Sheet piling for stable excavation support across New Zealand
Sheet piling is used to create strong, temporary retaining walls that support excavation work in unstable or constrained ground conditions. It’s commonly used for launch and reception pits in trenchless projects, as well as deep excavations near roads, rail, and existing infrastructure.
This is the groundwork that makes everything else possible. At United Tunneling, we install sheet piling to keep sites safe, stable, and workable — giving us the confidence to carry out complex underground installations where ground conditions or surrounding infrastructure demand proper support.
How sheet piling works
Sheet piling involves driving interlocking steel sheets into the ground to form a continuous retaining wall. This creates a stable, supported excavation area that can be used for shafts, pits, and deep digs in poor or unstable ground conditions.
It’s a temporary but essential ground support method, often used to keep excavation sites safe, dry, and workable during trenchless and civil construction works.
Launch and reception pits
Used to form stable pits for trenchless operations such as microtunneling, pipe jacking, and auger boring.
Deep excavations
Provides safe support for deeper digs where ground conditions would otherwise collapse or become unstable.
Road and infrastructure works
Commonly used near roads, services, and built-up areas where excavation stability is critical.
Rail and constrained environments
Helps maintain ground stability when working close to rail corridors or restricted access sites.
Water table and soft ground conditions
Effective in wet or loose soils where additional structural support is required.
Temporary ground support systems
Designed to be installed and removed once the underground works are complete, leaving minimal long-term impact.
Benefits of sheet piling
Tough jobs, done well.
Sheet piling – what you need to know
What is sheet piling used for?
Sheet piling is used to create temporary retaining walls that support excavation work in unstable or deep ground conditions.
When is sheet piling required?
It’s typically used when excavations need added stability, especially for trenchless launch and reception pits or deep digs near infrastructure.
Can sheet piling be used near roads and rail?
Yes, it’s commonly used in tight urban environments and near rail corridors where ground movement must be controlled.
Is sheet piling permanent?
No, it’s usually a temporary system and is removed once the underground works are complete.
What ground conditions does it work in?
It performs well in soft, wet, or unstable soils where excavation walls would otherwise collapse.
What projects use sheet piling most?
It’s often used for trenchless tunnelling shafts, service pits, and deep civil infrastructure works.
Got a tricky underground job coming up?
We’re here to answer your questions and get things drilling.
