Those familiar with the civil engineering marine sector will know that the productivity of tubular pile installation is heavily dictated by a single, critical component: the efficiency of the piling gate. While essential for maintaining alignment and tolerance, traditional piling gates have presented significant challenges which include demanding logistics, extensive costly temporary works and time associated with relocation.
Recognising these industry-wide challenges, the GRAHAM Team at D3 Quay & Deepwater Berth in Belfast Harbour, convened a dedicated engineering “Tiger Team” with one clear objective: To design and engineer a modern piling gate that prioritises ease of use and relocation, without compromising the structural stability required for the installation of tubular piles.
The Tiger Team drew on the GRAHAM expertise in marine construction, our expert supply chain partners Ideal Form, our temporary works designers TWD, as well as our Innovation Partners, Expedition Engineering.
The D3 Tiger Team successfully developed an innovative piling gate system that has revolutionised tubular pile installation, from concept to delivery in less than 9 months.
The key benefits realised through the Tiger Team Innovation were:
- Productivity: tubular pile installation improved by 50%
- Rapid relocation: piling gate repositioned, secured and ready to receive piles in less than one hour
- Built for Safety: 40 hydraulic cylinders, one control station, built in platforms, zero site welding
- Carbon Reduction: fewer materials, faster delivery, lower emissions
These outcomes support GRAHAM and Belfast Harbour’s commitment to sustainable construction.
Jonathan Martin, Contracts Manager at GRAHAM, said: “From a site perspective, the new piling gate has completely revolutionised this activity. Historically, moving a gate meant halting progress for extensive temporary works and crane manoeuvres. Now, we can relocate the gate safely and swiftly, accelerating the programme. This is a major advancement that we will use on future marine projects.”
Emer Murnaghan, Innovation Director at GRAHAM, said: “This Tiger Team approach is a prime example of how targeted engineering innovation directly supports both our safety culture and our environmental goals.”
Paul Scott Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “The D3 Tiger Team delivered outcomes well beyond our expectations. We have progressed from smarter and leaner ways of working to developing a whole new approach to tubular pile installation. We have been able to demonstrate that safety, sustainability and productivity are natural outcomes of forward-thinking and innovative engineering. It is a credit to everyone involved.”