How to remove 3 000 m3 of soil through a window?
This was the challenge facing an earthworks company on the site of the old Hospice General in Douai. Between strict heritage constraints and the layout of the site, the task seemed difficult.
However, thanks to a continuous handling solution, which appeared to be a logistical impasse turned into an operational success. Find out how in this case study.
Project context and challenges.
The project to renovate the historic Hospice Général de Douai involves converting part of the site into a 4-star hotel and the other part into apartments. The construction of a swimming pool in the inner courtyard requires the removal of 3,000 m3 of soil. A seemingly conventional project, but one that turned out to be a logistical challenge.
The inner courtyard is enclosed by buildings classified as historic monuments. It was therefore impossible to create an access point to allow construction equipment to reach the work site and remove the soil.
Although the construction machinery was able to reach the inner courtyard by passing over the roof of the building, it was not possible for the soil to take the same way.
The only solution was to remove the soil through the building, thanks to two windows 7 metres apart.
A soil conveyor like solution.
Renting a 14-metre soil conveyor belt quickly proved to be the ideal solution. Its length allowed it to cross the width of the building through the two windows, while still providing sufficient length to transport the soil directly into the trailer of the truck parked outside.
The use of the soil conveyor transformed a complex evacuation process into a constant, regular flow, without increasing the number of handling operations or requiring additional workforce.
Fed by a small bucket, the truck’s skip was loaded in 30 minutes.
To meet the customer’s needs, we opted for a standard model from the range rather than a version designed for the construction industry, such as our construction site conveyor. Due to its larger size, it would not have been able to fit between the two windows.
This choice illustrates the versatility of our solutions, which can be adapted to a variety of applications.
Concrete benefits for the client.
‘We’re still wondering how we could have removed the soil without using this equipment.’
The conveyor’s operational efficiency exceeded expectations.
No training is required to use the conveyor, which allowed the construction team to be operational immediately.
The electric motorisation provided significant advantages, such as reducing the construction site’s carbon footprint and limiting noise pollution for local residents.
As one site worker said: ‘We’re still wondering how we could have removed the soil without using this equipment.’ This spontaneous reaction illustrates the benefits and time savings offered by this type of solution.
Do you have access constraints or specific material removal needs on your construction sites? Contact us and together we will identify the solution best suited to your needs.
