Protecting the River Aire’s banks for decades to come required a highly durable and precisely installed steel sheet pile wall. For Rhodar Industrial Services Ltd, we delivered just that — a permanent SSP solution using conventional sheet piling, Giken SuperCrush technology, and Side Grip installation, all tailored to meet the environmental, structural, and logistical demands of this significant infrastructure and improvement scheme in Leeds.

Client: Rhodar Industrial Services Ltd
Location: River Aire, Leeds
SSP or KPW: SSP (Steel Sheet Piling)
Activity: Conventional sheet piling, Giken SuperCrush, and Side Grip installation.
Temporary or Permanent: Permanent

About ESS (CE) Ltd

At Earthwork Support Specialist (CE) Ltd, we are specialists in geotechnical retaining systems and piling solutions, delivering design, supply, and installation services for complex ground engineering challenges.

From urban basement projects to large-scale riverbank protection, we work with housebuilders, infrastructure providers, and industrial contractors to deliver safe, cost-effective, and long-lasting solutions.

Project Overview

This permanent sheet piling project along the River Aire in Leeds was part of a major infrastructure and environmental improvement scheme. Working for Rhodar Industrial Services Ltd, our task was to install a robust steel sheet pile wall to stabilise and protect the riverbank for long-term performance.

The works included:

• Conventional sheet piling for bulk wall installation.

• Giken SuperCrush technology for installing piles in challenging ground conditions with minimal vibration impact to the surrounding environment.

• Side Grip handling for efficient and safe pile positioning.

Challenges

• Proximity to the river requiring precise environmental management and adherence to strict safety protocols.

• Variable and resistant ground layers demanding specialist piling methods.

• Noise and vibration control to avoid disruption to the local community and ecology.

Our Solution

ESS (CE) Ltd provided a fully integrated service, including:

• Engineering design tailored to the permanent nature of the works and the specific loading conditions of the riverbank.

• Deployment of Giken SuperCrush to penetrate dense soils and obstructions while keeping vibration to a minimum.

• Use of Side Grip equipment to improve speed, safety, and precision in pile handling and positioning.

• Installation of a high-quality permanent SSP wall ensuring decades of service life.

Outcome

• Achieved a structurally sound, permanent riverbank retaining wall.

• Delivered to programme despite challenging site access and ground conditions.

• Maintained strict compliance with environmental protection measures.

• Provided Rhodar Industrial Services Ltd with a durable, low-maintenance solution.

Core Services Delivered

This project demonstrated ESS (CE) Ltd’s capabilities in:

• Permanent Steel Sheet Piling (SSP)

• Giken SuperCrush & Specialist Piling Methods

• Environmental & Safety Management in Waterside Works

• Full Design & Installation Service