Screening grab vehicle

Abstract

A screening system vehicle 100 with a lifting apparatus 102 that handles excavated material. There is a screening apparatus 104 that separates the excavated material into at least a first group and a

Description

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to a system for processing excavated materials and a method of use thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for handling, screening, and processing excavated materials and for preparing aggregates that are usable for refilling excavated areas or trenches, such as those required for the installation of public utilities. BACKGROUND

[02] The installation of public utilities, such as electricity cables and power lines, gas pipes, water pipes, telephone lines, and fibre optic cables for internet access, often requires the excavation of trenches to provide work access. These trenches may be located under or adjacent to roads. Digging trenches requires a large amount of excavated material to be handled and processed.

[03] The excavated material can be partially recycled and used to refill the excavation site or trench once the relevant installation works have been completed, but only after the newly laid installation has been covered with a suitable granular matter such as hardcore, or the like. Recycling the excavated material can reduce costs and the likelihood of delays occurring. More generally, recycling of the excavated matter can improve the overall efficiency of the installation works. Recycling previously excavated material is not without its problems. For example, the refill material typically consists of a variety of materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and other debris. Refilling excavation sites using these materials often results in poor compaction and impaired long-term stability. Sorting the excavated material alone is not guaranteed to address these issues.

[04] The operations outlined above of excavating, sorting, and refilling excavated areas can involve the use of multiple pieces of machinery. This can increase the costs of such works due to ongoing hire costs, and / or upkeep costs of the relevant equipment. The variety of machines used also requires additional workers who are specifically trained to operate said machinery. Materials are frequently moved off-site because the necessary processing steps cannot be performed in situ.

[05] Therefore, there is a need to improve the composition of the recycled materials used to refill excavation sites to provide more stable and durable materials. There is also a need for a versatile and compact system capable of preparing and delivering these materials on site. SUMMARY

[06] According to the present invention, there is provided a system and method set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[07] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screening system vehicle for use with excavated materials, such as those produced when digging trenches for utility installations. The system comprises a lifting apparatus; a screening apparatus; and a first container. The lifting apparatus is configured to handle excavated material. The screening apparatus is configured to separate the excavated material into at least a first group and a second group. The first container is configured to store the first group of screened material from the screened material. The first group of screened material has at least one preferred characteristic.

[08] The system may provide a more efficient way of preparing excavation sites and processing the resulting excavated materials. Furthermore, the system may enable processing to occur in situ, thereby removing the need for materials to be moved off-site for processing.

[09] The lifting apparatus may be configured to lift and / or move excavated material. The lifting apparatus may be coupled to a support. The support may provide the lifting apparatus with support during operation and lifting and moving of heavy loads, such as excavated material from a trench.

[10] The lifting apparatus may comprise a base, a column, a series plurality of boom sections, and hydraulic components configured to enable the movement of said components. The normal constituent elements of a lifting apparatus system will be well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not discussed for the sake of brevity. The lifting apparatus may be a crane.

[11] The lifting apparatus may comprise at least one telescopic boom section to enable extension and retraction of the boom. The lifting apparatus may further comprise at least one folding and / or rotating boom section. The telescopic and / or folding and / or rotating boom sections may enable the lifting apparatus to be reduced in size for storage and / or transport. This boom arrangement may further enable the lifting apparatus to access all areas of the device otherwise inaccessible by a non-folding and / or extending lifting apparatus. In some examples, the lifting apparatus may comprise a combination of telescopic, rotating, and folding boom sections for maximum versatility.

[12] The lifting apparatus may have an attachment portion to enable different types of tools or buckets to be interchangeably attached. This feature is discussed in more detail below.

[13] The system may further comprise an outrigger system. The outrigger system may comprise a plurality of legs or support structures configured to improve the stability of the system during the operation of the lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus may be further configured to excavate the excavated material.

[14] The screening apparatus may be configured to receive a load of excavated material from the lifting apparatus. The screening apparatus may then sort the material according to the size constituent size of particles. In this application, particles may include individual grains of sand, small pieces of soil, and rocks of various sizes. Other debris may also be present in the excavated material. The specific composition of these components will vary according to location.

