HS2 has revealed a new vacuum excavation technique for piling which could improve safety and cut site noise levels.
The “zero trim pile technique” involves sucking out excess concrete while still wet using a new vacuum excavator.
Traditional piling sees concrete overpoured before workers have to break out the excess.
This can cause a lot of health problems, including hand-arm vibration syndrome, hearing loss and silicosis.
By removing the need to break out excess concrete, this new approach is safer for workers and also reduces the hours involved in complex piling work.
Lee Piper, working for HS2 contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) worked with colleague Deon Louw from Cementation Skanska, to develop the pioneering new approach.
Vacuum excavation technology is not new but using it in this way in the construction sector marks a step change.
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