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ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

Author(s): Institution of Civil Engineers

£76.25
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Publication date: 20 December 2016
Digital version: Buy this eBook
The ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERWall) is the UK's pre-eminent technical specification for piling and embedded walling works, either on land or near to shore. The existence of an agreed way of executing piling works helps to reduce disputes on site and enables consultants to design more economically by having co

The ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERWall) is the UK’s pre-eminent technical specification for piling and embedded walling works, either on land or near to shore.

The existence of an agreed way of executing piling works helps to reduce disputes on site and enables consultants to design more economically by having confidence in how the site works will be carried out. This edition has been updated to reflect the latest piling techniques and procurement methods used in the geotechnical sector, as well as revisions to the Eurocodes, British Standards and CIRIA guides.

This document has been designed for use with common practices, but is not intended to inhibit innovation. Novel solutions can be used with this specification provided that additional clauses are included in the project specification which will ensure that the final product is constructed in accordance with the design requirements.

ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls:

• includes new sections on micropiling and helical piling as well as guidance on the use of polymer fluids for excavation support
• ensures tolerances are better understood for the various techniques
• provides further guidance on concrete specification and testing

This edition retains the three-part approach of the second edition. Part A is an introduction to the essential concepts necessary to procure a piling or retaining wall contract. Part B is the specification and is still the only part of this document intended for incorporation in contracts. Part C provides guidance for use of the specification and essential background information for specifiers and contractors alike.

This specification has been one of the most popular of ICE's standard specifications and has been fundamental in raising piling standards in the UK, as well as where it has been applied around the world.

If you are looking for more information on the topic, have a look at a blog by Jim De Waele of the Federation of Piling Specialists called 'How can you manage geotechnical works more effectively' where he shares his thoughts on how to reduce disputes on site and enable consultants to design more economically and safely.  

Book Review

This is one of the most popular of ICE’s specifications and is supported by the Federation of Piling Specialists. Sometimes referred to by the abbreviation ‘Sperwall’, it is the UK’s national technical specification for piling and embedded walling works either on land or near shore, and has been fundamental in raising piling standards in the UK and elsewhere. The third edition has been updated to take account of developments in piling techniques, changes to European standards and modern forms of contract and procurement methods. It is divided into three parts, with part A covering general requirements for successful construction. This includes information on the tendering process, design responsibility and non-technical issues such as safety, quality and sustainability. Part B covers specification requirements and accompanying guidance notes. There are 21 sections covering different piling and embedded retaining wall methods, materials used (concrete, steel and timber), general requirements and common testing methods – including instrumentation. Part C provides guidance for each of the previous 21 sections based on experience from contractors and consultants to minimise risk associated with geotechnical works.

Colin Rawlings, HS2

Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780727761576
Number of pages: 248
Product code: 9780727761576
Page size: 210x297mm
Publication status: Published
Publisher: ICE Publishing

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