In preparation for construction work on the High Speed 2 (HS2) we have been utilising our expertise to maximise the use of the waterways. The Rothen Group have had a number of articles published about this project in June and July and here are the articles so far: Boating Business: https://www.boatingbusiness.com/news101/inland-waterways/marine-equipment-adapts-for-hs2-project Construction Index: https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rothen-adapts-marine-fleet-for-hs2 Construction Plant News: https://cpnonline.co.uk/news/trg-assists-on-hs2-project/ New civil engineer: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/special-adaptations-to-marine-equipment-for-hs2-11-06-2020/ Towpath Talk (Page 39)

Marine construction is difficult, and waterfront developments can be even more so. The cost to build a marina is expensive, so keeping it well-maintained is a must. After initially engaging marina construction companies, marina maintenance firms like The Rothen Group (TRG) should be your next port of call. These firms can help with your ongoing marina engineering and waterfront marine construction needs. We have detailed common questions about marina construction and marina repair below. So, if you’re looking for guidance on marina design and construction, read on. This will cover installing jetties, minimising marina construction costs, and more. What purpose does a marina serve? Marina design and construction involves providing security, useful services, and ensuring your moorings aren’t disturbed by passing boats. Each marina construction is different, with some being quite basic. More complex waterfront developments, however, can include cafes, barbecues, boater storage and 500+ berths. Those working in marina construction tend to install jetties and common facilities like toilets, waste disposal points, showers and car parking. Some waterfront marina constructions also have dry and wet dock facilities. Why does a marina require maintenance? Marinas constructions are broadly composed of bankside protection ( sheet piling or soft bank protection) and jetties. This bank protection can fail over time, as boats keep forcing water against them as they manoeuvre into berths. Consequently, a lot of marina engineering involves replacing this protection to ensure banks don’t collapse into the marina/mooring. In addition, installed jetties are generally made out of sheet piles and timber walkways, which again can degrade over time. As the timber rots, this can result in hazardous walking conditions if the timbers rot. Silt, debris and weeds can also build up, and must be removed through marina maintenance methods like dredging . Boats can get stuck or slowed down on these growths and deposits, which can be highly inconvenient. So, no matter a marina’s design and construction, active maintenance is a must. What are the steps to carrying out marina maintenance? First of all, you need to see what marina maintenance or marina construction work is required. This could include anything from dredging, piling and bank stabilising, to weed clearance and installing jetties. Afterward you should engage a company that specialises in marina maintenance . This involves obtaining a quote to see if further manpower and expertise are required to carry out the project. What boats are required for marina maintenance? The range of adaptable marina engineering equipment supplied by TRG means they can carry out marina maintenance regardless of project size. This encompasses everything from small marina maintenance to big waterfront developments that require larger scale marine engineering. Marina maintenance can be carried out from the bank or from boats. Examples of craft that can assist in marina repair include crane boats , digger pontoons , weed cutting boats , pusher tugs , and hoppers . Most new marinas are built on land in dry conditions. As such, most marina construction companies don’t own floating plant or such varied fleets. Yet these solutions can be invaluable in waterfront marine construction and marina maintenance. Indeed, we can access the most awkward of marina constructions, and do an excellent job of installing and configuring. Furthermore, our marina engineering team are very experienced in marina maintenance projects. They can be mobilised within a week to a month, depending on marine construction requirements and the severity of the situation. Do you have any further questions about marina repair, marina maintenance and waterfront marine construction, or other marina engineering services? If so, please contact us on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk.

