Pipe and Sheet Pile Foundation
for Dyke at Queens Reach
In the spring of 2018, TerraCana was asked by a repeat client to bid with them on a public tender for the installation of a Sheet Pile Foundation for a dyke wall. This wall, located in Surrey, was to be approximately 980m long for a total of 3,650 sq.m of 14-770 piles.
The Challenge
The tight confines of the allowed working area, along with the proximity to rail lines, limited the installation of piles due to both physical constraints and time constraints. Moreover, workers quickly discovered that the starting area had been backfilled with old car parts and boulders. Additionally, logistical difficulties arose from the various sizes in the sheet pile design. Furthermore, changes in pile sizes during the project added to the challenges.
The Solution
In preparation for the variety of pile sizes, TerraCana extensively planned the order for cutting and shipping piles to the site, resulting in minimal wastage on the project. This thorough preplanning also facilitated easier resolution of issues related to the engineer’s adjustments to pile lengths. The GC also had to remove significant obstructions that property owners had backfilled over the decades. Lastly, TerraCana’s use of an excavator-mounted vibratory pile driver required minimal space for pile installation and reduced the number of shadows required by the rail company compared to using a crane.
The Outcome
Technical Specifications
Key Outcomes
