The pouring of the final large diameter piles has now been completed. The project has been described by Keltbray as a "monumental achievement considering both the challenging conditions faced over COVID-19, and by overcoming the extremely technical challenges of the project itself. Not only this, but the job was completed with virtually no issues on any front."

Working in collaboration with Robert Bird Group, Keltbray changed the design from permanently lined dry rotary bored piles, to deep rotary piles bored using polymer support fluid to eliminate the need for permanent liners and drive cost and programme savings for the client.

In addition, the Nova East project also saw Keltbray working with concrete supplier Capital Concrete install the first-ever pile using Wagners Earth Friendly Concrete (EFC) in London - a 900mm diameter, 25m deep anchor.

Keltbray is undertaking the trial of the EFC concrete mix in conjunction with further ongoing trials associated with its Innovate UK funded HIPER pile project.

EFC is a product manufactured by Australian firm Wagners and is a zero cement, geopolymer concrete supplied by Capital Concrete in London. The innovative product typically offers a 50 per cent saving in embodied carbon over and above standard piling mixes.

Stuart Norman, Keltbray Piling's MD, said: "This is a significant milestone for the business and we're pleased with the progress we've made on the project. This continues our efforts and commitment to sustainability and embodies our ethos as a business of helping to drive innovation in engineering. I am especially thankful that we have finally, seemingly arrived at a point in our industry where the whole supply chain is acknowledging the need for change."

Works on site were carried out using the company's new Bauer BG36 piling rig. Safety and quality were outstanding from the outset, and the site team's dedication resulted in works being completed four weeks ahead of programme.

Got a story? Email: duncan.moore@aspermontmedia.com