Our previous blogs have outlined a number of different forms of marine construction, including dredging , weed control , and piling . This blog will take a closer look at marine piling, and how the processes change when driving piles in water. We’ll cover what marine piling is, and how it differs from the type of piling we’ve covered in the past. The blog will also touch on how water affects the materials involved in piling, and who to contact if your project requires piling works. What is marine piling? As the name suggests, this relates to piling works in a water environment. It can be called many different things depending on the location, and may occasionally be referred to as aqua piling. Going back to basics, a pile is a post-like object that is driven into the ground to support building works. In the context of waterways, it is commonly used to provide a retaining wall between the bank and the water. It can also be used to provide support to marine structures, as is the case with wharf piles. Marine sheet piling A phrase that you will hear a lot of in this type of work is sheet piling. This refers to a wall of interlocking steel sheets that prevent river and canal banks from collapsing into the water. Sheet piling in water helps to secure the integrity of the banks, and can be a long-term solution that lasts for upwards of 20 years. Steel sheet piles are often seen along the edges of towpaths, or to create a structurally sound waterside feature. Given the importance of bank stabilisation in flood prevention and keeping our waterways clear and navigable, marine sheet piling plays an integral role in the maintenance of UK waterways. Piling materials As they are often submerged in water, piles are exposed to a number of different substances and chemicals which can cause long-term damage. It is important, therefore, to get the right material to ensure longevity of any piling project. Steel offers fantastic load capacity, as well as durable corrosion resistance. It is important to ensure that you only use marine grade pilings, which is achieved through galvanising the steel to make it more resistant to corrosion and prevent it from breaking down and degrading in the water. A concrete pile system is extremely strong, and wood piles offer a visually attractive option, with the low oxygen levels in water meaning they can last a fairly long time. Assessing the location and nature of the water into which the piles will be submerged will inform the type of material used, with canal piling requiring a different approach to river piling. From steel to wood, composite marine pilings to concrete, the key is to engage with marine civil engineering specialists in order to find the right material for your project. How can The Rothen Group help? If a construction project requires marine piling, the first port of call should be to contact The Rothen Group so that we can undertake a site visit. This will help us to assess the location, water depth, type of ground conditions, and many more factors, before providing a bespoke quote. It is impossible to say how much mooring pilings cost, for example, before completing a thorough assessment of the project’s unique circumstances. Following this site visit, we can then mobilise the kit – which is generally a floating crane barge or digger boat. An experienced team is required to effectively drive piles into water, and we can provide operators for these tasks. The turnaround time varies depending on the project, but our team can usually mobilise within a few days to a week. As outlined in this blog , the equipment used for aqua piling is very specialist, and in the wrong hands could cause issues further down the line, ultimately costing more in the long run to replace. If you have any further questions about piling, or would like to know more about the services The Rothen Group can offer, please contact us today on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk

Our long reach excavator is being put to good use clearing ditches and streams of aquatic vegetation ahead of the winter. The long arm gives the machine a reach of 8 metres making previously out of reach ditches ‘in reach’! The marine ready digger has bio oil and low ground pressure making it ideal for ecological sensitive sites where management of aquatic weed is important for biodiversity. Our tractor and trailer unit can also mobilise the machine easily. With flooding events increasing with changing weather conditions, the correct and regular management of feeder arms, ditches and streams is becoming more and more important. Our range of versatile and innovative plant both floating and land based makes the job easier and cost effective for our clients. The long reach digger can have a range of attachments from flails to clear offside hedges or banks, to reed rakes and buckets to remove vegetation within the water.

After working with CRT’s 3rd party works team we have successfully obtained a permit for private moorings in Colwich. The works not only created a new mooring but also stabilised the bank. The works were undertaken with our grab barge, which could load, carry and install the materials (piles, concrete and bricks) to site. The materials had to be loaded 2 miles away as there was no access through the back garden and then floated to site. Due to the works being in a heritage area, brickwork was requested to finish the canal bank wall above water level. This was built onto a foundation, supported by L8 piles which were again installed from the crane boat using a hydraulic piling hammer.

