4 Underwater Construction Methods That Changed the World We Live In

Structures and roadways under water require a highly specialized type of construction. Deep-sea construction may have a long history, but with the highly innovative techniques of today, some of the most cutting-edge structures are possible.

1. Pneumatic Caissons

These pieces of equipment are submerged onto the floor of the water and work to pump pressurized air from the surface. These structures allow workers to construct at incredible depths under great levels of pressure. This underwater construction technique is used for work on ship repairs, dams, and bridge piers.

2. Immersed-Tube Tunnels

The parts of these tunnels are sunk into their appropriate locations separately, and then put together underneath the water. The pieces are prefabricated and sealed to allow them to float to their proper spot and then be connected. Since they can be assembled together extremely quickly, this underwater construction method has become among the most cost-effective means of creating underwater train rails and highways. Special care is taken with the joints of these tunnels, which require additional waterproofing.

3. Suction Dredgers

These vessels can move material from water utilizing a tube and suction technique. A number of dredging techniques exist, but the most ideal ones are cutter-section dredgers that use cutting equipment at the suction inlet. Other forms of dredges utilize grabbing techniques, while others use dragging methods to move the earth. There are so many uses for this technique, making it among the more innovative.

4. Offshore Oil Drilling

Perhaps the most influential underwater construction method is offshore oil drilling. Drilling can occur at depths as much as 8,000 feet. There are currently 10 types of platform and rig systems in place, which include some that are totally submersible and others that float. Once these systems are in place they can conduct state-of-the-art projects such as 3-D seismic imaging, horizontal drilling, and enhanced oil recovery processes.

Underwater construction is truly an innovative science that can only be conducted by those with extensive training and experience in the industry. At American Underwater Services, we’re fully licensed and certified to perform a variety of commercial underwater and diving services for bodies of water large and small.

What to Keep in Mind Before Starting an Underwater Construction Project

Underwater construction takes on a much different spin than typical above-ground construction projects. There are plenty of things to consider before commencing an underwater construction project, including the service you use to tackle your specific job. The condition of water-based structures and the methods of constructing and inspecting them should never be taken for granted. Proper construction methods and equipment are critical to ensuring the structures are safe and dependable. 

Be certain that the team you are working with has the experience and expertise to provide you with all the information you need to ensure a safe and effective construction project.

You Need Experienced Divers in the Underwater Construction Industry

Not all divers are created equal. In fact, there are many different tasks divers can do. For this reason, each set of divers is trained specifically to tackle a certain job. What you need are divers that are familiar with underwater construction projects and the structures that typically need to be dealt with. Ideally, any divers hired will need to have some level of experience working with underwater structures such as pipelines, discharge systems, hydroelectric systems, traveling water screens, and much more.

Consider Multiple Solutions Before Choosing the Right One

Much like any other problem or issue, there’s often more than one solution for it. Our company has divers who have lots of underwater construction experience that can help you identify all the necessary information for the solution. After the inspection has been completed, we’ll create a report with suggestions outlining how to approach the job at hand. Ideally, we’ll recommend one solution out of all the ones listed.

When it comes to underwater construction, you can reduce the number of unknowns by using an underwater diving company that can actually carry out the project successfully. Many companies may have experienced divers, but not necessarily with underwater construction. Save yourself the hassle and headaches and choose American Underwater Services.

How to Keep Your Backyard Pond in Good Condition Year-Round

With each season of the year comes a different level of maintenance and care for you pond. Having a regular pond maintenance schedule in place can help you stay on top of any changes that might suggest a breakdown of the pond environment. Follow these suggestions to keep your pond healthy and beautiful every month of the year.

Spring and Summer

Aerating your pond during the hot months of the summer is important because oxygen tends to be depleted more in warm water. This can be done by adding an air bubbler or a second or third pond pump.

The filters should ideally be checked on a weekly basis, and the water should be topped up on a regular basis to avoid salt and mineral build-up. The pond water’s ammonia and chlorine levels should be checked weekly, and algae should be removed on an as-needed basis to prevent its growth.

Fall

Falling leaves is part and parcel with the fall months of the year, which means dead leaves can build up in your pond. These leaves can clog up your pond’s filter many times a day. You should be vigilant about removing these leaves to make sure they don’t accumulate. Leaf netting can make this task a lot easier.

Once the temperature of the water drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, start feeding the fish (if present) only once daily, and switch to a wheat germ-based food that’s easier to digest. Remove any fish or plants from the pond that won’t be able to survive the cold months of the winter. Disconnect and drain out the pump and filters, and drain the fountain and water lines if present.

Winter

There’s little pond water maintenance that needs to occur in the winter, as much of the work is done during the warmer months. The main goal in the winter is to prevent the water from freezing entirely. This can be done by installing an aeration pump or floating pond de-icer to keep an air hole open once freezing starts. Toxic gases will be able to escape through this hole. Leave a piece of wood to float on the surface of the water to prevent expanding ice by absorbing pressure.

Keeping your pond healthy throughout the year doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require vigilance. Rather than doing the work yourself, hire the experts in this field. At American Underwater Services, we offer convenient, affordable and comprehensive pond cleaning services. Contact us today so you can enjoy the beauty of your pond without having to do the work yourself.

Importance of Waste Processing Your Pond or Lake Water

No one wants their pond or lake to be littered with debris, nor do water supply companies want to take a chance on distributing water to clients that is unsafe to drink. Unfortunately, many bodies of water can be easily contaminated and filled with bacteria. For this reason, waste processing is a crucial component to maintaining the cleanliness and health of the water.

