Overall view of the failed area
Main tension crack behind failed area
Main tension crack behind failed area
Detail of Tension crack behind failed area
Project:Investigation of Excavation Failure & Shoring Collapse
Client:Insurance Group
During the construction of a deep excavation through fill and sandstone near The Rocks area of Sydney, the steel soldier / timber lagging system of excavation support moved substantially resulting extensive settlement of the footpath area and some localised failures of the bedrock into which the piles had been embedded.
As a result the firm was engaged by the Contract Works Insurer to advise of the probable causes of the failure and to advise on the necessary remedial measures.
Whilst the matter was complicated by allegations of faulty construction and departures from the agreed design, it was finally resolved that the cause of the failure was most probably insufficient embedment the steel soldier piles into the extensively seamed bedrock.