[15] Advantageously, the screening apparatus may enable the excavated material to be separated according to specific characteristics. For example, the screening apparatus may sort the excavated material or particulates thereof according to their size, density, weight, or other factors depending on the intended application of the materials.

[16] The screening apparatus may be one of a trommel screen, an aggregate screen, a tumbler screen, a vibrating screen, or the like. The type of screening device used may selected according to the intended application of the system and / or the materials intended to be screened.

[17] The screening apparatus may comprise at least one screen. The at least one screen may be configured to allow the passage of different sizes of material.

[18] For example, the screen may be a mesh, punched plate, or the like. The screen may comprise different sizes of holes. For example, the holes may be at least 50 mm, such as 55 mm, or 60 mm in diameter. The holes may measure between approximately 50mm and 90mm across, preferably approximately 60mm to 80mm across. The holes may be circular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape to enable the passage of materials therethrough. The size of holes in the at least one screen may be dependent upon the type of material desired to be separated.

[19] A mesh screen may be formed of a plurality of wires, cables, or the like. The mesh may be a woven mesh comprising overlapping and / or interlinked wires, cables, or the like. The mesh may have a spacing of at least 50 mm, such as at least 55 mm, or at least 60 mm. The spacing may be between approximately 50mm and 90mm, preferably approximately 60mm to 80mm across.

[20] The screen may be a slotted screen, such as a cross-slot screen, a long-slot screen, or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other screen arrangements may be used according to the specific types of material that are being worked with and screened.

[21] The screening apparatus may comprise at least two screens. Each screen of the at least two screens may comprise different hole sizes. The holes may be configured to provide an additional layer of sorting and separation of screened materials. The system may comprise additional containers to enable further refinement of the excavated material. For example, a system having a screening apparatus comprising two screens may comprise at least three containers, configured to hold screened material from each level of screening. Where multiple screens are used, each screen may be a different type of mesh, for example, a first screen may be a wire mesh, and a second screen may be a punched plate or vice versa. The skilled person will appreciate that various combinations may be possible.

[22] Advantageously, a screening apparatus having multiple screens may enable the excavated material to be refined to a higher degree, for example, into more specific particulate sizes, densities, weights, and the like.

[23] The screening apparatus may be configured to separate materials into at least a first group and a second group. The first group of screened material may possess preferred characteristics, such as a preferred size, weight, density, or the like. The screening apparatus may enable the screened material in the first group to pass through the screen for subsequent transport and / or handling. The second group of screened material may possess non-preferred characteristics.

[24] Advantageously, this may enable a group of materials having a preferred characteristic or set of characteristics to be handled and processed separately for subsequent use.

[25] The screening apparatus may be configured to temporarily hold the remaining material after screening, for example, material that is unable to pass through the screen. This remaining material may fall within a second group. Material within the second group may have nonpreferred characteristics, such as a non-preferred size, weight, density, or the like.

[26] The system further comprises a first container. The first container is configured to store the first group of screened material from the screened material. The first container may be arranged to receive the first group of screened material from the screening apparatus. For example, the first container may directly receive the first group of screened material from the screening apparatus.

[27] Advantageously, the first container may provide a designated area for the storage of the first group of screened material having preferred characteristics, thereby enabling this material to be handled and / or processed separately to the other screened materials.

[28] The first container may have a volume of approximately 3 cubic metres, or may be between 3 and 4 cubic metres.

[29] The first container may be fitted with a tilting mechanism, configured to enable the first container to be tipped in order to eject the contents stored therein. The first container may be fitted with alternative mechanisms, or other mechanisms in addition to a tilting mechanism to further enable the stored material to be ejected.

[30] Alternatively, the lifting apparatus may be configured to remove material from the first container, thereby providing multiple ways of obtaining material from the first container.

[31] The system further comprises a silo. The silo is configured to store an additive.

[32] The silo may be hopper shaped. In other words, the silo may have an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions may be connected so as to form a storage volume therein for the storage of an additive.

[33] The upper portion may have a substantially constant cross-section, such as a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section, or the like. The lower portion of the silo may comprise a cross-section that varies with height.

[34] The bottom of the lower portion of the silo may have a smaller cross-section than the top of the lower portion of the silo that adjoins the upper portion of the silo. For example, the bottom portion may be sloped inwards to channel the material stored within the silo to a smaller area.

[35] The system further comprises a transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus may be an auger, such as a screw auger or a screw conveyor. The transfer apparatus may be coupled to the silo. The transfer apparatus may be configured to transfer the additive from the silo to the first container.

[36] The transfer apparatus may be coupled to the bottom of the lower portion of the silo to collect the additive that is stored within the silo. For example, the transfer apparatus may be coupled to the lowest point of the silo.

[37] The transfer apparatus may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the transfer apparatus may be positioned partially within the silo to receive additive from the silo. The second end of the transfer apparatus may be positioned above the first container to deposit the transfer apparatus-transported additive into the first container.

[38] Advantageously, the silo and transfer apparatus may enable an additive to be added to the first group of screened material to further improve the characteristics of the first group of screened material.

[39] The transfer apparatus may further comprise a cover. The cover may be a tube that surrounds the transfer apparatus along its length. The cover may be configured to prevent the additive transported by the transfer apparatus from being spilt or released prematurely.

[40] The transfer apparatus may further comprise a spout. The spout may be located at a second end of the transfer apparatus. The spout may be configured to direct the release of the additive from the transfer apparatus. For example, the spout may be arranged to direct the additive directly into the first container.

[41] The silo may have a weight capacity of at least 500 kg, such as 800 kg, or at least 1000 kg.

[42] The system may further comprise a second silo and a second transfer apparatus arranged to transport material from the second silo to the first container.

[43] Advantageously, the use of multiple silos and transfer apparatuses may enable the system to carry a larger amount of additive. This may further enable the system to deliver a larger amount of additive to the screened material. Alternatively, this may enable the system to provide the additive to an overall larger volume of screened material. This arrangement may also extend the duration between additive refills, thereby minimising system downtime and simplifying logistics.

[44] The system may further comprise a conveyor. The conveyor may be configured to transport the first group of screened material from the screening apparatus to the first container. In other words, the first container may be configured to receive screened material from the screening apparatus. The conveyor may be further configured to temporarily hold and / or transport material from the first group of screened material received from the screening apparatus. The conveyor may be located, positioned, or otherwise situated below the screening apparatus, thereby enabling the screened material to be deposited or dropped from the screening apparatus onto the conveyor for subsequent transport.

[45] Advantageously, the conveyor may provide an effective and mechanically simple method of transporting screened material between different components within the system, with minimal losses.

[46] The conveyor may run continuously, such that any screened material that is deposited onto the conveyor is only temporarily held thereon. The transported material may leave the conveyor upon reaching an end of the conveyor. The end of the conveyor may overhang the first container. This may ensure that the screened material held by the conveyor is fully and directly deposited or dropped into the first container.

[47] Advantageously, this arrangement may ensure that the screened material can be fully deposited within the first container with minimal losses of screened material.

[48] The conveyor may be any type of suitable conveyor or transport apparatus that that may be configured to efficiently transport large loads of heavy materials having variously sized particulates. The conveyor may be arranged to ensure minimal loss of transported material over the sides of the conveyor, or through the conveyor. For example, the conveyor may be a belt conveyor, a cleated belt conveyor, or the like.

[49] The conveyor may be provided with side panels or skirts. The side panels or skirts may be configured to reduce the likelihood of transported material falling from the conveyor.

[50] The conveyor may be fitted with at least one shock-absorbing device, such as a dampening device, or suspension device, or the like. The at least one shock-absorbing device may be configured to reduce the impact of heavy loads deposited onto the conveyor from the screening apparatus.

[51] The additive stored within the silo may be a binding agent. The binding agent may improve the adhesive properties upon being combined with the first group of material stored within the first container.

[52] The transfer apparatus may be configured to deposit the additive onto the conveyor. This may enable the additive to be mixed with the screened material more easily.

[53] The binding agent may be at least one of cement powder, lime powder, or pulverised fly ash (PFA). For example, the additive may be in a powdered form for ease of transport and use within the system.

[54] The first group of screened material stored within the first container may be combined with the binding agent in a weight ratio of at least 5:1, such as at least 10:1, or at least 20:1, or may be in the range of approximately 5:1 to 20:1.

[55] Advantageously, the combination of the binding agent and the first group of screened material may provide a combined material or aggregate for subsequent use that has enhanced properties, such as improved mechanical strength and durability.

[56] The first container may further comprise a mixing device. The mixing device may be configured to mix the first group of screened material and the additive.

[57] Advantageously, mixing the first group of screened material and the additive may provide a substantially homogenous combination or aggregate. This may further improve the performance characteristics of the resulting combination or aggregate.

[58] The system may further comprise a second container. The second container may be figured to store the second group of screened material.

[59] The screening apparatus may be further configured to tip or tilt. The screening apparatus may be configured to tip or tilt about a hinge to transfer the contents of the screening apparatus, such as the second group of screened material, directly into the second container. Therefore, the second container may be configured to receive screened material directly from the screening apparatus.

[60] Advantageously, this may provide a separate storage location for the second group of screened material having non-preferred characteristics and may allow this material to be handled separately from the first group of screened material.

[61] The second container may have a volume of at between 3 and 5 cubic metres.

[62] The second container may be a tippable container. In other words, the second container may be configured to tip, tilt, pitch, or otherwise be angled to allow the stored second group of screened material to be deposited or displaced from the second container.

[63] The system may further comprise additional containers, such as at least three containers. Additional containers may be utilised in embodiments whereby the screening apparatus is configured to separate the excavated material into at least three groups. The additional containers may be tippable containers as discussed above.

[64] The first group and the second group of screened materials may be differentiated and / or separated according to the first group having a preferred characteristic or group of preferred characteristics. For example, the preferred characteristic or group of characteristics of the first group of screened material may include at least one of: a screened material particulate size range; a screened material particulate density range; a screened material particulate weight range; and / or a screened material particulate material type; or the like.

[65] Where the at least one preferred characteristic is a screened material particulate size range, the particulate size may be less than approximately 90mm, preferably less than approximately 80mm, preferably less than approximately 60mm. As used herein, size refers to the average diameter of the screened particulate matter.

[66] Where the at least one preferred characteristic is a screened material particulate material type, the material may be at least one of soil, rock, wood, detritus, concrete, sand, and the like. The skilled person will appreciate that other relevant material types may be differentiated between.

[67] Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the excavated material to be sorted according to certain characteristics and requirements, such as those that may provide a more suitable material for refilling an excavation site.

[68] The lifting apparatus may comprise a grab attachment tool. The grab attachment tool may be configured to excavate material. The grab attachment tool may be further configured to feed the excavated material into the screening apparatus for processing.

[69] The grab attachment may be a clamshell bucket, a bulk material grab, or any other suitable grabbing attachment capable of excavating, carrying, and depositing relevant materials e.g., soil, sand, rock, and the like.

[70] Advantageously, the grab attachment enables the system to be used to excavate a site and subsequently handle the excavated material e.g., by depositing said material into the screening apparatus.

[71] The system as described herein may be a vehicle that can be towed, such a trailer, or may have its own drive system, being formed on or as part of a truck or similar. The system may be mounted, coupled, fixed, connected, or otherwise attached to a towing vehicle to provide mobility. The vehicle may be, for example, a heavy goods vehicle or lorry having a bed of sufficient size to fit the system. Alternatively, the system could be mounted, coupled, fixed, connected, or otherwise attached to a trailer to enable the system to be towed by various vehicles as required.

[72] Advantageously, this may provide the system with improved mobility, thereby allowing the system to be used in a wider range of locations and to move alongside the associated construction works e.g., along a road beside which a trench is being excavated.

[73] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the steps of collecting excavated material from an excavation site. The method further includes the step of screening the excavated material. The process of screening enables the material to be separated into at least a first group and a second group. The method further includes the step of preparing an aggregate by combining the first group of screened material with an additive. The method further includes the step of depositing the aggregate in the excavation site.

[74] The method may further include the step of excavating the material from the excavation site prior to collecting said excavated material. The method may also comprise the step of compacting the deposited aggregate within the excavation site.

[75] Advantageously, this method may enable on-site excavation, processing, and recycling of excavated materials obtained when excavating areas, such as for the installation of utilities and the like.

[76] The method may be applied utilising the system as described herein. The method may be performed in situ, thereby improving the efficiency of the excavation and associated installation works.

[77] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about” when used herein means + / -10% of the stated value.

[78] Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa.

[79] The terms "comprising" and "comprises" as used herein are synonymous with "including" or "containing" and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of “comprising”, the processes, materials, and coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’.

[80] When used herein, “average” refers to mean average, unless otherwise provided for.

[81] All the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[82] Features of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to similar, though perhaps not identical, components. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a previously described function may or may not be described in connection with other drawings in which they appear. Reference signs incremented by 100 refer to the same components and for clarity, these may be used interchangeably to refer to the same component.

[83] FIG. 1 shows a right elevation view of the system of the present invention. In the example shown, the system is mounted on a vehicle.

[84] FIG. 2 shows a top elevation view of the system of the present invention. In the example shown, the system is mounted on a vehicle.

[85] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of the system of the present invention. In the example shown, the system is mounted on a vehicle.

[86] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram containing the steps for a method of screening and preparing an aggregate for refilling an excavation site. Detailed Description

[87] Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The examples described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe features of the examples, detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following examples belong will be omitted.

[88] In the present disclosure, when an element is described as "connected" or “coupled” with another element, this includes not only “directly connected” or “directly coupled”, but also “connected with another element therebetween” or “coupled with another element therebetween”. In addition, when one element is described to "include" another element, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the one element may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements.

[89] Figures 1,2, and 3 illustrates right elevation, top elevation, and rear elevation views of the system of the present invention, mounted on a vehicle.

[90] Figures 1-3 show a system 100 for grabbing, screening, and processing excavated material, such as the material that may be obtained from excavating a trench for the installation of utilities, or the like.

[91] The system 100 comprises a lifting apparatus 102. The lifting apparatus 102 has a grab attachment 118 located at its distal end 102a. The grab attachment 118 is configured to excavate and carry excavated materials. The grab attachment 118 is further configured to deposit said excavated materials.

[92] The lifting apparatus 102 comprises at least one rotatable and / or telescopic portion (not shown) that is configured to improve the versatility of the lifting apparatus 102 by enabling the lifting apparatus 102 and grab attachment 118 to access all parts of the system 100. The use of at least one rotatable and / or telescopic portion of the lifting apparatus 102 may further enable the system 100 to reach further outwards to excavate within a larger range or area.

[93] The system 100 further comprises a screening apparatus 104. The lifting apparatus 102 and grab attachment 118 are configured to work in tandem to excavate material, lift the excavated material, transport the excavated material, and then deposit or deliver the excavated material into the screening apparatus 104.

[94] The screening apparatus 104 is configured to separate the excavated material deposited therein into at least a first group and a second group. The first group of the screened material has at least one preferred characteristic. The screening apparatus 104 is configured to screen the excavated material according to the at least one preferred characteristic.

[95] A conveyor 106 is located below the screening apparatus 104 and is configured to receive the first group of screened material from the screening apparatus 104. The conveyor 106 is further configured to transfer the material into a first container 108.

[96] The first container 108 is configured to collect and store the first group of screened material.

[97] The system 100 further comprises a silo 110 and a transfer apparatus 112. The silo 110 is configured to store an additive. Preferably, the additive is concrete powder.

[98] The transfer apparatus 112 is configured to transfer the concrete powder from the silo 110 to the first container 108. The resulting combination of screened material and concrete powder provides favourable characteristics over screened material alone, such as improved mechanical strength and durability.

