HIGH MODULUS WALLS IN UPDATED EN 12063-Paper

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The 2024 update to EN 12063 brings the execution standard in line with modern construction methods and expands its coverage beyond sheet-pile and combined pile walls to include high modulus walls. These walls consist of interlocking or connected steel piles of the same geometry, typically tubular or H piles, without secondary infill elements. They can provide high stiffness and avoid the local resistance reductions associated with forces transferred from secondary piles in combined walls.<br /><br />A key addition is informative Annex K, which addresses percussive drilling of tubular piles using a Down-The-Hole (DTH) hammer. This technique enables piles to pass through soft and hard soils, boulders, and rock, and to be embedded into bedrock. The annex also explains how connector widths and drilling reamers must be coordinated when piles are installed consecutively. The updated standard clarifies execution-class requirements, which apply to pile welds, and distinguishes piling requirements from those in EN 1090-2, which covers associated steelwork such as walings and bracing.<br /><br />Three projects illustrate the method’s practical value: the Mall of Tripla excavation in Helsinki, Peterhead Harbour redevelopment in Scotland, and rehabilitation of Finland’s Melo dam. In these cases, drilled tubular pile walls addressed challenging ground conditions, bedrock embedment, restricted access, or stringent water-tightness requirements.<br /><br />The update recognizes the growing use of high modulus walls, particularly in regions with shallow, hard bedrock, and provides more relevant guidance for their execution.

Keywords

EN 12063

2024 update

high modulus walls

sheet-pile walls

combined pile walls

tubular piles

Down-The-Hole hammer

percussive drilling

bedrock embedment

execution-class requirements