More brownfield sites than ever are being developed in the UK. Given that these sites are ex-industrial they often have waterways running through or adjacent to them. It can be many years before brownfield sites are redeveloped, so their waterways are likely to be in a poor state of repair. This highlights a growing need for waterway regeneration as an important part of new brownfield developments. Regenerated waterways offer residents and businesses the benefit of more green spaces and add value to a development and its community’s wellbeing. But revitalising brownfield waterways requires specialist knowhow, experience and equipment, something that brownfield developers often lack. This is where The Rothen Group comes in. Increasing Brownfield Development In July 2022 the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, announced a new fund to stimulate brownfield site development. Local councils are now able to apply for a share of the new £180 million Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 , which will help to transform disused urban areas into 17,600 new homes and create around 54,000 jobs over the next 4 years. A significant number of these new brownfield sites will have an industrial heritage that includes waterways of some kind, often canals. Such waterways will have been an integral part of the old industry associated with the site and have since fallen into disrepair or even become derelict. But to repair and regenerate waterways on brownfield sites takes marine engineering knowhow and equipment. Specialised Marine Engineering Often brownfield site developers are often inexperienced when it comes to waterway-adjacent redevelopment works, so they need to bring in marine engineering teams and equipment. The Rothen Group (TRG) specialises in marine civil engineering and inland waterway regeneration and restoration. The company has extensive experience in piling, dredging, bank protection, weed, reed and silt clearance, towpath resurfacing, lock and marina maintenance. TRG repairs and restores canals with skilled teams of operators using specialised equipment, including floating plant , pile drivers, boat diggers and pontoons , cranes, dredgers and tracked plant. But the company does more than just restore brownfield site waterways. TRG partners with architects, engineers and developers to ensure that the once abandoned canals become an integral feature of a new development. Community waterways provide social and environmental benefits, helping to increase residents’ wellbeing, for leisure and for work. One such brownfield site, in Ealing, South London, saw the company undertake an extensive bank stabilisation project on the Grand Union Canal for the Greenford Quay development. Greenford Quay Greenford Quay was developed on a former factory site which had been abandoned for years. The Grand Union Canal ran through the brownfield site and had fallen into serious disrepair. The developers wanted to revitalised the canal to form an integral part of a green corridor running across the 26 acre site which consists of almost 2000 mixed residential, leisure, retail and office units. The site developer, working with the Canal and River Trust, appointed TRG to undertake the work on the Grand Union Canal. The main area of concern was to stabilise the canal bank. The company began work by installing sheet piles to shore up the existing canal wall, capping them with coping stones made specifically for the Greenford project. Sheet piling is the process of driving interlocking steel sheets into the canal bed to restore bank integrity, preventing it from collapsing into the water. Meeting Specific Project Needs As part of the new development design, a section of the canal-side was at a raised level. This made the piling work more complex as the piles needed to follow the bank profile as it raised and lowered along the canal. Rothen Group engineers worked the piling to match the development’s architectural style. The company also acid-etched the pile’s coping stones to give the canal wall greater aesthetic appeal within Greenford Quay’s contemporary look. Floating Plant & Equipment To carry out bank shoring work TRG use specialised floating plant and machinery including a heavy marine excavator, push tug and hoppers, stone lifters, vibratory and air piling hammers. The Greenford Quay bank work was undertaken from the water side as the bank itself was too weak to support the necessary equipment, and so not to impede the site’s ongoing land works. TRG completed the Greenford Quay Grand Union bank works on time and on budget, with the whole project taking just 15 weeks. Canal-Side Links Restoring the canal not only benefited the Greenford Quay waterfront community in terms of green space, it also provided green infrastructure for the developers to transport materials to the site for completion. It still provides residents and workers with alternative, greener transport links, cycling or on foot, along the towpath, and offers access to the greater UK waterways network. The Growing Need for Brownfield Waterway Development TRG’s brownfield canal regeneration expertise ensures the projects that it undertakes are not only carried out to a high standard, but also that the company is able to collaborate effectively with developers. As more brownfield sites are developed there’s a growing need for abandoned canals and waterways to be regenerated, to become useful again, not as the industrial transport highways of the past, but as new, green spaces that offer canal-side living, working and leisure, and providing more convenient, greener transport links across urban areas. Click here find out more about The Rothen Group , what we do and how we make abandoned brownfield waterways useful again.