Maintaining Proper Water Chemistry

Achieving proper water chemistry is perhaps one of the most important pieces of the puzzle to maintain a certain level of health and safety of the water. The pH level should ideally be at 7, which is considered neutral and the ideal level for a pond. Anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below it is acidic. Any decaying organic matter will release nitrogen into the water which can be toxic to fish if the levels get too high. Any decomposing waste can produce phosphate, which is harmful to ponds.

Aeration

Fish food and waste can lead to an increase in nitrogen levels, but this can be dramatically reduced when aeration is provided and dissolved oxygen is infused to decay any waste. Fountains and waterfalls are popular pond products for aeration while also bringing a level of visual appeal to the pond. For deeper ponds, diffused aerators are best, as they use compressors to force air to the bottom of the pond, which is then is pushed out and up. When choosing the kind of aeration to use, consider pond depth and the availability of electricity. Ponds without access to electricity might not be able to support a fountain, unless you use solar technology.

Beneficial Bacteria

Any pond, no matter its size, can be helped along by beneficial bacteria. These bacteria assist in breaking down organic waste and converting toxins into nitrate. Even though these beneficial bacteria occur naturally, particularly in larger bodies of water, it’s still useful to add it to ponds when waste levels become much too high for the health of the water. When this happens, it can be challenging for aerobic bacteria to keep up.

Using professional pond cleaning services, such as American Underwater Services, can help ensure that your pond or lake is kept clean and safe on your property.

What Exactly Do Commercial Divers Do?

Commercial divers are not in the business of training recreational divers, but rather are involved in completing job-specific tasks. Commercial divers complete these complex tasks in waters that can be rather deep and murky, making the job a challenging one. Many businesses call us for commercial diving services to dredge ponds, inspect pipelines, and help with underwater construction.

In order to conduct these jobs, they require specific training and education in addition to dive training. Usually, this type of training takes place at educational facilities that are strictly dedicated to commercial diving services, and are organized under national boards for commercial diving.

Where Do Commercial Divers Work?

Construction divers typically work in harbors, bridges, ponds, or in other locations where construction companies build structures that are maintained in water. These divers also conduct underwater surveys to report on what’s happening in certain bodies of water, and even work on coastal protection. Many commercial divers are responsible for working on laying, inspecting, and maintaining cables and pipelines underwater.

The Importance of Dive Training

This type of diving requires specific training, and the use of specialized equipment. We use both scuba units and surface-supported equipment, in addition to a variety of tools and techniques, including welding.

The Expertise of Commercial Divers

Commercial divers can descend in waters up to 600 feet deep. For this reason, extended decompression times are necessary. Saturation diving is often used when these divers spend a long amount of time at great depths. In these situations, once their tissues are entirely saturated with nitrogen, their decompression time will not increase unless they go to a greater depth. After they’ve completed their shift — which can be upwards of 12 hours — the divers are brought back up to the surface and decompressed in a chamber.

If you are in the construction business and are building structures in or around certain bodies of water, contact American Underwater Services to find out how commercial divers trained in the construction realm can help you.

Why Choose a Professional Pond Cleaning Service?

Cleaning out a pond isn’t like cleaning a pool or hot tub. A lot more work and know-how goes into this project. You’d be well-advised to use pond cleaning services to ensure the job gets done in an efficient and timely manner.

Here are three reasons why you should choose a professional to get the job done.

1. Your Pond Is in Good Hands

There’s no trial and error when you hire a professional to clean your pond. Amateurs can make costly mistakes, but we’ll get the job done right the first time around. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your pond is in good, reliable hands. We do this work for a living, and have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to make sure the job is done properly.

2. We Have the Right Equipment to Do a Thorough Job

Unless you yourself are a professional pond cleaner, you most likely do not have the tools, equipment, and supplies needed to clean your pond. There are all sorts of specific materials needed for this type of job, including a variety of hydraulic dredge machines, vacuum dredges, cutter-head dredges, and auger-type dredge machines, and other products required for professional cleaning and installation. It’s in your best interest to leave this job to the professionals.

3. We Leave No Stone Left Unturned

Professionals in the pond cleaning industry don’t just clean — there’s more to the job than just that. We carefully dredge and de-silt your pond to remove the debris and return your pond to its former clean, clear state. We even take care of waste processing to make sure your pond stays beautiful.

Not All Pond Cleaning Services Are Created Equal

After you’ve decided that hiring the professionals is the way to go, make sure you choose the right company. American Underwater Services has been in this industry for a long time, and have developed the optimal strategy for cleaning any size pond. Our service is reputable, reliable, professional, and experienced, and should be your number one choice in pond contractors.

The Importance of Commercial Divers

The importance of commercial divers dates back to around 1250 BC when water exploration was just beginning. This practice has evolved into the profession that we know today. Commercial diving has paved the way into many exploration projects such as working with the US Navy to working with the gas and oil companies.  These projects are, of course, large in their nature. However, commercial diving exploration happens on a smaller level, as well. These smaller projects hold a high importance because they are the projects that are based around your local homes and businesses!

At American Underwater Services, our commercial divers are based on both smaller and larger level projects like pond dredging or diving even deeper to natural lakes. These types of jobs are crucial for commercial divers because of their unique skill set to attack the problems at hand. For pond dredging, a diver is needed due to the specific and unique nature of the pond. Pond dredging needs to be completed without disturbing the aquatic life while being effective enough to keep your pond looking clean and healthy!

Commercial divers are an important resource to have because they are trained to go into each job with a strong set of skills. They must work to preserve what needs to be preserved and remove what doesn’t. If you need a job for a commercial diver give us a call today. We will be happy to help!