What Does
Soldier Pile And Lagging Mean?
Soldier pile and lagging walls are retaining structures used for the purpose of supporting excavation, especially where excavations run deep. Piles made of steel and lagging made of timber are typically used, however caissons, concrete and circular pipes can also be used.
Where lagging is to be permanent, concrete panels can be used instead of timber. Compared to other types of retaining walls, soldier pile and lagging walls are inexpensive, easy and quick to install, and allow for adjustments.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Soldier Pile And Lagging
In this technique, soldier pile is placed by inserting vertical piles at regular intervals along the planned location. These piles are either driven into the ground or lowered into an excavation and grouted. Timber lagging is positioned between the soldier piles as excavation proceeds. The lagging is able to resist the load exerted by the retained soil by transferring it to the soldier piles.
For shallow excavations, the walls can be made as cantilever, and for deeper excavations, additional supports in the form of tie-backs, bracing or lateral supports can be provided. However, this system is mostly limited to temporary construction, and is difficult to use in places with a high water table.