We are looking for a range of new staff to compliment our existing team, and have the following positions available in June 2021 – Welder Fabricator General duties to include – To work under own initiative to fabricate bespoke items from drawings/discussions. Read, interpret & follow drawings/written instructions to accurately produce/maintain equipment and products. To maintain stock and order materials sufficient for the smooth operation of the maintenance tasks required of the welder. Maintain a clean and safe working environment. Maintain inventory of welding equipment and supplies. Occasional ‘heritage’ work on restoring old items. Qualifications / Abilities MIG & Arc Welding. CSCS would be useful. Must be able to drive and operate equipment such as a telehandler or tracked digger (training can be given). Must be able to drive on public roads. Experience of working on boats would be beneficial. Salary (£25k -£30k) Yard Hand (Senior) We are looking for someone to ‘own’ the Yard. General duties to include – To take responsibility for keeping the yard in a tidy, clean and a safe working state. To be responsible for items within the yard, keeping inventories of critical items and ensuring such items are compliant with certified schemes relevant to such items. To perform maintenance tasks such as pumping out water from boats stored in the yard. Be responsible for the stock levels and maintenance schedules for certain items. Organise the orderly loading and unloading of shipments/deliveries. To observe business processes and ensure paperwork is completed in an accurate and timely manner. To move materials by hand and/or mechanised equipment. To deliver/collect items to/from site as required. To become an integral part of the overall operation, to liaise and compliment the activities of the Admin Office and the Operations Team. To assist in the maintenance of equipment, be mechanically minded. To jet wash and clean boats. Qualifications / Abilities CSCS would be useful. Ability to communicate with clients and staff of all ages. Pragmatic in work processes. Must be able to drive and operate equipment such as a telehandler or tracked digger (training can be given). Must be able to drive on public roads. Salary (£22k- £25k) Yard Hand (Junior) General duties to include – To assist in the preparation of boats, typically grinding & preparing boats for painting. Blacking the hulls of boats. To assist in the loading and unloading of shipments/deliveries. To observe business processes and ensure paperwork is completed in an accurate and timely manner. To assist in the movement of materials by hand and/or mechanised equipment. To assist in the delivery/collection of items to/from site as required. To jet wash and clean boats. Qualifications / Awareness of CSCS would be useful. Ability to communicate with clients and staff of all ages. Pragmatic in work processes. The ability to drive and operate equipment such as a telehandler or tracked digger would be helpful (training can be given). Must be able to drive on public roads. Salary (£19k - £22k) Labourers (several positions available) Working as part of a site team all over the country on inland waterways Must have - Driving licence Common sense Can do attitude Prepared to work long hours Prepared to work all weathers outside at all times of year Staying away at times (paid for it) Good to have - CSCS Digger or other construction/plant tickets Apply To enquire further, please forward CV and covering letter by email to vacancies@therothengroup.co.uk

A Dredge Definition What is dredging ? Simply put, it is clearing a body of water free of mud, silt, weeds or debris via scooping or dragging. But it can be complicated, especially when carried out on difficult canals or other unstable terrain that can present obstacles and barriers for novice personnel. This is why private and public waterway owners turn to marine engineering specialists for help with this activity. Whether used for river dredging or maintenance dredging , the floating plant and machinery owned by The Rothen Group (TRG) means operations like this can be tackled regardless of size, scope and complexity. Dredging Examples Dredging can occur in rivers, lakes, canals and non-navigable waterways, among other bodies of water. Similarly, it often continuously takes place around moorings, bridges, winding holes, attenuation features and approach channels. It can also occur as part of a marina’s ongoing upkeep, as silt often needs to be dredged from landing stages. Doing so makes it easier for boats to arrive and depart the marina safely and without obstacles. Overall, the aim of dredging operations is to ensure waterways remain free of debris, mud and silt build-up. In turn, this makes movement easier for boats, while increasing biodiversity and lowering flood risk. In the case of navigational dredging, a dredge is dragged along the bottom of the waterway to deepen channels or berths to enable easier navigation in shallower waters. Consequently, it is key that appropriate equipment is used to ensure the local environment is unaffected by any ongoing works or maintenance dredging. Businesses like TRG are licensed to dispose of materials in cost-effective fashion, including removing dredged material via road or water to be dried and reused as compost or topsoil. Plant Hire Despite the equipment used, the dredging meaning does not change. However, though it is entirely possible to dredge shallower waters with a bucket and two hands, this is impractical, slow and inefficient. TRG can offer multiple types of machining for this task, and help make the process quicker and more thorough, regardless of the depth of water or the amount of water. For example, we operate a range of Kubota zero-tail swing canal excavators that can be fitted with clam shell buckets and long-reach arms specifically for dredging activity. These machines, which vary from 850kg to eight tonnes, are lightweight in their class. They are therefore well-suited to maintenance dredging or other similar works that can take place from the towpath. Indeed, equipment of this sort needs to be lighter because of weight restrictions put in place by the Canal and River Trust , the marine management organisation. Contact The Rothen Group for more information.

