Chapter 18 Excavations and piling

On most construction sites excavations and piling works are the first significant works to be carried out; they can also be some of the most dangerous works that will occur on a project. It is easy to be deceived by the appearance of the sides of an excavation; the condition of the excavation can suddenly change and collapse can happen without warning – it is not an exact science.

Virtually every type of construction project involves some excavation works; even refurbishment projects tend to involve upgraded utility supplies that have to be delivered to the building.

Excavations come in many shapes and sizes: from relatively shallow and narrow trenches for cables to massive basement foundations and cofferdam constructions. Excavations are one of the most hazardous activities undertaken by civil engineers; it is an activity that has in recent years claimed an average of more than six lives and many serious injuries each year.