Ripping ground
In relation to civil engineering, the term ‘ripping’ refers to the loosening of soil, rock or frozen ground by drawing a forked or pronged implement through it.
Ripping (or deep ripping / deep tillage) is also used in agriculture to break up ground for crop planting.
Ripping can be carried out by tractors with rear-mounted rippers or by simple ripper or ‘blade’ attachments for excavators that can provide an alternative to hydraulic breakers.
A 'subsoiler' is similar to a ripper but often with wings on the foot of the tines to increase soil heave and shatter. Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.