Plunged columns CEMLOC

The proprietary Cemloc system has been specifically developed by Cementation Skanska to accurately place plunged columns into diaphragm Walls and bearing piles . This system is particularly effective when carrying out Top-down construction. Top down construction enables upward construction work to be carried out simultaneously with the excavation of the basement resulting in significant saving of time on a project.

The bored pile retaining wall is installed from existing ground level and the main bearing piles are also installed but with very accurately placed structural Steel columns cast into them as part of the Piling process.

The ground floor slab is cast, leaving a hole in the centre and the basement is excavated from underneath. The spoil is removed via the hole. The piles are already in place, as are the Structural Columns. Construction can therefore carry on upwards as well as down, without waiting for the basement to be finished.

Cementation Skanska carried out this method whilst working on the basements at Harrods in Knightsbridge effectively saving the client 15 weeks of construction time.

As well as cutting construction time, the use of Cemloc means that permanent liners are not needed, there is no need for personnel to descend to trim back the pile head and no need for pile caps or base plates.