Shuttleworth Road, Battersea

Using Giken Supercrush to install sheet piles through dense gravels next to a live railway line vibration-free in the heart of London.

Adverse Ground Conditions and a Train Line

The Shuttleworth Road Scheme in the London Borough of Wandsworth is a housing development to provide 71 new residential units with associated car parking and amenities, located less than a ¼ of a mile from the south bank of the River Thames.

Using state-of-the-art eco-friendly Giken Silent Piling technology, 275 ArcelorMittal PU28 steel sheet piles in 12m lengths were installed vibration-free through dense gravels, alongside a live railway line and encompassed by a densely populated area. The purpose of the permanent retaining wall is to release valuable land for the development in the district of Battersea.

To surmount adverse ground conditions, we deployed two of our Giken Silent Pilers operating in Supercrush mode, where the ground is simultaneously pre-augered as piles are being pressed-in. Installation was supported by two Crawler Cranes supplied by AGD Equipment.

Overcoming Restricted Access

Site conditions dictated that in places we had to work from a narrow gap between the railway embankment and existing occupied buildings.  To facilitate this, sheet piles were pushed into position under the crane body and through the crane tracks to allow pitching into the chuck of the Giken press.  The crane was also restricted to a maximum slewing angle of just 9°.

Where restricted access and limited space is a factor, the Giken solution is ideal as the machine is able to ‘walk’ over the top of the previously installed piles.  Sheet piles can therefore be installed close to buildings and boundaries. The press is operated via a wireless remote control.

The Giken solution offers an environmentally sympathetic, silent and vibration-free piling technique, minimising the impact of the works on local residents and businesses. Access to the site in Battersea via local streets meant logistical planning was paramount, due to the densely built-up urban nature of the surrounding area. Deliveries of plant, equipment and materials were made by Ivor King’s in-house Transport facilities. Work was also completed ahead of schedule.