Chris Hill – Project Manager, Head Office UK

At Target Fixings, we thrive on the structural challenges others deem impossible. This isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about delivering structural solutions in the most demanding environments. This case study—a complex foundation reinforcement project on a steep Scottish incline—demonstrates exactly how our Heli Pile system and expertise overcome obstacles like poor access construction.

The Challenge: A Scottish Loch-side Ledge

Recently, our Technical Sales representative, Harry Mackreth, and I flew to Glasgow for an essential site survey. The property in question was a beautiful home perched dramatically on a very steep incline overlooking a loch.

The task was critical: reinforce the existing wooden pillars supporting a substantial balcony. Without reinforcement, the momentum of the structure and its supports risked pushing the entire section down the slope.

For most contractors, this site would be a non-starter. The poor access construction environment—steep, tight, and unforgiving—made using traditional large piling rigs, heavy machinery, and cumbersome vehicles completely impossible.

The Target Fixings Advantage: Small Rigs, Big Power

This is where Target Fixings excels. Our lightweight, handheld installation tools and small-scale rigs mean we don’t just adapt to difficult environments; we conquer them. We knew the incline was no match for our system.

Our chosen masonry reinforcement solution involved a combination of our 60mm and 100mm Heli Piles. The plan was to install 16 piles to a maximum depth of 5 metres, providing the necessary stability to anchor the balcony pillars firmly into the earth. Once installed, these piles would be caged, secured, and finished with concrete.

With the plan approved, the eight-hour drive began. We loaded our compressors, testing rig, rebar, and Heli Piles and headed north to the loch.

Precision Piling: 83 Metres of Deep Reinforcement

On-site, logistics were key. We set up the compressors at the base of the incline and ran air lines up to the work area. Following the pre-approved plan, we marked out all 16 pile positions.

The installation was executed with surgical precision:

• The 60mm Heli Piles were installed at a crucial 30-degree angle.
• They were flanked by the more substantial 100mm Heli Piles for maximum load distribution.
• We ran two installation drivers simultaneously, resulting in a collective driving time of 23 hours and 8 minutes.
• In total, we installed 83 metres of Heli Pile, with almost all positions reaching a 3-metre depth, and two key positions going down to 5 metres.

The Final Stages: Reinforcement Caging and Concrete Finish

The next phase was the construction of the cages. Gary Wilkinson and I meticulously built eight rebar cages (using 10mm and 12mm rebar) at the bottom of the incline. Due to the lack of space at the top, every piece—the cages, the shuttering, and all tools—had to be manually transported up the steep slope.

The cages were fitted around the Heli Piles and secured using 10mm-thick, 300mm x 300mm top plates. These plates increase the punching shear resistance and provide a connection point to integrate the structural rebar with the existing wooden pillars.

Finally, it was time for the pour. We required 5 cubic metres of concrete, delivered by a 20-metre boom pump truck which, after a careful squeeze, remained at the base of the incline. The boom provided the reach, allowing us to complete the pour without disturbing the environment.

The next day, the shuttering was removed. The result? A fully reinforced balcony foundation, securely anchored on the steepest of inclines.

Structural Solutions for Every Environment

This project is a perfect example of why engineers, surveyors, architects, and developers turn to Target Fixings. Whether you’re dealing with a steep slope, an enclosed space, or complex foundation work, our lightweight installation methods and powerful, durable products like the Heli Pile provide reliable structural solutions where traditional methods fail.

If you are facing a retaining wall or foundation challenge where poor access construction is a factor, contact us today. Let us show you how our masonry reinforcement systems can turn your impossible project into a successful case study.