What is the process of cutting away or leveling the ground called before construction?

The process of cutting away or leveling the ground before construction is known as excavation. This term refers to digging or removing earth from a site to prepare for building foundations, underground utilities, and other infrastructure. Excavation is often the first step in the construction process, as it establishes the necessary conditions for subsequent work, such as pouring concrete or installing drainage systems.

While grading, which is sometimes confused with excavation, predominantly involves leveling the surface area rather than removing a significant amount of earth, excavation typically entails deeper digging and preparation of the site. Backfilling refers to the process of filling in excavated areas once construction has occurred, and compaction is the process of compressing soil to improve its stability and load-bearing capacity. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone involved in construction, as each term represents a specific phase or method of site preparation.