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.
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.
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.
Temporary sheet piling works are typically removed using the following process:
The process is carried out according to comprehensive temporary works procedures, ensuring safety and compliance on all temporary construction sites.
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:
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.