Introduction
Groundforce supplied its Super Mega Brace hydraulic frame and 500 tonne capacity MP500 hydraulic props to main contractor BAM Civil to support a deep cofferdam during construction of the cooling water system on the Dublin Waste to Energy project in Poolbeg, Dublin.
The design and build contract, which client Covanta and their representatives, PM Group, awarded to BAM,
involved the construction of a reinforced concrete pumping station to supply cooling water to the new Waste to Energy plant.
Challenges
BAM had to install a temporary cofferdam, 35m long, 12m wide and 12m deep within which to construct the
pumping station. The cofferdam was designed using interlocking AZ sheet piles to provide a fully interlocked
sealed structure so that the construction could be carried out in the dry.
The considerable depth of the excavation meant that the cofferdam was subjected to very high lateral loads,
requiring a robust and secure support system to retain the ground. Located in Dublin Port, the cofferdam was
also surrounded by water on three sides which also contributed to the high loads.
A spokesman for BAM Civil said:
"We were very satisfied with the level of service provided by Groundforce. From the initial concept stage,
through planning and finally during installation of the system, Groundforce was always available for advice
and comment.
“We have also received excellent customer follow up service. We would have no hesitation is using
Groundforce solutions for cofferdam and deep excavations in the future."