Underground Systems
Underground infrastructure like sewers, water mains, and electrical systems are trenched in early so that the heavy equipment used to install them won’t damage any parts of the project. Most of the lighting and irrigation systems will be put together at this stage, and the trenches will be backfilled and compacted to prevent settling. This is a good time to settle on the placement of any outdoor electrical outlets, as well as hose spigots for community and school gardens.
Pouring the Foundations
The foundations and other primary elements will be installed next. This includes the foundations that play equipment will be connected to at a later phase. The rest of the work will be based on these elements and their placement. Formwork will be built and placed, and after having it all inspected, concrete can be poured.
Shaping the Ground
After the concrete is sufficiently cured, the forms will be removed and rough grading can be performed. The soil is moved to shape the landscape according to the construction drawings. After foundation drainage systems are placed, the earth can be backfilled around structures. The subgrades will also be set for larger areas like parking lots, access routes, sports courts, and other paved surfaces.
Final grading at Brock Elementary School (Image: Skala Designs Inc.)