Creating Space for Performance: Retaining Walls in Progress

Werf VORK (ROCO), Antwerp

On this site in Antwerp, our teams are currently carrying out timbered trenches under restricted height for the construction of retaining walls. This crucial step enables the pre-excavation and creates the necessary clearance for the access of diaphragm wall equipment.

An impressive feat of craftsmanship

The figures speak for themselves:

Manual excavation up to 9 meters deep and more than 2 meters wide
Over a length of 80 meters (on both sides)
A total reinforcement weight of 375,000 kg of steel

All this work is carried out entirely by hand, without machines, by our workers operating in challenging underground conditions.

Technical challenges

Our teams are facing significant complexities, including:

Excavating around existing piles supporting operational railway lines
Dealing with existing and irregular sheet piles, requiring constant adjustments of the timbering

These factors make the project particularly demanding and highlight the need for experience, precision, and perseverance.

This project perfectly illustrates the expertise and determination of Franki Foundations. Thanks to the commitment of our people, we are able to tackle the most complex challenges and deliver sustainable solutions to our clients.

Rodolphe De Monie

Head of Projects