Wall structure assembly method and system

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for installing a retaining wall structure. The retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of engaged sheet piles. The system comprises a guide beam adapted to engage each sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles for controlling orientation of the sheet piles during installation in the ground. The system comprises inserting the guide beam into the ground at a location spaced from a previously installed sheet pile and install another sheet pile into the ground, wherein the another sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed sheet pile and the guide beam to control the orientation of the another sheet pile during installation thereof. To install the next sheet pile, removing the guide beam and inserting the guide beam at a next location which is spaced from the another sheet previously installed. Repeating these steps until the retaining wall structure is formed.

Description

Wall Structure Assembly Method and SystemTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for driving piles in the ground to, for example, define temporary or permanent walls in the ground, for example, providing excavation support and soil retention when excavating.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to systems and methods for forming temporary or permanent walls by driving interlocking piles into the ground.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] In the construction industry it is common to conduct excavation works prior to erecting buildings / structures. This is particularly true when erecting large buildings / structures where deep foundations are essential to ensure stability of the building / structure. Deep foundations transfer the building loads to locations deep down in the ground / bedrock, thus providing a stable foundation for the building structure.

[0005] Referring to figure 1, defining a deep foundation for a large building / structure at a particular location 1 of a plot of land 2 requires relatively deep excavation works, requiring removal of a large quantity of soil from an area of the location where the deep foundation will be located. As soil is extracted from the area, the ground surrounding the excavated area becomes unstable which could result in collapse / landslides within the location 1. As excavation continues the ground surrounding the location may also become unstable.

[0006] To avoid the land 2 surrounding the location 1 from collapsing, it is common to install to install a retaining wall structure 3 around the location 1. The presence of the retaining wall structure 3 will support the plot of land 2 (surrounding location 1) impeding it from collapsing into the location 1.

[0007] Further, once the retained excavation has been completed, personnel and machinery may safely access the excavation and commence work therein. The presence of the retaining wall structure 3 will ensure that the personnel and machinery are safe from any collapse of the plot of land 2 surrounding the excavation.

[0008] Sheet piles 4 are used to define the retaining wall structure 3 during excavation works for defining the boundary of the excavation. Before excavation can commence sheet piles are installed. The sheet piles co-operate to form the , the retaining wall structure 3. Sheet piles 4 are driven into the soil whereupon adjacent sheet piles 4 interlock. The sheet piles 4 are at least partially installed in ground. Figure 3 shows a particular example of a retaining wall structure 3 during its construction process.

[0009] Conventional sheet piling is a time-consuming and a relative expensive exercise. It is critical that during installation the sheet piles are installed to be vertically orientated, and that they do not substantially deviate as can be seen in figures 2 and 3.

[0010] A retaining wall structure 3 as shown in figure 3 is defined by sheet piles 4, wherein one of the sheet piles has deviated from the vertical. As this compromises the integrity of the retaining wall structure 3, the deviated sheet pile 4 will need to be removed and reinstalled. If the deviation is not corrected the retaining wall structure 3 will not provide proper stability to the plot of land 2 endangering personnel and machinery located within the excavation.

[0011] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate potential deviations occurring while the sheets piles are driven into the ground when forming the retaining wall structure 3. It is essential that once it is detected that a sheet pile 4 has deviated from the vertical, the deviated sheet pile 4 be extracted from the ground for re-insertion ofthe sheet pile 4 into the ground, hoping no deviation will occur during the reinsertion process. This delays the forming of the retaining wall structure 3.

[0012] On occasions, during deviation and / or extraction, the deviated sheet pile 4 may be damaged requiring expensive repair or worse, scraping of the sheet pile 4. This is particularly true as the sheet piles 4 are relatively thin sheets shaped to form a rigid pile. Are the sheet piles are made from relatively thin material (facilitating the installation of the sheet piles 4 into the ground), the sheet piles 4 are prone to damage while being installed into the ground or extracted from the ground.

