Smart Piling Project
Highways England’s M4 Smart Motorway Scheme will see the creation of a new fourth lane in each direction via conversion of hard shoulders into permanent running lanes.
Many of the bridges crossing the M4 were constructed for the original Maidenhead bypass in the 1960s and were designed for a dual-carriageway, before the bypass became part of the M4 Motorway as exists today. Now the M4 is expanding once again, there are several bridges that are not wide enough to accommodate the new upgraded four lane smart motorway, including the Monkey Island Lane Overbridge.
Facilitating a New Bridge
We installed steel sheet piles alongside the existing bridge to assist with construction of a replacement. This allows the old bridge, which will eventually be dismantled, to remain open to local traffic whilst the new bridge is completed.
Challenges and Solutions
Some of the complexities included working alongside a live motorway in close proximity to existing structures, coupled with limited access and hard ground conditions. This required Giken Supercrush Silent Piling technology to be deployed for the installation of permanent sheet piles for the new bridge piers. The temporary abutment sheet piles were installed using a Telescopic Leader Rig mounted Hydro-Press in panels of four. Both installation methods overcome the environmental impact of noise and vibration allowing sheet piles to be pressed into the ground rather than using impact or vibration hammers. In fact, both methods offer a virtually silent and vibration-free method of installation.
Ivor King has invested heavily in Silent Piling technology in recent years, and we are industry leaders in the use of Giken Supercrush technology.
