Deep foundation CFA piles for a new residential tower situated in a location with environmental complexities.
Cannon Piling was contracted by McAleer & Rushe to install deep foundation CFA piles fora new residential tower situated between theO2 Arena and Thames Barrier at Woolwich. The location, a former coal and gas-fired power station, presented logistical and environmental complexities, requiring meticulous planning and collaboration. Cannon was responsible for installing 600mmdiameter CFA piles up to 28m deep and750mm diameter CFA piles up to 34m deep.
Cannon proposed preliminary pile testing to optimise the design, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Due to the site's history, high contamination levels necessitated strict health and safety measures. Collaboration with a Contaminated Land Specialist ensured ongoing monitoring and mitigation strategies. To protect workers, high-level PPE, including vented full-face masks, was mandatory. Continuous monitoring and alarm systems were also implemented.
The site’s proximity to the O2 Arena and ongoing Silvertown Tunnel construction required careful planning of vehicle movements. Detailed logistics coordination was essential to minimise disruptions and maintain efficiency.
The project demanded one of the largest rigs in the fleet to handle the upper limit of CFA technology, reaching depths of up to 35m. An experienced site team and rigorous supervision ensured successful execution. The challenging conditions, both in logistics and environmental constraints, required strong cooperation between Cannon, the client, and engineers. This team work was critical in meeting the project deadlines and delivering on budget.
Early-stage involvement allowed Cannon to propose and construct preliminary test piles, optimising design efficiency and cost savings. Strategic logistics planning minimised disruptions and streamlined material deliveries. High standards in health, safety, and environmental management ensured smooth operations despite site contamination and logistical challenges.
Despite complex site conditions and logistical hurdles, the CFA piling works were completed on time and within budget. The team's dedication, expertise, and collaborative approach played a pivotal role in the project's success, demonstrating Cannon’s capability to manage technically demanding deep foundation projects.
The Project Manager reflected on the challenges faced at Greenwich M0121 –
“The Greenwich M0121 project, adjacent to the O2 Arena, involved constructing deep CFA piles (up to35m) in early 2024. Logistics were critical due to site access constraints caused by ongoing Silvertown Tunnel works. The challenging conditions, including contamination and strict monitoring requirements, required extensive planning, an experienced team, and high supervision. Despite these difficulties, strong collaboration ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.”
This project is a notable example of Cannon’s ability to navigate complex logistical,
environmental, and technical challenges while delivering high-quality deep foundation solutions.
By leveraging early-stage involvement, strategic planning, and close collaboration with key
stakeholders, the team successfully executed CFA piling works on a historically significant and
contaminated site. The project highlights Cannon’s expertise in optimising design
efficiency, managing health and safety risks, and maintaining operational excellence under
demanding conditions.
Material Stats |
130 Ton Rig |
5000m3 of Concrete - 569.77 tCO2e |
84 ton Ton of Steel – 167.16 tCO2e12 |
12 week delivery – 112.95 tCO2e |
849.88 tCO2e (materials and fuel total) |
35m x 750mm & 600mm CFA piles |