[0013] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for forming a retaining wall structure in ground prior to commencement of excavation works, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles which, once installed, co-operate to provide the retaining wall structure, the method comprises: installing a first sheet pile; positioning a template on the surface at the boundary location, the template having a plurality of notches marked therein, wherein the notches are spaced to reflect the width of the sheet pile; the template is positioned such that one notch of the plurality of notches is spaced from the installed first sheet pile a distance equal to the sheet pile width; positioning a guide beam in the one notch, before driving the guide beam into the ground; positioning a second sheet pile such that one edge of the second sheet pile cooperates with an edge of the first sheet pile, and the other edge of the second sheet pile co-operates with the guide beam; driving the second sheet pile into the ground, wherein the vertical orientation of the second sheet pile aligns with the first sheet pile and the guide beam;extracting the guide beam, and positioning the guide beam in the next adjacent notch to the one notch, before driving the guide beam into the ground; positioning a third sheet pile such that one edge of the third sheet pile cooperates with another edge of the second sheet pile, and the other edge of the third sheet pile co-operates with the guide beam; wherein successive repeated installations of the plurality of sheet piles continues until the desired length of the retaining wall structure is formed.

[0015] Preferably during the driving action, the edge of each sheet pile may slidingly engage the edge of the adjacent sheet pile. Each edge of each sheet pile may be in the form of a clutch which is complementary in shape to the clutch of the adjacent sheet pile to allow for sliding engagement during installation of the sheet pile.

[0016] The method may further comprise repositioning the template to an adjacent position to allow continued installation of successive sheet piles.

[0017] In contrast to the prior art, as the sheet pile to be installed is supported along both edges both during installation and after installation, the likelihood that the sheet pile will substantially deviate from the vertical orientation is significantly minimised. This method provides greater accuracy for each sheet pile, reducing the likelihood of having to extract and reinstall sheet piles upon deviating from the vertical orientation.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for installing a retaining wall structure at a particular location of in a plot of land, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure , the system comprising a guide beam adapted to engage each sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles for controlling orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, utilising a beam driving apparatus the system comprises: inserting the guide beam into the ground at a location spaced from a previously installed sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles in order for the guide beam to engage another sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles duringinstallation of the another sheet pile into the ground, wherein the another sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed sheet pile which, together with the guide beam, controls the orientation of the another sheet pile during installation thereof, and removing the guide beam after the another sheet pile has been installed into the ground and inserting the guide beam at a location spaced apart from the another sheet installed before having removed the guide beam for engaging a subsequent sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles during installation of the subsequent sheet pile into the ground while the subsequent sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed another sheet pile for controlling together with the guide beam the orientation of the subsequent sheet pile during installation thereof.

[0019] Preferably, the guide beam comprises a support section and a channel attached to the support section, the channel extending at least partially along the length of the guide beam and may be adapted to receive one edge of a second sheet pile. The channel may extend along the entire length of the guide beam.

[0020] Preferably, the channel comprises an enlarged top opening to facilitate the receipt of the sheet pile when commencing installation of the sheet pile into the ground.

[0021] Preferably, the guide beam is similar in length to the sheet pile being installed.

[0022] Alternatively, the guide beam is of a length so that the edge of the second sheet pile (next sheet pile being installed) is at least partially received within the channel of the guide beam.

[0023] Preferably, each sheet pile comprises at least one interlocking edge for engagement of the sheet pile with adjacent sheet piles.

[0024] Preferably, the support section of the guide beam comprises an I-beam having a front flange and a rear flange, the rear flange comprising the channel extending at least partially along the entire length of the rear flange.

[0025] In an arrangement, the system further comprises a template means for providing an indication of the specific location where the guide beam needs to be inserted for installation of another sheet pile.

[0026] Preferably, the specific location is spaced apart from a sheet pile already installed in the ground.

[0027] Preferably, the template means for providing an indication of the specific location where the guide beam needs to be inserted comprises a template in the form of a template beam.

