Project: Underground water tank installation, waterplay development
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Sector: Civil / Infrastructure
Services Provided: Slide rail shoring supply, installation support, technical advisory
Equipment Used: Modular slide rail shoring system
Project Overview
Legend Hire supplied and supported the installation of a modular slide rail shoring system to enable safe excavation for an underground water tank as part of a waterplay development.
The 11m x 7m x 3m excavation sat within a constrained site surrounded by mature trees, with groundwater present at approximately 1.4 metres below ground level. A compact, near-vertical shoring solution was required to protect the surrounding landscape while maintaining a stable excavation for tank installation within a tight four-to-five-week program.
The Challenge
The excavation had to accommodate the full tank footprint within a restricted area bordered by established trees, ruling out a wider working zone. Groundwater at 1.4 metres below ground level added further complexity, requiring a shoring method capable of managing water ingress without destabilising the excavation walls. A conventional sheet and frame system would have needed a significantly larger footprint, increased noise and vibration, and risked damage to surrounding trees and landscaping, and need to be onsite within a short delivery and installation window.
The Solution
Legend Hire proposed a modular slide rail shoring system engineered to the approximate 11m x 7m excavation footprint. The system was installed progressively as excavation advanced, providing continuous lateral support and minimising the amount of unsupported ground at any stage.
The shoring layout was developed from the tank design drawings, geotechnical data, and a site plan mapping the exact position of existing trees, ensuring the excavation stayed within the required footprint. Legend Hire also provided installation support covering site set-out, installation sequencing, and technical guidance throughout the works.
Equipment used
- Modular slide rail shoring system, sized and sequenced to suit a compact excavation footprint with groundwater present.
The Outcome
The slide rail shoring system delivered a safe, stable excavation for the underground tank installation. Its compact footprint kept excavation volumes close to the tank’s actual dimensions, reducing disturbance to the surrounding trees and site. The system maintained a stable working area throughout construction while accommodating groundwater conditions, supporting delivery within the planned four-to-five-week program with no impact on the construction schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Slide rail shoring systems support deep excavations for trenches, pits, vaults, and foundation works. Modular vertical rails and panels are installed progressively as excavation advances, providing continuous wall support and minimising soil movement, suited to civil and construction sites, including areas near sensitive structures or in challenging soil conditions.
Slide rail shoring supports a wide range of excavation types, including linear trenches for water, sewer, and gas pipelines; bore and receiving pits for directional drilling; pump and lift station installations; foundations and footings; soil remediation works; confined urban sites; vibration-sensitive areas near hospitals or historic buildings; and excavations near active roads or railway lines.
Slide rail shoring offers a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional shoring methods. Key advantages include modular and flexible configuration for trenches, pits, and box structures; engineered design to reduce the risk of trench collapse; faster installation that saves time and labour costs; reusable panels that reduce project expenses; and minimal vibration, which protects adjacent structures during excavation.
Duration depends on the project program. In this case, the system remained on site for approximately four to five weeks to support the full tank installation works.