Retaining Structures

Retaining Structures: forming large excavation in any environment

During construction, it is often necessary to form a stable excavation and to ensure that any associated movement will not damage neighboring structures or utilities.

Retaining structures are used for temporary and permanent excavation support. They are designed to hold soil or water in place – the goal is to provide a safe place with stabilized soil for new construction projects such as roads, tunnels, and bridges, as well as to protect nearby structures.

With 150 years of successful operations in this challenging field, Intrafor has developed unique and reliable systems for stabilizing soils. Whatever the ground conditions and the constraints of your work site, we can provide the retaining solution best suited to the requirements of your construction project.

Cut and Cover: a fast and cost-effective method with a high-quality outcome

A cut-and-cover tunnel is first trenched, excavated, and then covered with an overhead support system. This type of tunnel is often used when the structure is relatively shallow, and the surface is free from buildings or any other constraints.

Intrafor can provide a full design and build solution, that includes:

  • Design and engineering services
  • Excavation
  • Strut
  • Reinforcing
  • Sheet pile
  • Diaphragm wall
  • Covering using backfill material

Access & Ventilation Shafts: building robust structures at depths of 120 meters and further

Intrafor became long ago a trusted partner in the construction of deep shafts, whether for access or ventilation purposes.

Access shafts connect the underground to the surface, providing critical access points for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Ventilation tunnels are built along the main tunnel(s) to increase accessibility and potential evacuation needs.

Intrafor specializes in the construction of deep shafts of 80+ meters. Our teams have a strong expertise in the construction of diaphragm walls, especially in densely populated areas with complex geology.

Intrafor can count on its own world-class, specialized equipment, such as diaphragm wall cutters (capable of exceeding depths of 120m) and trench cutters.

We can accompany you with:

  • Design and engineering services
  • Excavation
  • Strut
  • Reinforcing
  • Sheet pile
  • Diaphragm wall
  • Covering using backfill material

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