Welcome toCentexExcavation

Gravel and Stone Sizes Explained

A practical guide to gravel and stone sizes: what aggregate size numbers like #57, #67, #411, and crusher run actually mean, open-graded vs. dense-graded stone, and how to pick the right aggregate for driveways, drainage, slab base, and retaining walls.

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Pond?

A practical guide to pond digging costs: how pond volume sets the price, per-cubic-yard and per-acre excavation ranges, backyard vs farm pond numbers, spoil hauling, liners, permits, and the site conditions that drive the bill.

Soil Swell and Shrinkage Factors Explained

A practical guide to soil swell and shrinkage: bank, loose, and compacted cubic yards, swell percentages and load factors by soil type, shrink factors, worked hauling and fill examples, and the volume mistakes that wreck earthwork estimates.

What Is a Competent Person in Excavation?

A plain-language guide to the excavation competent person: OSHA's definition, the daily inspection and soil classification duties under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, protective system checks, training, and the authority to remove workers from a hazardous excavation.

Trenchless Technology for Underground Utilities

A practical guide to trenchless technology: how horizontal directional drilling, auger boring, pipe ramming, microtunneling and pipe bursting install underground utilities, when each method wins over open-cut trenching, and how geology, cover, drilling fluids, locating and permits shape the job.

Riprap for Erosion Control

A practical guide to riprap: how angular stone is sized by D50 and class, why a geotextile filter layer is not optional, how layer thickness and toe depth are set, and how to install and maintain rock armor on ditches, culvert outlets, shorelines, and slopes.