[0028] Preferably, the template beam is configured for receiving the guide beam at specific locations along the length of the template beam.

[0029] Preferably, the template beam comprises a side having a plurality of notches along the length of the template beam for receiving the guide beam.

[0030] Preferably, the notches are configured for receiving the front flange of the guide beam.

[0031] Preferably, each notch is defined between neighbouring spaced apart T-like extensions extending outwards from a side of the template beam.

[0032] Preferably, the template beam is adapted to be releasably attached to the ground.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a guide beam comprising a support section and having a rear face comprising a channel extending at least partially along the length of the support section.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a guide beam to enable the installation of a retaining wall structure at a particular location, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure, wherein the guide beam is adapted to engage each sheet pile to control the orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, the guide beam comprises asupport section and having a rear face comprising a channel extending at least partially along the length of the support section.

[0035] The channel may extend along the entire length of the support section.

[0036] Preferably, the support section comprises an I-beam having a rear flange, the rear flange comprising the channel.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a template beam comprising a support section and an positioning section, the support section being adapted to rest on the ground, and the positioning section adapted to receive at least one guide beam in accordance with fourth aspect of the invention.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a template beam to enable the installation of a retaining wall structure at a particular location, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure, wherein a guide beam is adapted to engage each sheet pile to control the orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, the template beam comprising a support section and an positioning section, during installation of the retaining wall structure, the support section rests on the ground, and the positioning section receives at least one guide beam.

[0039] Preferably, the template beam is configured for receiving the guide beam at specific locations along the length of the template beam.

[0040] Preferably, the template beam comprises an positioning section having a plurality of notches along the length of the template beam for receiving the guide beam.

[0041] Preferably, the notches are configured for receiving the front flange of the guide beam.

[0042] Preferably, the notches are defined by T-like extensions extending outwards from a side of the template beam.

[0043] Preferably, the template beam is adapted to be releasably attached to the ground.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for assembling of a retaining wall structure at least partially embedded within the ground, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles having a first sheet pile and successive adjacent sheet piles engaged to each other via first and second edges thereupon defining the retaining wall structure , the method comprising the steps of:1. embedding at least partially the first sheet pile into the ground defining a sheet pile previously installed into the ground;2. embedding a guide beam at a location spaced apart from the sheet pile previously installed into the ground;3. embedding one of the successive sheet piles at least partially into the ground while the first and second edges of the one of the second sheet piles slidingly engage, respectively, a second edge of the sheet pile previously installed into the ground, and a channel of the guide beam,4. extracting the guide beam, and5. repeating steps 2 to 4 with the adjacent sheet piles until the retaining wall structure is defined.

[0045] Preferably, the method further comprises using a template beam for identifying the location where the next guide beam needs to be embedded.

