Berryrange Ltd installed a large sheet pile cofferdam for the construction of Botanic Place, a state-of-the-art office building in Cambridge. 664 PU28-1 U shaped sheet piles ranging from 12.5m-14.0m in length were used for the project, creating approximately 400 linear metres of steel piling.

THE CHALLENGE

This project not only challenged with its grand scale, but required completion within a tight deadline. Furthermore, the site was located adjacent to a main road, preexisting buildings, and Cambridge University Botanic Garden. One of the preexisting buildings was located within the site itself, an old pub which was to be preserved.

THE SOLUTION

To complete such a large project with a short turnaround, two WP150 Silent Pilers were used simultaneously, working in opposite directions around the cofferdam until meeting at the end to close it. A Sennebogen 653 50t Tele Crawler Crane and a Sennebogen 643 40t Tele Crawler Crane were used to pitch the piles. Due to this additional plant, a larger crew was required to operate.

The WP150 presses were selected for this project due to the site’s location in a central urban area and its proximity to preexisting buildings and roads; the silent, vibration-free nature of these pilers prevents the disruption or damage to surroundings which can be a risk with conventional methods. To allow for easier driving of the piles, the ground was initially pre-augered using a telescopic Leader Rig.

Once the cofferdam was completed, excavation could take place to facilitate the new construction.

SUSTAINABILITY

Botanic Place has been designed as the most sustainable office building project in the world (achieving 100% BREEAM score at design stage [1]).

Along these sustainable guidelines, Berryrange Ltd used Eco Sheet Piles, steel piles produced by ArcelorMittal which are created from 100% scrap material in electric arc furnaces powered by 100% renewable electricity [2].

Instead of diesel, HVO fuel was used for powering plant, reducing emissions further.