What is Temporary Sheet Piling?

Temporary sheet piling is a widely used method of providing structural support and ground retention during the construction process, where steel sheet piles are interlocked into the ground to create a continuous, temporary wall. This wall is designed to retain earth, water or both, making these systems especially valuable in projects involving excavation, earthwork support or cofferdams.

This piling method is commonly used in civil engineering, infrastructure and marine projects, offering a cost-effective, reusable solution. With the right temporary sheet piling design, tailored adjustments can be made to meet a wide variety of ground conditions and project timelines.

sheet pile installation

Is All Sheet Piling Temporary?

In most cases, sheet piling is used as a temporary solution, often employed to provide short-term stability in basement construction projects and pipeline installations. However, there are also situations where sheet piling may be installed as a long-term or even permanent structure. The decision to use sheet piling as a temporary or permanent solution ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project and the long-term goals of the structure. If your project is located on or near water, you may require a cofferdam structure to allow for safe and dry working areas below the water table. Permanent sheet-piled solutions may be used in flood defences, harbours, access jetties or retaining walls.

The decision between temporary and permanent works depends on the objectives of the project, groundwater conditions, structural requirements and budget.

Ease of Installation and Extraction

One of the key advantages of using temporary works is its ease of installation and removal. Sheet piles can be quickly installed and driven into the ground, providing immediate support and containment for the construction site. They are installed with minimal vibration and noise using specialist piling equipment like vibratory hammers or pile pressing equipment. The flexibility in lengths and section sizes allows sheet piles to be closely tailored to each project.

Once the project is completed, the extraction of sheet piles from the ground can be done using a vibratory extractor or other specialised equipment, leaving behind minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. These temporary steel products can be used again and again in future construction projects.

How Are Temporary Sheet Piles Removed?

Temporary sheet piling works are typically removed using the following process:

  1. Inspection – Sheet piles are inspected for stability, ensuring they are safe to remove. Checks include assessing whether damage or wear could compromise the stability or extraction process.
  2. Exposure – Once deemed safe for removal, soil around the temporary sheet pile wall is excavated to expose pile sections using excavators or backhoes.
  3. Disconnection – With the piling exposed, the interlocking sections that hold it in place are detached. Specialised tools or equipment may be used to disconnect the sections and then remove them from the ground.
  4. Extraction – The piles are removed vertically using rigs or other specialist equipment, with close attention paid to nearby structures and utilities, as steel sheet piles can be installed near permanent infrastructure. Any soil or debris that was displaced should be carefully backfilled and compacted, leaving the area in a safe, stable condition.
  5. Site Restoration – Once piles have been removed and the area is restored, final inspections are conducted to ensure that safety protocols have been followed and the site is ready for the following phase of construction or development.

The process is carried out according to comprehensive temporary works procedures, ensuring safety and compliance on all temporary construction sites.

Examples of Sheet Piling Projects

Since our establishment, Aarsleff has delivered numerous sheet piling projects across the UK. Our extensive portfolio highlights our technical expertise and versatility across a range of environments and structures. Click on a project to explore full details. Recent completed temporary works include:

Contact Our Sheet Piling Experts

Aarsleff has over 30 years of experience in the design and installation of temporary sheet piling. Our geotechnical design experts deliver complete temporary earthwork support solutions, from the design stage to installation and extraction. Our solutions are planned and executed to ensure they have the least possible impact on the environment, and with sheet piles able to be reused, they are a more sustainable choice – reducing material waste and the carbon footprint of the work.

We offer a complete service for temporary retaining walls, cofferdams and other sheet piled solutions. Our team can provide bespoke, cost-effective, and regulation-compliant projects to meet your requirements – with temporary solutions often required in sewerage treatment works, bridge abutments, tunnelling schemes, underground tanks and much more. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts or to receive a quote.

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A leading UK ground engineering specialist, focusing on multi-discipline excellence and value engineering. We design and deliver some of the UK’s largest ground engineering projects.

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Our vision is to bring confidence to those constructing the landscape of tomorrow .

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1947. Central Jutland, Denmark. Per Aarsleff borrowed 10,000 Danish Kroner from his father’s life insurance, bought an excavator, and founded Northern Europe’s leading contracting company.

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The projects that keep society running. Bridges, buildings, transit and rail facilities, embankment support, marine and offshore facilities, mines, airports, and water projects.

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Keeping things turning. Sewage Treatment Works, Waste Water Treatment Works, Wind Farms and Wind Turbines, Biomass Plants, and Power stations.

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Meeting society’s needs. Nursing and care homes, MOD buildings, Schools and Universities, and small or large-sized residential developments.

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Staying on the move. Remediation, bridges, and foundation work are integral to keeping the industry running smoothly.

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The landscape of the marketplace. Mega-retail sheds, distribution warehouses, University accommodation, and major supermarket and household name units.

Commercial piling projects

Keeping things afloat. Ports and harbours, coastal defences, river embankments and inland waterways.

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