There are many types of sheet pile driving equipment, and there are many sheet pile driving methods. In fact, we have previously looked into what types of pile driving equipment would be best for your project . Here, we will explore the pile driving equipment itself. So, to find out more about air, vibratory and hydraulic piling hammers, and the range of piles and elements they are used with, read on. Air Pile Hammers The term ‘ air pile hammer ’ can refer to many types of pile driving equipment, with a common similarity – they all use compressed air to drive piles into the ground. These sheet pile hammers are well-suited to driving light pile sections, and for trench sheeting. Alongside plastic piling and timber piles and posts, they can also be used to drive multiple other items depending on their configuration and design. The performance of air pile driving hammers has made them a popular choice of equipment. The Rothen Group (TRG) offers a variety of pile driving equipment for different surfaces and applications, such as the ones listed below. ARG The ARG pile driving hammer is favoured by waterway contractors, and for restoring canals and rivers, due to their ease-of-use, robustness and versatility. They can be used for H-section columns, barrier posts, jetty and mooring scaffolding, fencing posts and steel tubes. BSP 200 A lightweight sheet pile hammer that provides an 80kg weight saving, the BSP 200 boasts driving power equalling that of an ARG No. 2. BSP 300 The BSP 300 sheet pile driving machine is best-suited to sites with hard ground, and more specifically, to driving in L8 and M7 piles in these soil conditions. BSP No. 5 BSP No. 5 hammers allow for efficient pile installation by delivering a high-speed series of impact blows. Due to its periodic clamp gripping the sheet after each strike, this type of sheet pile hammer can be used effectively without damaging sheeting materials around it. It is effective as a pile driving hammer for medium-weight sheet steel, tubular, timber piles and H-Beams. The sheet pile driver can also be used with light concrete piles in soft soil and driving Larrsen piles, further highlighting its versatility. Atlas Copco 400 The largest pile hammer to use a 125cfm compressor, this piece of sheet pile driving equipment is also among the quietest in TRG’s range. This is due to the Atlas Copco’s impact being largely centred internally, and its wider leg guide option means it can be used for H-Sections, as well as posts and tubes. McKiernan-Terry Hammer This type of sheet pile driver is suitable for driving light-to-medium sheet piles. When it comes to driving power, the McKieran-Terry Hammer sits between the Atlas Copco and BSP No. 5. Hydraulic Pile Hammers Hydraulic pile hammers differ from air pile hammers in that they do not need a compressor to run. Instead, this equipment is powered by a hydraulic system, either within the machine or via a standalone hydraulic power pack. Hydraulic sheet pile drivers stand out among pile driving equipment as they offer less vibration and are highly versatile. They are compatible with multiple inserts depending on what items need to be driven in, including piles, posts and rolled steel joists. Hydraulic impact hammers also require no gas and use a biodegradable hydraulic oil, while remaining highly efficient, easy to maintain and use, as well as enjoying a low operating cost. TRG Equipment Available TRG offers two types of hydraulic piling hammer, the TR1 and TR2. Both are free-hanging pile hammers that come in three sizes to fit cranes and excavators from 2.5 tonnes upwards. The TR1 is best-suited to driving L8 sheets up to a length of 2.4 metres, with the TR2 used for the same application, but on harder ground. Each sheet pile driving machine’s hammer stroke and frequency can be adjusted, making them both flexible to specific application requirements and highly efficient. Vibratory Pile Hammer A vibratory pile hammer , otherwise known as a vibro hammer, uses vibration to loosen soil, making it easier to drive items into the surface, or remove them. These vibratory pile drivers can be simply and quickly attached to an excavator or hung off a crane, and are designed so vibration is kept to extremely low levels. They also consist of no electrics and are robust, reliable and compact. With a slim design to drive single sheet piles and minimal height, the pile length is maximised. Additionally, vibro hammers for sheet pile driving have an excellent power-to-weight ratio and are flexible over multiple applications. Thanks to the automatic operation of the hydraulic clamp, they can be used without damaging sheeting materials. Furthermore, its flow regulator prevents excessive oil supply to the vibrator. TRG stock multiple vibratory pile hammers for use in varying circumstances. These Dawson Construction Excavator Mounted Vibrators (EMVs) are used for pile driving and extraction, replacing an excavator bucket. Because they work around a standard excavator, vibro hammers of this kind are considered highly productive and