[0046] Preferably, the template beam comprises a template beam in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0047] Preferably, the guide beam comprises a guide beam in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for installing a retaining wall structure. The retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of engaged sheet piles. The system comprises a guide beam adapted to engage each sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles for controlling orientation of the sheet piles during installation in the ground. The system comprises inserting the guide beam into the ground at a location spaced from a previously installed sheet pile and install another sheet pile into the ground, wherein the another sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed sheet pile and the guide beam to control the orientation of the another sheet pile during installation thereof. To install the next sheet pile, removing the guide beam and inserting the guide beam at a next location which is spaced from the another sheet previously installed. Repeating these steps until the retaining wall structure is formed.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a retaining wall structure installed according to the method and / or system as herein described.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a plot of land comprising a prior art retaining wall structure surrounding a particular location to be excavated;Figures 2 and 3 are a side and front view of the particular location during installation of the prior art retaining wall structure as shown in figure 1 showing instances when sheet piles defining the retaining wall structure have deviated from the vertical while being driven into the ground;Figure 4 is a front view of a retaining wall structure during installation, using the system and method in accordance with a particular arrangement of the invention;Figures 5 and 6 are side perspective views of further steps of installation of the retaining wall structure shown in figure 4;Figure 7 is a perspective side view of further steps of installation of the retaining wall structure shown in figure 4 wherein a beam driving apparatus is extracting a guide beam from the ground once a sheet pile had been driven into the ground;Figures 8 is a perspective side view of a plurality of sheet piles used to form the retaining wall structure shown in figure 4;Figures 9 is a top of a further step of installation of the retaining wall structure shown in figure 4 in particular being prior to insertion of the second sheet pile into the ground;Figures 10 is a perspective view of a template beam in accordance with the particular arrangement of the invention; andFigures 11 and 12 are top and side perspective views of sections of the template beam shown in figure 10.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0051] The invention relates to a system and method for assembling a retaining wall structure 10 in the ground at a desired location of a plot of land, the retaining wall structure 10 comprising a plurality of sheet piles 12 adapted to engage each other to form the retaining wall structure 10. The system comprising a guide beam 14 being adapted to engage each sheet pile 12 of the plurality of sheet piles 12 to manage its desired / vertical orientation during installation into the ground. A beam driving apparatus 30 for inserting both of, each sheet pile 12 and the guide beam 14 into the ground at a location spaced apart from a previously installed sheet pile 12 . In order for the guide beam 14 to engage thenext sheet pile 12 the beam driving apparatus 30 extracts the guide beam 14 before installing it in the next location and allowing installation of the next sheet pile 12 into the ground as it slidingly engages the previously installed sheet pile 12 which, together with the guide beam 14, manages / controls the desired orientation of the sheet pile 12 being installed. Continuing to successively remove the guide beam 14 after the next sheet pile 12 has been installed into the ground and inserting the guide beam 14 at the next location spaced apart from the sheet pile 12 installed before having removed the guide beam. Continuing this process until the desired length of the retaining wall structure has been installed.

[0052] Figures 4 to 12 refer to particular steps and components of a system and method in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention for forming a retaining wall structure 10 installed into the ground of a plot of land 2. The retaining wall structure 10 provides excavation support and soil retention allowing for the safe excavation at a location 1 of the plot of land 2.

[0053] The retaining wall structure 10 is formed using a system and method in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. This ensures that the likelihood of deviation from the desired orientation (usually vertical) of the sheet piles 12 as they are driven into ground is minimised. Each sheet pile 12 comprise interlocking edges 16, referred to as clutches, running along each side thereof. The interlocking edges 16 may run along the entire length of the sheet pile, part of the length or may be intermittently spaced therealong. During installation each interlocking edge 16 slidingly engages the interlocking edge of directly adjacent sheet piles 12.

[0054] In a particular arrangement, the system comprises a guide beam 14 adapted to receive an edge 16 of the sheet pile 12 being driven into the ground. The guide beam 14 guides the sheet pile 12 as it is driven into the ground reducing the chance that the sheet pile 12 will deviate from the vertical orientation during installation.

[0055] As shown in figure 6, the guide beam 14 comprises a front end 15, and a rear end 17 configured to engage and support the edge 16 of the sheet pile 12 when driving of the sheet pile 12 into the ground. In the arrangement shown inthe figures, the rear end 17 of the guide beam 14 comprises a channel 18. The channel 18 is adapted to receive, in a slideable manner, the edge 16 of the sheet pile 12. This guides the sheet pile 12 minimising the likelihood that the sheet pile 12 deviates from the vertical when driving the sheet pile 12 into the ground. To facilitate engagement of the sheet pile 12 with the channel 18 the upper end of the channel 18 comprises a wide portion 19.

[0056] The guide beam 14 is configured such that when driving the guide beam 14 into the ground, the guide beam 14 is unlikely to flex or deviate from the vertical orientation (or other desired angle). TO achieve this the guide beam 14 is more robust in construction compared to the sheet piles 12, and is typically formed to have significantly thicker components / walls. Driving the guide beam 14 into the ground and extracting it therefrom is done via the beam driving apparatus 30 as shown in figure 7.

