What Is Marine Piling and Why Is It Used?
Protecting river and canal banks from erosion and changing water conditions is important for maintaining the UK's waterways. Marine piling helps preserve the structural integrity of these banks while supporting the construction of docks, jetties, and other waterside structures.
Piles are vertical structures driven deep into the ground. They can reinforce river and canal banks or act as anchors and supports for marine structures.
Below, we explain what marine piling involves, the different materials and equipment used, and what to consider when planning a marine piling project.
In this article we'll discuss:
What Is Marine Piling?
Marine piling, sometimes called aqua piling, involves installing piles into the ground beneath or alongside a body of water to support construction work.
A pile is a post-like structure installed into the ground to support a load or hold back soil. In waterways, piles are commonly used to create retaining walls between the bank and the water. They can also provide foundations for marine structures, including wharves, jetties, and docks.
What Is Marine Sheet Piling?
One of the most common forms of marine piling is sheet piling. This involves installing interlocking steel sheets to create a continuous wall that prevents river and canal banks from collapsing into the water.
Steel sheet piles are often found along towpaths and are also used to create structurally sound waterfront features.
Given the importance of bank stabilisation in flood protection and keeping waterways clear and navigable, marine sheet piling plays an important role in the maintenance of UK waterways.
Learn more about the installation process in our guide to sheet piling and pile hammers.
Types of Marine Piling Work and Projects
Here at The Rothen Group, we have extensive experience in the design and installation of marine piling, including projects in land-based, tidal, and intertidal environments.
Our team provides a comprehensive range of marine piling services, including:
Quay walls
Dock wall stabilisation
Jetties
Slipways
Mooring dolphins
Tubular pile installation
Pontoons
River walls
The method used will depend on the site and the structure being supported.
Types of Marine Piling
Different sites require different marine piling systems, depending on whether the piles are needed for structural support, bank protection, or anchoring. The main types include:
Sheet piling: Interlocking sheets used to form retaining walls and protect waterfronts.
Driven bearing piles: Individual piles driven into the ground to support structures such as piers, jetties, and docks.
Tubular piling: Hollow steel piles commonly used for foundations, mooring structures, and other load-bearing applications.
Bored piling: Piles constructed by drilling into the ground and filling the excavation with reinforced concrete, where site conditions permit.
A particular project might even require a combination of piling types. For example, sheet piling might reinforce a canal wall, while driven bearing piles provide support for a new jetty.
What Materials Are Used in Marine Piling?
As marine piles are often submerged in water, they are exposed to substances and conditions that can cause long-term damage. Choosing the right materials helps the structure withstand these conditions.
Steel is a popular choice because it offers excellent load-bearing capacity and strength. However, suitable corrosion protection may be required to prevent the steel from deteriorating over time.
Concrete pile systems are also extremely strong, providing a solid foundation for marine structures. Wooden piles, meanwhile, offer a visually appealing alternative and can last a long time in suitable underwater conditions.
Composite marine pilings are another option, offering resistance to rot and corrosion.
The location and nature of the water will help determine which material is most suitable.
It is therefore important to work with marine civil engineering specialists who can recommend the right materials for the project.
What Are Marine Piles Treated With?
To maintain the structural integrity of marine piling, suitable protective measures are often required.
Pile wrapping and protective treatments can help prevent rot and corrosion, depending on the material used. Piling post bumpers can also be installed around docks and other boating facilities where piles are more susceptible to physical damage.
Steel can rust, which is why it is often treated with protective coatings, such as epoxy or specialised marine paints, to reduce corrosion. Cathodic protection may also be used to protect submerged steel, while timber piles can be treated with preservatives to help prevent decay and damage from marine organisms.
Common Marine Piling Installation Process
Every marine piling project is different, but the installation process generally follows a series of steps. At The Rothen Group, our experienced operators and extensive fleet allow us to undertake piling work across the UK's rivers, canals, marinas, and other waterways.
Site assessment: The process begins with a feasibility assessment, where our experienced engineers consider all aspects of the project. This includes ecological factors, water depth, health and safety, access, ground conditions, and the available budget.