cost-effective, and the different kinds are listed below. EMV70 A vibratory pile hammer suited to driving tubes, wooden posts, steel and plastic piles. The EM70 is compatible with 5-12-tonne excavators. EMV220 A mid-range vibratory pile driver, the EMV220 is 5kg heavier than the EMV70 and is often recommended in applications limited by the size of the excavator, and for piles that are heavier than trench sheets. EMV300 The largest vibratory hammer in TRG’s offering, the EMV300 is powered by 13-25-tonne excavators, and are ideal for use with mid-heavy-duty piles, such as those from Larsen . For more information on air pile hammers, view our air pile hammers PDF. To find out more about hydraulic pile hammers, view our hydraulic pile hammers PDF , and for vibratory pile drivers, download our vibratory pile drivers PDF . If you are interested about learning more about the history of canals in the UK , to see how this marine engineering technology has developed, more insight is in our blog. If you would like further information on The Rothen Group’s piling hammer and plant hire services, contact us , or call 01827 215715.

A canal dredging definition is simple – it involves the removal of sediment from the bottom of a body of water. By removing these items from the canal via dredging operations boats can more easily navigate the UK’s waterways. Additionally, removing materials like built-up sediment, mud, rubbish and other debris can improve water quality. As a result, plant and animal ecosystems in the canals can more easily flourish. In a nutshell, this is why canal dredging is important – it helps those who use the canals for business and pleasure purposes on a daily basis, while also safeguarding the UK’s natural environment. Canal Dredging UK The question of how to dredge a canal can only be accurately answered by specialist waterway and civil contractors, including The Rothen Group (TRG). We work on behalf of the Canal River Trust, Environment Agency and private waterway owners to perform this vital service that keeps canals and rivers navigable, and their natural ecosystems intact. Indeed, no two types of project in this area are the same, which is why dredging contractor expertise is necessary. Services can involve maintenance dredging on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis in specific areas prone to debris and sediment build-up. This can include around bridges and channels feeding into the canal, as well as widened areas used to turn boats, also known as winding holes. Alongside this, more sporadic main-line maintenance dredging may take place, which involves working on a stretch of canal mile-by-mile over a longer period. In both instances, this usually requires the use of excavators either on the water or the canal bank to collect debris from the canal bed. The cost of dredging canals can vary depending on the amount of equipment used, and the complexity of the project. For example, the width and shallowness of a canal may necessitate narrower boats and pontoons, with shallow drafts. The structural integrity of the canal bank may also make using land-based canal dredging equipment impossible, so a different approach may be needed. Consequently, specialist marine engineering companies like TRG use multiple types of canal dredging equipment to keep the canals clear. This includes a fleet of modular pontoons and floating dredger boats for use on the water, and long-reach excavators that can work from the bankside. Canal Dredging Equipment The canal dredging equipment we use includes specialist machine transporter and operating pontoons, available in both narrow beam and wide beam varieties, and crane barges. TRG pontoons are fitted with hydraulic power packs that operate four stability legs, creating an extremely stable working platform. Leg extensions can also be added for working in deeper waters. Transported to the project site via Hiab lorry for lower mobilisation costs and timescales, these pontoons are capable of transporting multi-tonne excavators. As such, they are perfect for dredging work at sites that are awkward to access. Indeed, the wider, 700mm draft pontoon can transport machinery up to eight tonnes. Its narrower counterpart can carry a 2.5-tonne machine, with five tonnes possible if a further central module is fitted. Thanks to the success of these pontoons, we have now also built powered excavator pontoons . This newer, self-propelled addition, also transportable by hiab lorry, can track the mini-digger it is transporting on and off the towpath and into the bottom of the boat. As a result, it is a more versatile option for canal dredging operations. In conclusion, canal dredging is a vital part of ensuring our waterways are well-maintained. Yet to ensure best possible results, it is key that relevant stakeholders engage marine maintenance experts like The Rothen Group. By doing so, boaters, animals and plants alike can use and thrive on clearer canals. For more information on canal dredging and how to dredge a canal, contact The Rothen Group .

