Shaft Sinking
Shaft Sinking
We are experts in shaft sinking, delivering safe, precise vertical excavation and deep access infrastructure for tunnelling, utilities and major infrastructure projects.
Shaft sinking involves the construction of vertical shafts to provide critical access for underground works, including tunnelling, ventilation, and service installation. Our capability covers the full process, from excavation and ground support to waterproofing and lining installation, ensuring robust and durable outcomes. With over 40 years of experience, we deliver shafts in complex ground conditions using a fully integrated approach. By combining technical expertise, proven methodologies and strict safety standards, we ensure efficient, high-quality results across every stage of the project.
Caisson Sinking (Wet & Dry)
Delivering safe, controlled shaft construction in complex and constrained environments, our caisson sinking solutions provide robust, watertight shafts ranging from 2m to 25m in diameter.
We combine decades of hands-on experience with specialist methods—including wet, dry, and underpinned caisson techniques—to manage challenging ground conditions, groundwater pressures and sensitive surrounding assets with precision and confidence.
Our engineered approach ensures stability, alignment and long-term structural integrity at every stage, creating durable access solutions that support critical infrastructure projects.
Secant Piles/D-Wall
Our secant piling and diaphragm wall (D-wall) solutions deliver robust, watertight retaining structures for shafts, basements and deep excavations in complex and constrained environments. Designed to effectively manage ground and groundwater conditions, these systems provide exceptional stability, minimise movement, and protect surrounding assets during construction.
Using advanced piling techniques and an integrated, engineering-led approach, we ensure precise installation, controlled excavation and long-term structural performance. Our solutions are suited to a wide range of ground conditions and project requirements, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of critical infrastructure.
Sheet and Frame Construction
We deliver sheet piling and framed shaft solutions as a proven, flexible method of excavation support, ideally suited to constrained, sensitive and operational environments where control, speed and adaptability are critical.
By combining a range of piling techniques with engineered propping systems, we enable safe and controlled excavation while minimising ground movement and disruption to surrounding assets. Our approach is tailored to suit site-specific conditions, ensuring reliable performance in complex urban settings and alongside existing infrastructure.
Working closely with specialist partners and applying an engineering-led delivery model, we provide efficient, buildable solutions that maintain stability throughout the excavation process and support programme certainty.
With a strong focus on safety, precision and collaboration, we deliver dependable sheet and frame construction solutions that underpin successful shaft and underground works across a wide range of challenging environments.
Drill and Blast
When mechanised tunnelling is not suitable, our specialist drill and blast capability offers a precise, flexible solution for challenging rock excavation projects.
Operating across the UK and Middle East, we deliver tailored solutions for hard rock, complex geometries and constrained environments, supporting shafts, caverns and tunnel works. Our engineering-led approach combines in-house expertise, advanced blast design and strict safety control to ensure efficient, compliant delivery.
From urban sites to large-scale remote projects, we maintain tight control of vibration, environmental impact and programme performance - giving clients confidence in safe, reliable execution.
Vertical Shaft Sinking (VSM)
When conventional shaft sinking methods introduce risk or constraint, our Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) capability provides a precise, fully mechanised solution for the construction of large-diameter, deep shafts. Designed specifically for challenging ground conditions, VSM integrates excavation, spoil removal and shaft lining into a continuous process - improving safety, maintaining stability and enabling predictable progress at depth.
Our approach combines specialist in-house expertise, modular plant systems and early engineering input to optimise performance in complex geological and urban environments. From confined city sites to major infrastructure schemes, VSM allows tight control of ground behaviour, surface impact and programme delivery - giving clients confidence in safe, efficient and highly controlled shaft construction.
Shaft Waterproofing and Lining
When shaft performance and durability are critical, our integrated waterproofing and lining capability provides robust, long-life solutions for a wide range of ground and groundwater conditions.
Combining sheet membrane and spray-applied waterproofing systems with flexible secondary lining methods, we tailor each solution to suit shaft geometry, construction methodology and long-term performance requirements. Our approach integrates specialist engineering, controlled installation and rigorous quality assurance to ensure watertight, structurally sound outcomes.
From complex urban shafts to major infrastructure works, we maintain strict control of interfaces, sequencing and workmanship giving clients confidence in reliable, durable and high-performance shaft construction.
