Recovered Basement Garage Construction
Our client embarked on an ambitious project: the construction of a substantial basement garage beneath their property.
Project details
Initially, the excavation was attempted without the implementation of a robust retaining wall system, such as piling. This approach unfortunately led to significant instability, with the excavated hole beginning to collapse, posing a serious safety risk and jeopardising the entire project. Time was of the essence, particularly with the Christmas period fast approaching, adding pressure to find a swift and effective solution.
Resolution
Faced with a critical situation, the client turned to DRE Marine & Civils for our expertise in groundworks and retaining wall solutions. Our team rapidly assessed the site and the extent of the instability. It was immediately clear that a robust piling solution was necessary to secure the excavation and allow the basement construction to proceed safely.
Recognising the urgency and the specific requirements of the project, DRE Marine & Civils proposed a sheet piling solution. This method offers a strong and effective retaining wall, capable of withstanding significant soil pressure. Key to our rapid response was our in-house fabrication capabilities. To ensure the swift and precise installation of the sheet piles, our skilled fabrication team designed and manufactured a custom pile gate. This bespoke solution allowed for efficient handling and accurate placement of the sheet piles, a crucial factor given the tight timeframe.
Immediate Mobilisation and Rapid Execution
Demonstrating our commitment to client needs, DRE Marine & Civils achieved immediate mobilisation, commencing work just three weeks before the Christmas break. This rapid response was critical in mitigating further collapse and getting the project back on track.
Our experienced team worked diligently and efficiently, leveraging their expertise in sheet piling installation. The project involved the installation of KKD 600/6 grade steel sheet piles, chosen for their strength and suitability for the ground conditions. Despite the challenging conditions and the approaching holiday period, DRE Marine & Civils successfully completed the sheet piling works in an impressive total time of just 10 days.
Results and Benefits
The swift and decisive action taken by DRE Marine & Civils delivered significant benefits for the client:
- Stabilised Excavation: The installation of the robust sheet pile retaining wall effectively secured the excavation, preventing further collapse and creating a safe working environment.
- Project Continuity: Our rapid mobilisation and efficient execution ensured the project could continue without significant delays, despite the initial setback.
- Time Savings: Completing the critical piling works in just 10 days, including the Christmas period, minimised disruption and allowed subsequent construction phases to commence promptly.
- Cost-Effective Solution: While the initial approach proved unsustainable, DRE Marine & Civils provided a timely and effective solution, preventing potentially more costly and time-consuming remediation work had the collapse worsened.
- Peace of Mind: The client gained the assurance of a structurally sound and safe excavation, allowing them to proceed with their basement garage construction with confidence.
Conclusion
This case study highlights DRE Marine & Civil’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to complex groundworks challenges. Our in-house fabrication capabilities, combined with our experienced team and commitment to efficient project delivery, allowed us to quickly rectify a critical situation and enable the successful continuation of our client’s basement garage construction, even under significant time pressure. We pride ourselves on providing reliable and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project.
Contact DRE Marine & Civils today to discuss your groundworks and retaining wall requirements.