Faced with restricted access and challenging ground conditions, ESS (CE) Ltd was appointed to deliver a permanent retaining wall system for the Deepcar development in Sheffield. Working in partnership with McAuliffe, we deployed an open bore Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) rig alongside CFA concrete pumping and Down-The-Hole (DTH) drilling to achieve the project’s structural and stability requirements. With decades of combined geotechnical expertise, our team ensured safe, efficient delivery to the highest engineering standards.

Client: McAuliffe
Location: Deepcar, Sheffield
SSP or KPW: KPW
Activity: Open Bore CFA Rig / CFA Concrete Pumping / DTH Drilling
Temporary or Permanent: Permanent

About ESS (CE) Ltd

Welcome to Earthwork Support Specialist (CE) Ltd — Specialists in Geotechnical Retaining Systems & Piling Solutions.

We provide expert solutions in the design, supply, and installation of geotechnical retaining walls and temporary works systems for the UK construction industry. With decades of combined experience, we are trusted by national housebuilders, civil engineering contractors, infrastructure clients, and commercial developers to deliver safe, practical, and cost-effective ground support systems — even in the most technically challenging environments.

Project Overview

This Deepcar project for McAuliffe required the installation of a permanent KPW retaining wall system to provide long-term ground stability and support for the site’s development works.

The works involved:

• Permanent KPW retaining wall installation.

• Open bore CFA piling to achieve precise depth and load requirements.

• CFA concrete pumping to deliver consistent quality and minimise on-site disruption.

• DTH drilling to penetrate hard ground layers efficiently.

Challenges

• Complex and variable ground conditions.

• Access limitations requiring carefully planned sequencing of works.

• Maintaining accuracy across multiple installation methods.

Our Solution

ESS (CE) Ltd’s in-house engineering and site team delivered a fully integrated geotechnical solution:

• Detailed engineering design for a permanent KPW retaining wall system.

• Deployment of open bore CFA rig for low-vibration, accurate piling installation.

• Integration of CFA concrete pumping to maintain continuous and controlled concrete delivery.

• Use of DTH drilling to handle challenging substrata without delay to the programme.

• Rigorous on-site quality assurance to meet engineering and client specifications.

Outcome

• Permanent retaining wall installed to specification and within project deadlines.

• Ground stability achieved for safe continuation of site works.

• Minimal environmental and noise impact on the surrounding area.

Core Services Delivered

This project showcased our expertise in:

• Permanent Retaining Wall Solutions (KPW System)

• Open Bore CFA Piling

• CFA Concrete Pumping

• Down-The-Hole (DTH) Drilling

• Geotechnical Design & Installation