Borrow Pit

Definition

Source of approved additional earth/material used for construction.

Purpose

Borrow pits are excavated areas where suitable material is extracted for use in construction projects. These pits provide a controlled source of high-quality earth or other materials necessary for creating fills, embankments, and other structural components.

Examples of Use

• Extracting material from a borrow pit to fill and level a construction site for a new building.
• Using borrow pits to source earth for highway embankments and roadway construction.
• Providing material from borrow pits for landscaping projects to create desired topography.

Related Terms

• Quarry: A type of open-pit mine where rocks and minerals are extracted.
• Excavation: The process of removing earth or rock from a site to create a hole or cavity.
• Backfill: Material used to refill an excavated area.

Notes

Borrow pits must be managed carefully to minimize environmental impact and ensure the safety and stability of the excavation site. Reclamation plans are often required to restore the area after extraction.