[0057] Once the guide beam 14 is inserted into the ground, the sheet pile 12 may be driven into the ground in such a manner that one of the edges 16 of the sheet pile 12 is slidingly received in the channel 18 of the guide beam 14. In this embodiment the channel 18 extends along the side of the guide beam 14. In this manner, a rigid pathway is provided to the edge 16 of the sheet pile 12 such that as the sheet pile 12 is driven into the ground, the sheet pile 14 remains substantially vertical in orientation.

[0058] In an arrangement, the guide beam 14 comprises a support section 26. The support section has the rear end 17 comprising the channel 18 extending along the length of the support section 26. The support section 26 comprises an I- beam having a front flange (defining the front face 15) and a rear flange (defining the rear face 17) comprising the channel 18.

[0059] A particular method for assembling the retaining wall structure 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, comprises driving a guide beam 14 into the ground (at the location where the retaining wall structure 10 starts). Once installed, a sheet pile 12a (see figure 7) is guided and driven into the ground, ensuring that one edge 16 of the sheet pile 12a engages the channel 18 of the guide beam 14. In this manner, the guide beam 14 guides thesheet pile 12a, impeding deviation of the sheet pile 12a as it is driven into the ground. Once the sheet pile 12a is installed, the guide beam 14 is removed from the ground using the beam driving apparatus 30 for subsequent use.

[0060] Subsequently, using the beam driving apparatus 30 the guide beam 14 is inserted at a spaced apart location from the sheet pile 12a already inserted into the ground, as shown in figure 7. The distance between the sheet pile 12a and the guide beam 24 is such that a next / second sheet pile 12b fits between the installed sheet pile 12a and the guide beam 24, permitting the insertion of the next / second sheet pile 12b into the ground while being supported by the installed sheet pile 12a and the guide beam 24.

[0061] In particular, the edges 16a and 16b of the next / second sheet pile 12b as shown in figure 8 (prior to being driven into the ground) are caused to engage, respectively, the edge 16b of the installed sheet pile 12a and the channel 18 of the guide beam 14. As both edges 16a and 16b of the next / second sheet pile 12b are supported, respectively, by the installed sheet pile 12a (already installed into the ground) and the channel 18 of the guide beam, the next / second sheet pile 12b is unlikely to deviate during installation of the next / second sheet pile 12b into the ground. In this manner, all sheet piles 12 installed in this manner are likely to be vertically oriented, negating the need to extract sheet piles 12 which deviate during installation, as per prior art techniques.

[0062] In order to assemble the full length of the retaining wall structure 10 comprising a plurality of sheet piles 12, the particular process described in the preceding paragraph is reiterated for each of the sheet piles 12 (see figure 8) until the retaining wall structure 10 is formed.

[0063] In particular, the particular process comprises removing the guide beam 14 (used for defining the preceding sheet piles 12a), and locating the guide beam 14 at a distance from the most recently installed sheet pile 12 such that the following sheet pile 12 may be inserted into the ground guided by the most recently installed sheet pile 12 and the spaced apart guide beam 14.

[0064] By following this particular process, all sheet piles 12 are driven into the ground with both edges 16a and 16b guided, respectively, by their precedingsheet pile 12 and the guide beam 14. Thus, impeding deviation of any sheet pile 12 while being driven into the ground.

[0065] In an alternative arrangement, the system in accordance with present embodiment of the invention further comprises a means to easily position the guide beam 14 at its next required location after the guide beam 14 has been extracted from the ground. As mentioned before, once the most recently installed sheet pile 12 is inserted into the ground, the guide beam 14 is extracted from the ground and positioned spaced apart from that recently installed sheet pile ready for insertion of the next sheet pile 12 from the subsequent sheet piles 12.

