Project details
A project to replace a degraded sheet pile retaining wall, which forms part of an aggregate handling facility, located on the River Medway. The facility specialises in the handling of sand/ gravel, and is strategically located in close proximity to the Medway Tunnel. The upgraded quay will ensure the continued operation of the facility, whilst ensuring the structure is capable of supporting increased loads.
Initial works included excavation across the footprint of the location of a new sheet piled anchor wall. The anchor wall consists of PU28 sheet piles measuring 10m in length, which were installed using a leader rig. The existing capping beam was then wire sawed into manageable sections and lifted out. The ground behind the existing quay wall was then excavated to expose the existing tie bars, which were cut and removed. A temporary piling frame was then erected at the location of the new quay wall, directly behind the existing structure. A 250T crawler crane was then used to lift PU28 sheet piles measuring 19m in length into position, which were then driven to refusal using a vibro hammer. An impact hammer was then used to back drive the pile to the agreed design level. Following installation of the new quay wall, fill material was then placed to the rear and compacted to the identified level of the new tie rods. A waling beam complete with brackets was then welded to the new quay wall. Tie bars measuring up to 16m in length were then installed and tensioned, prior to the placement of the remaining backfill material.
Traditional timber shutters were constructed by our directly employed joiners to the dimensions required to create the new capping beam. The sheet piles forming the new quay wall were then cropped to the correct level. A propriety support system was installed prior to the positioning of prefabricated reinforcement cages and timber formwork. A series of concrete pours were then completed to form the capping beam. A new section of RC flood wall has been constructed to the rear of the capping beam
The existing sheet piled quay wall was then removed, with a the crawler crane complete with vibro hammer used to loosen the piles and extract. Once removed, the extracted pile was then cut into smaller sections and removed from site.
UC fender piles were prefabricated off site prior to installation using a piling gate. Fender panels complete with fixing chains were then installed and tensioned accordingly. Final works included the installation of mooring bollards, and a cathodic protection system across the face of the new quay wall.
The works were programmed so as to minimise disruption to ongoing client operations, which involved ensuring 50% of the quay footprint remained fully operational.
