Close proximity piling is a specialist method that enables piles to be installed as close as 100 mm from existing structures such as buildings, retaining walls, or live assets. This precision makes it ideal for confined or urban sites where space is limited.

Many city centre or brownfield sites require foundations close to existing structures. Traditional CFA rigs need about 600 mm clearance, but our Cased CFA system reduces this to 100 mm, maximising usable space without compromising safety.

The system can install piles by rubbing up against adjacent structures however DAWSON-WAM recommend 100mm to take into account the flexibility of the rig mast when first positioning the Cased Auger, avoiding both damage to the rig and the adjacent structure.

The Cased CFA system originated in Germany where it is called the Vor-der-Wand (Front of Wall) system, allowing piles to be installed with minimal clearance (often just a few centimetres). The system operates two rotary drives which are controlled independently, one advances and rotates the outer steel casing, and the other advances the auger inside. This dual action ensures enhance boring capacity, precise positioning, verticality, and interlock between secant piles, critical for both structural stability and water cut-off.

No. Dawson-WAM’s Cased CFA system is a rotary system, meaning that it produces very low-noise and is vibration-free, which minimises the risk of settlement, cracking, or movement in neighbouring structures. This makes it particularly suited for sensitive sites such as hospitals, schools, historic buildings, and infrastructure upgrades.

Typical applications include:

• Confined urban developments
• Basement construction in built-up areas
• Works near sensitive or historic buildings
• Infrastructure upgrades beside live assets

Our unique system provides:

• Piling into tight corners
• Elimination of flighting risk, ensuring stable bores
• Ability to drill through obstructions, mass concrete, and medium-strength rock
• Exceptional verticality for reliable structural performance

Yes. This system can be used for both long-term structural foundations and temporary works support, depending on project requirements.