[0066] In an arrangement, the means for providing an indication of the next specific location to position the guide beam 14, comprises a template beam 20 configured for receiving at specific locations along the length of the template beam 20, the front end 15 of the guide beam 14.

[0067] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures such as figures 5 and 10 to 12, the template beam 20 comprises a support section having a rear side 22 with a plurality of notches 24 along the length of the template beam 20. The rear side 22 defines a positioning section for receiving the guide beam 14.

[0068] The notches 24 are defined by T-shaped extensions 25 extending outwards from the rear side of the template beam 20. In particular, each notch 24 is defined between a pair of spaced apart T-like shaped extension. The plurality of notches 24 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the length of the template beam 20.

[0069] In operation, the template beam 20 is placed at the boundary defining the to- be excavated location 1. The template beam 20 is secured to the ground via spears or any suitable means that ensures the beam template 24 does not move during installation of the retaining wall structure 10.

[0070] At the start of the installation process, a first sheet pile 12 is inserted in the ground. Ideally, prior to installing the first sheet pile 12, the template beam 20 is positioned on the ground at the desired boundary of the proposed retaining wallstructure 10, and the guide beam 14 is positioned in the second notch 24b of the template beam 20 and driven into the ground. A second guide beam (not shown) is then positioned in the first notch 24a and driven into the ground, wherein the first notch 24a and the second notch 24b are spaced from each other by one sheet pile width. In one arrangement the second guide beam is shorter than the guide beam 14.

[0071] In another installation process, the first sheet pile 12 is driven into the ground without having a second guide beam, meaning the first sheet pile is only supported along one edge by the guide beam 14.

[0072] Referring to figure 9, once the first sheet pile 12a is properly inserted in the ground, and the guide beam 14 is placed into the next notch 24 and driven into the ground the second sheet pile 12b can be installed.

[0073] Subsequently, the remaining sheet piles 12 are successively installed by sequentially reiterating the process of removing the guide beam 14 (after installation of the sheet pile) and locating the guide beam 14 at specific locations (defined by the notches 24) along the template beam 20 spaced apart from the preceding sheet pile most recently installed. As mentioned before, the specific location is defined by the template beam 20, in particular, by the location of each notch 24 of the template beam 20. Once the retaining wall structure 10 has been defined, the beam template 20 is removed and, if additional length of the retaining wall structure 10 is required, placed at the next adjacent position for continued installation of the retaining wall structure 10.

[0074] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0076] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, or inner and outer, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0077] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0078] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0079] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above andbelow. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0080] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0081] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance, or obvious that such an order is required. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for forming a retaining wall structure in ground prior to commencement of excavation works, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles which, once installed, co-operate to provide the retaining wall structure, the method comprises: installing a first sheet pile; positioning a template on the surface at the boundary location, the template having a plurality of notches marked therein, wherein the notches are spaced to reflect the width of the sheet pile; the template is positioned such that one notch of the plurality of notches is spaced from the installed first sheet pile a distance equal to the sheet pile width; positioning a guide beam in the one notch, before driving the guide beam into the ground; positioning a second sheet pile such that one edge of the second sheet pile co-operates with an edge of the first sheet pile, and the other edge of the second sheet pile co-operates with the guide beam; driving the second sheet pile into the ground, wherein the vertical orientation of the second sheet pile aligns with the first sheet pile and the guide beam; extracting the guide beam, and positioning the guide beam in the next adjacent notch to the one notch, before driving the guide beam into the ground; positioning a third sheet pile such that one edge of the third sheet pile cooperates with another edge of the second sheet pile, and the other edge of the third sheet pile co-operates with the guide beam; wherein successive repeated installations of the plurality of sheet piles continues until the desired length of the retaining wall structure is formed.

2. The method according to claim 1 whereupon the driving action, the sheet edge of each sheet pile slidingly engages the edge of the adjacent sheet pile.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 further comprise repositioning the template to an adjacent position to allow continued installation of successive sheet piles.

