The construction industry is now one of the most high-tech in the world. For example, many excavating contracting companies use lasers to level and grade surfaces. According to OSHA, excavation involves any human-made changes to the earth's surface made by earth removal, including cutting, making cavities, trenching, or depressing. Let's take a closer look at how lasers can prove useful during these excavation projects.

The Modern-Day Uses of Laser Tools

Ask the average person about 'lasers' and their mind will probably conjure up sci-fi weapons. In fiction, lasers are often used to blow things up, but in the real world, they're immensely useful tools used more often to build (and treat medical conditions). Lasers emit beams of light that will travel far in very straight lines, making them useful for measuring distances and for grading surfaces. This is why lasers have emerged as a favorite tool on construction sites.

What Is Grading and How Do Lasers Help?

In the excavating contracting industry, grading refers to either leveling a surface or ensuring the surface adheres to a very specific slope. Constructed surfaces often have a slight slope to encourage water to run off of the surface. For example, a parking lot may have a slight slope to encourage water to run off the asphalt and into a nearby ditch, rather than collecting as puddles.

Which surfaces might be graded? When most professional construction projects are undertaken, some and even most of the surfaces will be graded at some point. The foundation, driveway, lawn, and patio might be graded if you're building a home. Tennis courts and athletic fields, among many other features, will also typically be graded. Lasers make it easier to ensure a surface is either very flat or that it adheres to the desired slope.

When it comes to measuring the grade of the surface, lasers rank among the most accurate and easy-to-deploy tools. Crucially, it's often possible to reduce the materials consumed to complete a construction project by using lasers. Since lasers are so accurate, they can greatly cut down on waste, saving money and improving a project's environmental footprint. If you're looking for an excavating contracting company that uses advanced tools like lasers and gets the job done right, call Cirone Construction & Carting today!