North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

Which of the following is a method to dewater a trench?

1. Pumping water

2. Sedimentary

3. Excavation

4. Shoring

The correct answer is: Sedimentary

The most appropriate method to dewater a trench is through pumping water. Using pumps to remove water from excavated areas is a common practice in construction, particularly when dealing with groundwater or surface water that may accumulate in trenches. This method ensures that the site remains dry and safe for personnel to work and for the structural integrity of the trench itself. While other methods listed may relate to trench work, they do not specifically address the task of dewatering. For instance, excavation involves removing earth to create the trench but does not itself manage water accumulation. Shoring refers to the support systems put in place to stabilize the trench walls, which is critical for safety but does not handle water removal. Sedimentary processes might deal with how water is managed naturally, but they do not offer a direct method of actively dewatering a trench for construction purposes. Hence, pumping water stands out as the clear and practical choice for effectively managing water in trench situations.