4. A system for installing a retaining wall structure at a particular location of in a plot of land, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure , the system comprising a guide beam adapted to engage each sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles for controlling orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, utilising a beam driving apparatus the system comprises: inserting the guide beam into the ground at a location spaced from a previously installed sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles in order for the guide beam to engage another sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles during installation of the another sheet pile into the ground, wherein the another sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed sheet pile which, together with the guide beam, controls the orientation of the another sheet pile during installation thereof, and removing the guide beam after the another sheet pile has been installed into the ground and inserting the guide beam at a location spaced apart from the another sheet installed before having removed the guide beam for engaging a subsequent sheet pile of the plurality of sheet piles during installation of the subsequent sheet pile into the ground while the subsequent sheet pile is engaged to the previously installed another sheet pile for controlling together with the guide beam the orientation of the subsequent sheet pile during installation thereof.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the guide beam comprises a support section and a channel attached to the support section, the channel extending at least partially along the length of the guide beam and is adapted to receive one edge of a second sheet pile.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the channel comprises an enlarged top opening to facilitate the receipt of the sheet pile when commencing installation of the sheet pile into the ground.

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guide beam is similar in length to the sheet pile being installed.

8. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guide beam guide beam is of a length so that the edge of the second sheet pile is at least partially received within the channel of the guide beam.

9. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein each sheet pile comprises at least one interlocking edge for engagement of the sheet pile with adjacent sheet piles.

10. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, the support section of the guide beam comprises an I-beam having a front flange and a rear flange, the rear flange comprising the channel extending at least partially along the entire length of the rear flange.

11. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, further comprises a template means for providing an indication of the specific location where the guide beam needs to be inserted for installation of another sheet pile.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the template means is in the form of a template beam, wherein the template beam is configured for receiving the guide beam at specific locations along the length of the template beam.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the template beam comprises a side having a plurality of notches along the length of the template beam for receiving the guide beam, wherein the notches are configured for receiving the front flange of the guide beam.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein each notch is defined between neighbouring spaced apart T-like extensions extending outwards from a side of the template beam.

15. A retaining wall structure installed according to the system of any one of claims 4 to 1416. A guide beam to enable the installation of a retaining wall structure at a particular location, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure, wherein the guide beam is adapted to engage each sheet pile to control the orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, the guide beam comprises a support section and having a rear face comprising a channel extending at least partially along the length of the support section..

17. A template beam to enable the installation of a retaining wall structure at a particular location, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles adapted to engage each other to define the retaining wall structure, wherein a guide beam is adapted to engage each sheet pile to control the orientation of the sheet piles during installation of the sheet piles in the ground, the template beam comprising a support section and an positioning section, during installation of the retaining wall structure, the support section rests on the ground, and the positioning section receives at least one guide beam, wherein the template beam is configured for receiving the guide beam at specific locations along the length of the template beam.

18. The template beam according to claim 17 comprising a positioning section having a plurality of notches along the length of the template beam for receiving the guide beam, wherein the notches are configured for receiving a front flange of the guide beam.

19. A method for assembling of a retaining wall structure at least partially embedded within the ground, the retaining wall structure comprising a plurality of sheet piles having a first sheet pile and successive adjacent sheet piles engaged to each other via first and second edges thereupon defining the retaining wall structure, the method comprising the steps of: i). embedding at least partially the first sheet pile into the ground defining a sheet pile previously installed into the ground;ii). embedding a guide beam at a location spaced apart from the sheet pile previously installed into the ground; iii). embedding one of the successive sheet piles at least partially into the ground while the first and second edges of the one of the second sheet piles slidingly engage, respectively, a second edge of the sheet pile previously installed into the ground, and a channel of the guide beam, iv). extracting the guide beam, and v). repeating steps ii) to iv) with the adjacent sheet piles until the retaining wall structure is defined.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising using a template beam for identifying the location where the next guide beam needs to be embedded.

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