Page 281 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

PONDS AND EARTH DAMS

PONDS AND EARTH DAMS 6.17

FIGURE 6.12 Leveling piles with dragline.

Grading. It is sometimes possible to do the final grading while spreading the piles, but more
often it is necessary to distribute them roughly to get an idea of the amount of material available,
after which the area, or parts of it, is gone over for a light regrading. The finishing is done by raking
and patting with the bucket.
There is probably no type of dragline work in which a skillful operator is as valuable as for
spreading piles and grading banks. A long boom helps considerably.
Unless the operator is an expert, a better result will be obtained by finishing with a bulldozer
or a grader, if the soil will support it. Also, it may be economical to make a quick rough grade
with the dragline, and release it for other work while another machine finishes up.
When grading is complete, the area is usually disked and planted. Most peat soils need some
time to drain, with the addition of lime, before they can support ordinary field vegetation. Testing
outfits may be purchased at garden supply stores, and these may show the cause of trouble if
things do not grow well.
Shore Drainage. The grades of the above-water parts of pond banks are affected by disposal of
material, the securing of proper drainage, the nature of the surrounding area, and the personal
preference of the person in charge.