Construction entrances and exits play a crucial role in construction sites, serving as temporary stone-stabilized zones strategically placed at vehicle entry and exit points. Their primary purpose is to establish a stable path that prevents mud and sediment from reaching public roads, contributing to effective soil erosion and sediment control.
While often overlooked, a construction entrance/exit stands out as a best management practice (BMP) for construction sites. This article delves into the planning, design, and maintenance requirements vital for creating an efficient construction entrance/exit at any construction site.
When it comes to planning a construction entrance/exit, consider the following key tips:
Strategic Location: Avoid placing the entrance/exit on road curves or steep slopes to ensure optimal functionality.
Adequate Gravel: Ensure that the gravel at the entrance/exit can effectively remove mud from vehicle tires; otherwise, a separate vehicle wash area is necessary.
Integration with Construction Roads: Coordinate the construction entrance/exit with the stabilization of construction roads to minimize mud pickup by vehicles.
Strict Requirement Areas: Construction entrances/exits are particularly useful in areas with strict sediment control and soil erosion requirements.
Effective design is crucial for a construction entrance/exit. Consider the following recommendations:
Site Preparation : Clean the entrance/exit area by removing vegetation and unwanted materials, ensuring positive drainage.
Stone Selection : Use reclaimed or recycled stones, sized between 1 to 3 inches, for the entrance/exit.
Dimensions: The entrance/exit pad should be a minimum of 50 feet in length, or 30 feet for small residential buildings, with a thickness of at least 6 inches.
Geotextile Filter Fabric: Lay a geotextile filter fabric before the stone pad to reduce soil particle migration.
Ridge Construction : Build a ridge if the slope is greater than 1:50 to divert runoff water away from public roads.
Berm for Water Management : Use a 5:1 slope berm beneath the entrance to redirect water away from the construction site.
Wash Areas : Install level wash areas with commercial racks or stone pads for tire cleaning, directing washed water to sediment trapping systems.
Maintenance is crucial to sustaining a construction entrance/exit. Follow these guidelines:
Stabilization Continuation : Maintain stabilization until a significant portion of the construction area is fully stabilized.
Periodic Additions : Periodically add stones and gravel to the entrance/exit for optimal functionality.
Prompt Cleanup : Immediately wash and remove mud and sediments that reach public roads.
Regular Inspection : Conduct weekly inspections, especially after heavy rain or extensive use.
Reshaping for Drainage : Reshape the entrance/exit pad for effective drainage and runoff control.
Timely Removal of Measures : Remove temporary erosion and sediment control measures within 30 days after completing stabilization work, stabilizing or removing trapped sediments on-site.
By following these guidelines, construction sites can create effective and sustainable entrance/exit points, contributing to overall environmental and public safety.
