During VolkerGround Engineering’s second of three scheduled site visits to the Leigh expansion project in Kent, the team installed 46 steel tube bearing piles each 508mm in diameter and 15 metres long.
The piles were essential to support a concrete slab as part of the temporary works design for a 300-tonne crane platform. The crane is required to lift and remove the radial gates for VolkerStevin’s replacement of an existing flood gate system, contributing to the broader Tonbridge Flood Protection Scheme.
The VolkerGround Engineering team utilised a 130-tonne crane to pitch and support the piles, whilst a 38-tonne base machine equipped with an SG75 Movax drove the piles to refusal. Once driven, the piles were back driven to their final set using a BSP SL30, followed by CAPWAP testing to several piles. The piles were installed in groups of up to eight, allowing for the efficient relocation of timber piling mats and ensuring the plant stayed within its working radius throughout the process.