Our previous blogs have covered various forms of marine construction, including dredging and weed control . This blog will expand on our previous piece on marine piling and take a closer look at the different types of pile driving equipment. This guide will run you through everything you need to know about piling . We will then go on to explain vibratory and hydraulic piling machines and why they are suited to piling projects. What is Marine piling – a definition A pile is a post-like object, often concrete, timber or steel, which is driven deep into the ground. Marine piling relates to driving these piles in a water environment, such as a canal or river. These provide the foundations for various construction structures, or stabilise banks. What is Sheet piling – a definition A common form of marine piling is marine sheet piling. This refers to a wall of interlocking sheets that prevent river and canal banks from collapsing. This supports waterway banks and ensures nearby construction and footpaths are structurally sound. Piling machinery There are a range of factors which need to be considered for piling. These include soil and water conditions, presence of nearby construction and type and weight of piles to be driven. What type of equipment is used depends on these variables. Marine piling is therefore one of the most complex environments in which this process can occur. Specifically, the pressure placed on these waterway structures and the challenge of manoeuvring around difficult territories requires the use of advanced machinery. Here at the Rothen Group we specialise in undertaking challenging projects and require a range of different piling equipment. Not only are we equipped with a range of piling machinery – we also ensure each pile and sheet pile hammer are of the highest quality possible for this specialised work. Hydraulic Piling Hammers A hydraulic pile hammer and a hydraulic sheet pile driver are modern versions of piling machinery. They produce less noise and pollutants due to the equipment’s efficiency than other piling hammers. These pilers provide for high precision and fast blows, perfect for installing steel, timber or concrete piling on the waterways. We offer three sizes of hydraulic impact piling hammers. These machines are highly versatile, and can run directly from the machines hydraulic system or a standalone hydraulic power pack. Being physically smaller and very efficient, they can be deployed to complete tasks in more challenging environments. This includes projects undertaken near sensitive structures or railway lines. Air Hammer Often used for canal and river restoration projects, air hammers are adaptable, hard-wearing and easy to operate. Depending on size, they are applicable to varying ground conditions, from soft to hard soil. They are also used when working adjacent to structures when vibrations could damage foundations. Consequently, they can be used in multiple applications, including the driving of H-section columns, mooring and jetty scaffolding. They are also used in the driving of light pile sections and fencing posts, alongside timber posts and piles, and steel tubes. View an Air Hammer in action on YouTube. Vibratory Pile Hammer This is one of the pile and sheet pile driving methods we employ. A vibratory pile driver piles by using spinning counterweights to generate vertical vibrations. These loosen the soil, reducing resistance and allowing the pile to move through the ground. This sheet pile driving machine has the ability to alter frequencies and amplitude to suit the soil type. We often employ vibro hammers for sheet pile driving. This is due to their rapid sheet pile installation, their ability to retract as well as drive and the reduced noise pollution. To complete every task and manoeuvre around difficult construction challenges we offer two types of vibratory pile driving hammer – excavator-mounted and free-hanging. Excavator-mounted Vibro Hammer These use an excavator to position a vibratory hammer over the pile, forming a piling rig. This piece of machinery has a very high power to weight ratio, with minimal height to maximise the pile length. Alongside this benefit, this hammer’s slim design makes it an effective piece of sheet pile driving equipment. Additionally, a vibratory hammer can be an economical option that allows for effective piling in deeper and tighter areas. By having this equipment readily available, we can ensure we have the capacity to complete any piling job. Indeed, we are equipped with a range of options in the vibratory hammer range, from the smallest EMV70 working off five to 12-tonne excavators to the EMV300 powered by excavators up to 25 tonnes. Free Hanging Vibro Hammer This pile hammer drives and extracts all types