In the dynamic world of property development, unexpected structural constraints can quickly transform a promising project into a potential dead end. This was the scenario facing our client in Solihull, a vibrant suburb of Birmingham, where an ambitious 3-story building project seemed to have reached an impasse, leaving the project bleeding money.
The initial challenge
The development site, which was a vacant plot with significant potential, presented a critical engineering challenge. The proximity of an existing neighbouring building’s foundation threatened to derail the entire construction plan. Many less experienced contractors might have considered the project unviable, but at Rhino Piling we specialise in turning impossible scenarios into successful engineering solutions. Our team’s initial site visit revealed that the standard piled foundation approach was simply not feasible. Traditionally piles would be driven centrally within the perimeter trench, but the tight special conditions demanded a more nuanced and creative approach.
The cantilever beam solution!
What emerged was an ingenious cantilever beam solution, that would become the project’s turning point, by strategically repositioning the piles and adjusting the overall perimeter inwards. We could maintain the critical load bearing capacity without compromising the structural integrity of the proposed building or encroaching on the neighbouring property’s foundations.
Project execution with precision and performance
The implementation was a testament to our technical expertise and robust equipment. Our team deployed a drop hammer rig to install forty-nine precisely positioned piles, this involved:
- Utilising 174 metres of high-grade steel
- Pumping one hundred cubic metres of C35 concrete
- Employing a sophisticated 65m boom pump to ensure perfect concrete placement.
The precision of our approach meant that what could have been a project-stopping challenge became an opportunity to demonstrate innovative engineering solutions.
Ten months after our initial intervention, a return visit to the site confirmed the success of our approach. The building was well under construction, a silent tribute to the power of our innovative engineering and problem solving.
So why choose Rhino Piling
This project epitomises our commitment to
- Technical innovation
- Problem solving expertise.
- Uncompromising quality
- Adaptable engineering solutions
Whether you are facing complex foundation challenges or embarking on a new construction project, Rhino Piling has the expertise to transform potential obstacles into successful outcomes.
