded, bottom gates or valves are opened, and the hopper is pumped offshore. They are ideally suited for conditions that preclude mechanical clamshell or cutter dredges, including busy navigation channels and open ocean borrow areas far from designated placement sites. Hopper dredges can excavate, load, and pump seabed materials in a very short time and are capable of working in rough conditions.
