Ivor King are the leading Silent Piling Specialists
At Ivor King, we pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of innovative piling solutions – and this month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most efficient, non-intrusive, and environmentally friendly methods in our toolkit: Silent and Vibration-free Piling.
What Is Silent & Vibration-free Piling and how does it work?
Sometimes referred to as Pile Pressing or Press-In Piling, this low-impact technique uses our fleet of Giken Silent Pilers to hydraulically press piles into the ground without generating vibration. Unlike traditional driven piling, there’s no hammering – just smooth, controlled installation with the advantage of ultra-low noise levels.
Giken sheet piling is performed using reaction force from previously installed piles to silently and steadily press the next pile into position. This makes silent sheet piling the perfect solution for sensitive locations, such as residential zones, city centres, heritage sites, hospitals, or areas with underground services.
Where can Vibration-Free Piling be used?
The Giken Silent Piling method offers remarkable versatility and can be used in vitually all ground conditions. Even in challenging soils or where obstacles like rock are present, we use advanced techniques to maintain an ultra-low noise, vibration-free installation:
- Pre-augering – to break up and loosen harder soils
- Water jetting – to assist pile penetration
- Giken Supercrush* – for piling through extremely hard strata and rock
*Stay tuned: next month’s mini-topic will focus on Giken Supercrush – an extension of the silent piling method designed specifically for tackling hard ground and rock formations.
Why Choose Silent Piling?
✅ Silent Operation – Ideal for noise-sensitive environments
✅ Zero Vibration – Safe near existing structures, services, or heritage assets
✅ Compact Equipment – Minimal disruption to surrounding areas
✅ Environmentally Friendly – Lower emissions and reduced ground impact
✅ Precise Control – Ensures verticality and accuracy even in difficult conditions
Giken pilers use bio-degradable Piler Eco Oil and Piler Eco Grease as standard. Therefore, if hydraulic oil or grease is spilled into soil or water, there will be no environmental damage to the surrounding eco-system. In addition, our machines are painted with TX-Free non-leaded paint*
* Environmentally-friendly paint which does not contain toluene, xylene or lead based pigment.
Silent piling should be used when traditional driven or vibratory methods pose risks due to noise, vibration, limited access, or environmental constraints.
It’s ideal for use in city centres, near sensitive structures (like hospitals or heritage buildings), on constrained sites, and in environmentally protected areas.
Because it operates quietly and vibration-free, silent piling minimises disruption, ground movement, and ecological impact. It’s also suitable where ground disturbance must be kept to a minimum — such as near utilities or in contaminated soils.
Press-in piling uses a hydraulic pressing system to gently push sheet piles into the ground without hammering or vibrating. Because it relies on static force instead of dynamic energy, it virtually eliminates ground-borne vibration and noise. The method also avoids disturbing the soil around the pile, reducing the risk of ground settlement or structural movement in nearby buildings.
Yes — its vibration-free and low-noise installation makes it particularly suited for urban environments where traditional piling methods may pose risks to nearby buildings, utilities, or cause noise disruption. It allows construction teams to work safely and efficiently near offices, apartments, transport infrastructure, hospitals, and heritage structures – all with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Giken machines are capable of handling a wide range of soils, from soft clays up to hard rock. In more challenging conditions, water jetting or augering assistance may be used to reduce friction and enable smooth pile installation. Each location should be assessed on a case-by-case basis through soil investigations and site analysis.
Footprint-free piling refers to the self-supporting, compact nature of Giken Silent Pilers, which do not require large working platforms, piling gates, or support structures. The machine walks itself forward along the previously installed piles using its own hydraulic reaction system. This means:
- Minimal site disruption
- Small working footprint (ideal for confined spaces)
- Reduced environmental and physical impact
It’s especially useful for sites with tight access, live infrastructure, or limited working room, such as alongside rivers, rail lines, or within built-up urban areas.
Our Giken Capability
Ivor King proudly owns the UK’s most extensive fleet of Giken pile pressing machines, meaning we can accommodate multiple projects simultaneously and respond quickly to demand across the country.
From the smallest machines in our fleet, the compact but powerful F201, with 150 tonnes of pressing force, up to our SCZ675 Silent Pilers, capable of installing a pair of Z piles simultaneously, enabling a 1.4m section to be pressed. Our Giken fleet of Silent Pilers offer a broad range of capability, depending on the specific demands of the site and ground conditions.
For sites with extremely limited access, we can also offer the Full GRB (Giken Reaction Base) System, which works on the principle of a footprint free installation. That is to say all piling procedures, including pile transportation, pile pitching and press-in work are possible from on top of installed piles. See a video of our GRB System in action HERE.
Proven Performance, Trusted Expertise
With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, our team can deliver silent and vibration-free piling solutions across a wide range of applications – from tight-access urban jobs to sensitive environmental sites.
Need advice on whether Silent & Vibration-free Piling is right for your project?
Ivor King has over 50 years of experience in steel sheet piling, we specialise in providing innovative and bespoke piling solutions.
Take a look at the range of Steel Piling Solutions we can design and install, and get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team to discuss how we can help. Whatever your piling project, we’re your people.
Sheet Pile Retaining Walls
The quick and easy solution that eliminates the need for temporary earthworks support.
Sheet Pile Basements
Maximise your basement footprint with a cost effective watertight construction solution.
Cofferdams
Allows excavation and construction in otherwise poor working environments
Temporary Sheet Pile Walls
Allowing earthworks to take place, sheet piles can be re-used on project completion
Steel Bearing Pile Foundations
Providing excellent load and resistance and high strength in compression and tension
Ground Anchors
Economical and practical alternative to propping, enabling greater retained heights
Inland Waterways & Marine Piling Solutions
Flood defences and water retention systems, including rivers, canals, harbour and dock wall stabilisations, marinas and reservoirs
📅 Coming in July: Giken Supercrush Vibration-Free Piling Through Hard Ground and Rock: What is it and when is it needed?
Sheet Pile Hire & Sales Our dedicated hire and sales division is on hand to support all your temporary and permanent sheet pile needs
