Water trucks are often the unsung heroes of jobsites. Every crew knows that they are mainly used for dust suppression and control. The moving of earth and heavy traffic generate huge clouds of dust, creating several problems such as safety hazards, health risks and clogged equipment. Water trucks control the soil to avoid these issues.
While this is a large and important task, there are other ways water trucks can be used. Many contractors overlook additional ways they can be utilized, undervaluing the equipment and preventing them from getting the best value for their investment. If properly customized and maintained, water trucks can do much more than just control dust.
Fire Safety and Prevention
In some areas, a water truck provides the only source of pressurized water available near the jobsite. When properly equipped, water trucks can serve as the primary line of defense against fire on construction sites and even help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Water trucks can be used to wet down hot work areas to prevent stray sparks from causing a fire. The truck can soak the ground and nearby combustible materials before any welding, grinding or torching work begins. They can also create fire breaks, dampening the area. The barrier can slow or even stop a brush fire from entering the jobsite.
Most trucks carry between 2,000 and 5,000 gallons, more than enough to act as a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.
If the truck will be used for fire safety, make sure it has key features. A water cannon or high-pressure hose reel is critical. The hoses enable workers to pull a line to a specific spot that a truck cannot reach directly, essential for spraying down hot work areas.
Road Maintenance and Wash-Downs
Maintaining the haul roads of a construction site is critical. Heavy traffic and machinery can break down soil and loosen large rocks from tires. Water trucks have sweeper nozzles that can be used to clean off roadways. Sweeping the road with high-pressure water pushes rocks and debris aside, leaving a safe path for trucks to haul.
Water trucks can be used to pack soil before laying the foundation or paving a road. This requires a very specific amount of water. If the soil is too dry, it won’t stick together. If the soil is too wet, the ground can’t support the weight of the job.
Water trucks typically have a specialized spray bar to apply a controlled amount of water. This makes it easy to achieve soil stability.
Dry roads can lead to potholes when loose soil lacks a binding agent. Using the truck to apply a consistent, light seal of moisture helps keep the soil compacted. This also reduces rolling resistance for other trucks, helping them travel faster and consume less fuel.
A road littered with debris that hasn’t been washed away is detrimental to other vehicles’ tires. Construction tires for haulers are expensive, costing thousands of dollars per tire. Using a water truck’s sweeper nozzle to clear roads significantly extends tire life, saving costs in the long run.
They can also be used to wash down equipment. Using high-pressure hoses for washdowns of heavy equipment, such as excavators and haul trucks, provides several benefits.
Mud and debris can cause equipment to overheat. Additionally, dried mud can hide cracked frames or other issues that may need repair. Utilizing a water truck to keep machinery clean makes it much easier to inspect and maintain the equipment.
The vehicles must be cleaned when they leave dirt and hit the pavement. Cleaning tires and wheel wells at the exit point prevents the liability of making public roads slippery and unsafe for drivers.
Truck Customization and Maintenance
Before you buy a water truck, map out what kind of jobs it’ll be used for, how it’ll be utilized and how many people will use it. Recently, the cost of water truck customization and maintenance has increased dramatically. What once may have been a simple add-on can now break the bank. Before prices continue to rise, it’s important that the water trucks are properly maintained and that all features are attached.
Different jobsites have different demands. For example, some construction sites are very steep. If this is the case, a stronger chassis will be needed. If the plan is to use the truck for fire prevention and sweeping, make sure it has the bells and whistles needed to do so.
When it comes to rural construction, it’s critical to make sure there’s a suction pump and hose. The suction hose can pull water from a nearby natural resource such as a pond, creek or lake. This allows the site to have a constant water supply without having to drive miles to a fill point. This helps significantly reduce fuel costs and transit time.
Lastly, it’s critical to thoroughly train workers on its use. Driving at high speeds and taking sharp turns can significantly hurt the truck’s longevity. When a driver makes a quick movement or brakes hard, thousands of pounds of water slam into the tank.
If the season is slow or the truck isn’t being utilized, don’t get rid of it. Water trucks can do more than just control dust. They can transport water, sweep streets, and even prevent emergencies. The cost of buying a water truck is skyrocketing. Hang on to it, utilize it, and maintain it to improve longevity and get its money’s worth.
SEE ALSO: Earth Benders: R.J. Zavoral and Sons Inc. on Their History of Moving the Midwest
The post How to Make the Most of Your Water Truck on the Jobsite first appeared on Construction Executive.