of piles, making it highly suitable for a wide variety of projects. Their ability to work around difficult terrain and waterways means they are ideal for quick and easy installations and fittings. Furthermore, their reduced noise levels when operational means they can be used in residential areas without the risk of noise complaints. For a construction project which requires piling, we would recommend you contact our specialist team , so we can undertake a site visit. By assessing the location, ground conditions and many other factors, we will be able to advise on which machinery should be used and provide a quote. Following the site visit, our skilled team can mobilise the machinery and operate within a few days to a week, ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget. If you have any further questions about piling machinery, or would like to know more about the services The Rothen Group can offer, please contact us today on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk .

What is Marine Piling? Marine piling, often referred to as aqua piling, relates to the installation of a solid beam into the floor of a water environment. For projects reliant on steady foundations, driving piles into water can help provide these structures. A common form of marine piling is marine sheet piling, this involves piling sheets into waterways to protect their banks. Further information on sheet piling in water can be found in our quick guide to sheet piling . What are Dock Pilings? For boaters travelling canals and rivers, docks are very useful additions to waterways. Whether used for fishing or boating purposes, docks can increase the value of an area and create picturesque and practical outdoor areas. Yet as with any water-based construction project, there are considerations to take into account, including dock pilings. As the name suggests, dock pilings are specialised pilings installed to support the structure of a dock. Docks can be heavy and place considerable pressure on piles. Dock building therefore requires robust piling materials and a deep dock piling depth – usually around 6ft (2m) below the waterbed. Materials for dock pilings Spending their lives submerged in water, these pilings are subject to conditions which can cause long-term damage. For a long-lasting and sturdy dock, you will require high-quality and the right materials. For boating docks, steel dock pilings are common as they can support larger weights. It is crucial to use marine grade pilings, which are made by chemically treating steel to resist erosion, preserving the piles. Concrete dock pilings are another form of piling that are incredibly sturdy and resilient. For larger projects, concrete piles reinforced with steel are able to withstand even greater pressure. Wood piling is also a common choice used for docks, as not only is it long-lasting, it is visually appealing too. Composite marine pilings are designed to prevent corrosion and rot, which are the most common problems for piling materials. However, composites may be unable to support heavy weights so are best suited to smaller dock projects. From metal dock pilings to PVC dock pilings, there is a clear range of choices when deciding on piling types. The type of dock, soil conditions and many other factors will inform also help inform this choice. It is for this reason why it might best to bring in specialist help. Here at The Rothen Group , we are fully able to recommend and install these different materials. Protecting dock piling To maintain high-quality dock piling and ensure the safety and structural integrity of a dock, it needs sufficient protective measures. Pile wrapping and chemical treatments are methods of dock piling protection that can prevent rot and corrosion. A piling post bumper, for example, can also benefit boating docks where the piles are more prone to physical damage. How can The Rothen Group help? If you are looking into building a dock on a waterway, you’ll require the advice of marine piling experts to put your ideas into practice. From boat dock pilings to floating dock pilings, we are equipped to complete various different projects and help put your dock construction ideas into practice. As part of our service, we will undertake a comprehensive site visit. From this, we can offer project recommendations and give a dock pilings cost. Having received the go-ahead to start a project, we will deploy our skilled team. Equipped with specialist equipment , we will complete every project exactly as asked of us on time and to a high standard. If you have any further questions about dock piling, or would like to know more about the services The Rothen Group can offer, please contact us today on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk.