What is the common name for finely perforated pipes driven into the ground to lower the water table during excavation?

The correct answer relates to the practice used in construction and excavation to manage groundwater levels. Well pointing refers to a system where small perforated pipes or tubes are installed in shallow wells or directly into the ground. These pipes effectively extract water from the surrounding soil, thereby lowering the water table in localized areas. This is crucial during excavation work because it minimizes water interference, allowing for dry working conditions and improving safety and efficiency.

In contrast, while de-watering wells can also serve a similar function, they typically refer to larger and more permanent installations used for extensive dewatering systems. Groundwater extraction is a broader term and does not specifically identify the method employed during excavation. Permeable pipes may facilitate water flow but do not inherently exist to draw water from the soil in the way that well pointing systems are designed to do. This is why well pointing is the most precise term for the method described.