Soil Testing Challenges

We were not the first contractor to look at this job. Previous contractors had done soil testing and pronounced the site suitable for the construction of a 4 acre fishing lake. We had our doubts and decided to do a thorough soil test with a core drilling machine.

Get it right the first time!

This site was in the flood plain of the Trinity River. As such, a variety of different soil types had been deposited rather randomly over the centuries. Our initial testing with a backhoe resulted in mixed results. Core samples obtained with the drilling machine validated our concerns. Sand was prevalent at the lower depths and the lake would never hold water using conventional construction methods.

Lake Site

Mature oak trees and flat terrain in the flood plain. This view is looking south from the future spill way.

First step

Top soil is removed and stockpiled. It will be spread over the site during the final phase to insure a lush grass cover. Many contractors cut corners and skip this step.

Existing small tank

This small, shallow existing tank will be depened and incorporatedinto the new lake.

Excavation underway

Looking south from the spill way area as construction proceeds.

Dozers at work

Nick in the foreground pushing dirt with the Cat D6H, JD 700 and JD 850 in the background

A scraper saves time and money

Reynolds 10 yd scraper at work. Though not viable on every project, a scraper is the most economical way to move large amounts of dirt in a short time. This saved our client money and allowed the project to progress at a much faster rate.

Tons of dirt on the move

You have to have the right equipment for the big jobs. 3 tractors can move tons of dirt in a days time.

Dirt everywhere!

Sometimes it is hard to visualize the final product when all you can see is big piles of dirt wherever you look. This stage is where experience comes into play. We see past the piles of dirt and can visualize the final product.

Scraper at work

The scraper at work in the bottom of the lake is dwarfed by the scale of the project.

The lake appears

Approaching the final stages of construction, the shape of the lake begins to emerge. The owners house is partially visible in the trees at the top of the picture. He is going to have a great view of the finshed lake construction.

Aerial View

Bird's eye view

Equipment seems small compared to the scope of this lake building project.

Liner done

Liner is complete. Some water due to recent rains. There is still a large amount of fill dirt to be distributed in this picture. Rain water must be pumped out before the fill dirt is pushed in.

Fill dirt on top of liner

One foot of fill on top of liner

End of the pumping process

Most of the water from recent rains has been pumped out and fill is complete with the exception of this small arm of the lake.

Lake nearing capacity

After the lake was completed, it was pumped full using water from the near by Trinity River. This aerial shows the lake at about 3 feet from full capacity

Notice the final shaping of the banks and surrounding area.

All fill has been distributed and the final grading of the banks is complete. The area is now ready for seeding.

Lake with Trinity River and Owner's residence in foreground

Close to being full