Bracing and strutting systems

PATENTED HEAVY-DUTY MODULAR BRACING SYSTEM

PalPile can rent-out a time and money saving modular bracing system designed and engineered to maintain excavation integrity, while allowing flexibility on site. The bracing system is lighter than conventional methods of steel pipe strutting and therefore smaller machines can be used on site. Most importantly it provides a safe working environment.

THE BRACE

The PalPile bracing system is straightforward to assemble and very adaptable because of the modular hydraulic braces that have interchangeable extension modules in various lengths. The brace can be used with heavy duty sheet piles to support excavations of various sizes and depths and is normally assembled and installed within the excavation using either excavators or cranes. Larger excavations can be braced using this system with bracing struts.

Fabricated from high grade steel sections the extension modules are quickly assembled into brace legs using simple pin and retaining clip / bolt and nut assemblies. Each hydraulic leg contains a double acting hydraulic ram which gives 650mm of stroke. These are joined together at corners and form frames with a simple pin and retaining clip. Extending the rams with a power pack and hydraulic jack allows the leg lengths to be easily adjusted to suit the excavation sizes. Lifting and restraining points are provided on each leg to allow safe and secure assembly and removal of the brace.

STRUTTING

To accompany the bracing system, PalPile can supply a heavy-duty modular strutting system. Each strut is built up with a hydraulic ram and various lengths of strut extension bars. Components are heavy-duty and are normally assembled on site prior to being lifted into place and installed within the excavation pit.

Fabricated from 300 x 300 mm steel square section, the extensions are quickly assembled into the required strut lengths using bolts, nut and washer assemblies. Final adjustment is provided by a mechanical strut end providing up to 1000 mm of stroke and a hydraulic strut end providing a 100 mm stroke for final adjustment. Once correctly placed, the struts are preloaded (or tightened) against the face of the brace, supported by a hydraulic pump on the ram.

Pre-loading the brace legs ensures that the strut cannot slip and minimizes the extent of potential ground movement. Handling points are provided at regular intervals on each leg to facilitate easy assembly and removal.