Overview
IOTA provides design and building of lateral support systems appropriate for every kind of slope. We implement all lateral support systems including but not limited to small and large diameter soldier piles, temporary or permanent anchors, shotcrete, rock bolting and timber lagging. We examine excavation cuts, adjacent properties, tolerable movements and determine the most suitable lateral support system
Besides foundation piles, we design and install lateral support piles. We install three types of lateral support piles i.e soldier piles, secant piles and contiguous piles. Though installed differently, their purpose is to resist lateral soil pressure in order to retain excavated ground and avoid collapses. Soldier piles are installed at regular intervals and are typically suitable for medium depth excavations and where there are low or dry ground water conditions.
Contiguous piles are formed by constructing the piles placed next to each other with small gaps (typically 50-100mm). The piles do not overlap. Contiguous piles are suitable for moderate depth excavations and for sites with some groundwater
Secant piles are overlapping piles constructed by alternating between the primary piles (soft/lean concrete) and the secondary piles (reinforced concrete) cutting into the primary pile. The overlapping forms a stiff, waterproof, and continuous wall that can also act as a permanent retaining wall.
Shotcrete is pneumatically applied concrete that is sprayed onto slopes to provide immediate surface support and prevent soil or rock from collapsing. Shotcrete is often installed together with anchors. These are high strength tendons installed and grouted into soil or rock behind the excavation and capped with a plate to provide active lateral restraint. They transfer loads from the retaining system into stable ground, improving overall stability and limiting horizontal movement.
Timber lagging consists of horizontal timber boards placed between soldier piles to retain soil and prevent collapse of the excavation face. It provides temporary lateral support by transferring earth pressures to the soldier piles as excavation progresses.
Rock bolting involves installing high strength steel bolts/anchors into drilled holes in rock to reinforce and stabilize the rock mass by tying fractured or loose rock to competent material behind, thereby controlling lateral movement and preventing rock falls.
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Talk to our foundation engineers about your project requirements and ground conditions.