Precision Pile Installation in Riprap for Future Boardwalk Construction
Precision Pile Installation in Riprap for Future Boardwalk Construction
Innovative Solutions with the Gilbert MultiGrip MG-90 Pile Driver
Client: Northern Contracting Ltd. (NCL) – Sydney, Nova Scotia
Location: Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Equipment Used: Cat 336 Excavator with Gilbert MultiGrip MG-90 Side Grip Vibratory Pile Driver
Operator: Rick Brown
Superintendent: Evan McDonald
When Northern Contracting Ltd. (NCL) took on the task of installing 116 wood piles for a future boardwalk in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, they faced a significant challenge: how to achieve precise pile placement in a shoreline made up of dense, irregular riprap. Standard pile-driving methods were simply not up to the task. That’s where innovation—and the Gilbert MultiGrip MG-90—made all the difference.
Meeting the Challenge
The project required each of the 30-foot-long wood piles to be driven with exacting accuracy to form a solid foundation for the upcoming boardwalk. However, the existing riprap shoreline made traditional pile driving nearly impossible. The uneven and compact rock structure posed high risks of misalignment and damage, potentially compromising the long-term stability of the structure.
An Innovative Approach
To tackle this complex problem, NCL’s team developed a custom pre-drilling method that proved both effective and efficient. Using a fabricated iron predrill pile, they pre-drilled 8- to 10-foot-deep holes directly into the riprap. The predrill pile was pinched and held securely under the MG-90’s side grip, which offered the stability and control needed for such a precise operation.
This inventive technique delivered several key benefits:
- Accurate alignment of the pre-drilled holes
- Streamlined wood pile insertion
- Minimized stress on both equipment and materials
Once the pre-drilling was complete, the wood piles were placed into the aligned holes and driven to depth using a drop hammer. The result: precise, secure installation in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
MG-90 Versatility in Action
Beyond the boardwalk foundation, the Gilbert MG-90 was also utilized to install a sheet piling wall for additional in-water work at the same location. This showcased the MG-90’s flexibility and powerful performance across multiple applications within a single project.
Field-Tested Performance
Both Rick Brown, the equipment operator, and Evan McDonald, the site superintendent, praised the MG-90 for its reliability and efficiency. Their collaborative effort—and willingness to adapt and innovate—highlighted the strength of NCL’s team and the advanced capabilities of Gilbert’s equipment in solving real-world challenges.
Continued Success
With the Baddeck project complete, the Cat 336 equipped with the Gilbert MG-90 was promptly deployed to a new job site, underlining the portability and readiness of this setup for back-to-back operations.
About Gilbert Products
At Gilbert, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative piling solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field. The MultiGrip MG-90 Side Grip Vibratory Pile Driver is engineered for versatility, power, and precision—empowering contractors to tackle even the most demanding projects with confidence.