[99] The transfer apparatus 112 is contained within a cover to prevent the transported concrete powder from prematurely leaving the transfer apparatus 112. The transfer apparatus 112 is further provided with a spout to direct the flow of concrete powder into the first container 108.

[100] Preferably, the system 100 comprises at least two silos and transfer apparatuses, thereby increasing the total amount of concrete powder that can be stored and used by the system 100 during the processing of the excavated material.

[101] The system 100 further comprises a second container 116. The second container 116 is configured to collect and store the second group of screened material. In other words, the second container 116 is configured to store material with non-preferred characteristics.

[102] The second container 116 is configured to tilt, tip, pitch, or otherwise be angled to enable the stored second group of screened material to be unloaded or deposited.

[103] The screening apparatus 104 is configured to tilt about a hinge 114 to transfer the second group of screened material from the screening apparatus 104 into the second container 116.

[104] As shown, the system 100 is mounted to and / or on a vehicle 120 to improve mobility of the system 100, thereby enabling the system 100 to be used in a variety of locations. As Figure 1 shows, the vehicle 120 is a lorry having a bed of a size that is of sufficient size to fit and hold all of the components of the system 100. The system shown in Figure 3 includes an outrigger system 122. The outrigger system 122 may provide the system 100 with improved stability, for example, during operation of the lifting mechanism 102.

[105] Figure 4 illustrates the steps for a method 200 of screening and preparing an aggregate for filling an excavation site.

[106] In step 202, the method 200 involves the step of collecting excavating material from an excavation site. An excavation site may be, for example, a trench dug for the installation of utilities.

[107] In step 204, the method 200 involves screening the excavated material to separate the excavated material into at least a first group and a second group. The first and second groups have different characteristics to enable sorting. The first group has at least one preferred characteristic.

[108] In step 206, the method 200 involves preparing an aggregate by combining material from the first group of a screened material with an additive. Preferably, the additive is concrete powder. The resulting combination possesses improved characteristics, such as mechanical strength and durability.

[109] In step 208, the method 200 involves depositing and compacting the prepared aggregate in an excavation site.

[110] The method disclosed herein is intended to be applied using the system 100 described above in relation to Figure 1.

[111] Reference in the specification to “an example”, “an embodiment”, “an aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase “in one example” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. In describing and claiming examples disclosed herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[112] While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting. It should be understood that the examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. While one or more examples have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. A screening system (100) vehicle, comprising:a lifting apparatus (102), configured to handle excavated material;a screening apparatus (104), configured to separate the excavated material into at least a first group and a second group; anda first container (108), configured to store the first group of screened material from the screened material (104);a silo (110), configured to store an additive; anda transfer apparatus (112), configured to transfer the additive from the silo (110) to the first container (108),wherein the first group of screened material has at least one preferred characteristic.

2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a conveyor (106), configured to transport the first group of screened material from the screening apparatus (104) to the first container (108).

3. The system (100) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the additive is a binding agent.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the binding agent is one of cement powder, limepowder, and / or pulverised fly ash, and wherein the first group of screened material and binding agent are combined in a weight ratio of 10:1.

5. The system (100) of any of preceding claim, wherein the first container (108) further comprises a mixing device, configured to mix the first group of screened material and additive.

6. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a second container (116), configured to store the second group of screened material, wherein the screening apparatus (104) is further configured to tilt about a hinge (114) to tip the second group of screened material directly into the second container (116).

7. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein the second container (116) is a tippable container, configured to unload the stored second group of screened material.

8. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the preferred characteristic of the first group of screened material is at least one of:a screened material particulate size range;a screened material particulate density range; and / ora screened material particulate weight range.

9. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the lifting apparatus (102) comprises a grab attachment tool (118) that is configured to excavate material and feed the excavated material into the screening apparatus (104).

10. A method (200) of preparing excavated material, comprising the steps of:collecting excavated material from an excavation site;screening the excavated material to separate the material into at least a first group and a second group;preparing an aggregate by combining the first group of screened material with an additive; anddepositing the aggregate in an excavation site.

11. The method (200) of claim 10, wherein the method (200) is applied utilising the system (100) of any of claims 1-9.

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