What is the term for an excessive vertical load caused by construction equipment or spoil pile near the trench edge?

The term for an excessive vertical load caused by construction equipment or a spoil pile near the trench edge is referred to as a surcharge load. This condition occurs when the weight applied to the ground surface exceeds the soil's bearing capacity, which can lead to soil failure or destabilization around excavations and trenches.

Understanding surcharge load is crucial for construction safety and soil management. When heavy loads are placed too close to excavation areas, they can increase the lateral pressure on trench walls and potentially cause collapses or hazardous conditions. This knowledge helps contractors implement proper safety measures, such as shoring or adequately positioning materials, to prevent accidents.

The other terms listed describe different phenomena: raveling refers to the erosion or dislodging of soil particles, typically seen in shallow slopes or roadways; boiling is a condition where water pressure causes soil to fluidize, often seen in saturated areas during excavations; and heaving refers to upward movement of soil due to frost action or moisture changes. While these terms are relevant in geotechnical contexts, they do not specifically capture the concept of additional loads from construction activities that define a surcharge load.