Keywords

pile extraction, water jetting, marine construction, temporary foundations, steel tubular piles, vibrating hammer, bridge construction, de-burial and salvage, Abu Dhabi, cohesive soils

Abstract

This paper presents innovative methodologies for extracting vertical steel tubular piles from marine environments, specifically developed and implemented for a bridge construction project in Abu Dhabi Emirate, designed by the well-known architect Zaha Hadid. Two distinct techniques are described: the Uplift Water Pressure method for pile cutoff level above water, utilizing the uplifting force from pressurized water combined with the effects of the vibrating hammer; and the Water Jet method for underwater cutoff pile extraction, combining high-pressure water jetting with vibration to drive a casing pile around existing piles. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these methods in cohesive soils and very weak rock formations, providing practical solutions for contractors managing temporary foundation systems, demolition of existing deep foundations, buried pipelines, cables, or other items in the seabed de-burial and salvage, and any other relevant application. Production rates achieved in the specific conditions were three piles per shift with the Uplift Pressure method and five piles during double-shift operations with the Water Jet method. These techniques offer significant advantages, reducing the extraction time, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing operational flexibility for marine construction.

DOI