Design and planning: Following this assessment, we prepare a proposal outlining the recommended materials and installation methods. As piles are often submerged in water, it is important to choose materials that offer long-term durability and suitable load-bearing capabilities.
Site preparation: We arrange access and mobilise the necessary machinery, which often includes our specialist floating crane barges and digger boats.
Pile installation: Using the selected equipment, the piles are driven or installed into the ground to the required depth and specification, providing structural support or stabilising the surrounding banks.
Final inspection: Once installation is complete, the piles are inspected to ensure they are correctly positioned and meet the project's structural requirements.
Equipment Used for Marine Piling
Hydraulic piling hammers are used to drive piles into the ground during installation. The Rothen Group uses several sizes of hydraulic hammer, suitable for excavators and cranes from 2.5 tonnes upwards.
These hammers can operate directly from a machine's hydraulic system or a standalone power pack. They can also be fitted with different inserts to suit the piles being installed, while features such as biodegradable hydraulic oil and reduced vibration can help minimise environmental impact.
Other specialist equipment includes floating crane barges, digger boats, and long-reach excavators, allowing piling work in locations where access from the bank is limited.
The equipment selected depends on ground conditions, the type of pile, and access to the waterway.
For more information, see our guide to the different types of pile driving equipment.
How Much Do Pilings Cost?
Every marine piling project has its own requirements, making it difficult to provide a fixed price without assessing the site.
The cost will depend on several factors, including the number and size of piles, the materials used, water depth, ground conditions, and access requirements. Projects requiring specialist floating equipment or more complicated installations will generally cost more.
The first step is to contact The Rothen Group to arrange a site visit. During this assessment, we consider the specific requirements of the project before providing a bespoke quote.
How Long Does Marine Piling Take?
Following the initial site visit, we can arrange for the necessary equipment to be mobilised. This will often involve specialist floating crane barges or digger boats, depending on the project.
An experienced team is required to install piles safely and effectively in water. The time needed will depend on the project's size, location, and specific requirements.
Smaller installations may be completed in a matter of days, while larger projects or those with difficult ground conditions and restricted access can take several weeks or longer.
What Are Marine Piling Contractors?
Marine piling contractors are specialists responsible for assessing, planning, and carrying out piling works in aquatic environments.
A professional contractor will begin by assessing the location, water depth, ground conditions, and other factors that may affect the project. Once the requirements have been established, a suitable piling method and equipment can be selected.
Having access to specialist equipment, including hydraulic piling hammers, crane boats, and long-reach excavators, allows contractors to undertake piling work safely and efficiently.
At The Rothen Group, our experienced operators have the training and expertise needed to work in challenging waterway environments, where site conditions can change throughout a project. We also provide a wider range of waterway maintenance services to protect and maintain the UK's rivers and canals.
The Rothen Group’s Marine Piling Service
Our highly skilled and experienced marine piling contractor team can undertake a wide range of marine piling projects. Combined with our specialist fleet of floating crane barges and digger boats, we have the equipment and expertise needed to deliver projects safely and efficiently.
Our team is always available to discuss your project in more detail. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our marine piling services, please contact The Rothen Group today.
Marine Piling Frequently Asked Questions
How do marine piles stay in place underwater?
Piles gain stability through friction with surrounding soil, resistance from deeper bearing layers, or both. They are installed to a depth determined by the ground conditions and the loads they need to support, providing a stable foundation for marine structures.
What are the common causes of marine pile failure?
Constant exposure to water and changing environmental conditions can cause marine piles to deteriorate. Over time, corrosion and timber decay can eventually lead to failure. This can be exacerbated by excessive structural loads, scour around foundations, and unsuitable installation.
That's why regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to identify deterioration early.
How do you protect marine pilings?
Marine pilings can be protected using methods such as pile wrapping and protective treatments, which help prevent corrosion and rot.
Piling post bumpers can also protect dock piles from physical damage caused by boats. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify deterioration before it affects the structure's integrity.
What is dock piling?
Dock pilings are specialised piles installed to support the structure of a dock. Docks can be heavy and place considerable pressure on the piles, so they require strong materials and suitable installation depths.
Common materials include steel, concrete, timber, and composites. The most appropriate option depends on the size and type of dock, ground conditions, and the loads it needs to support.
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