Earth retention and structural support
ENTACT provides earth retention and structural support solutions for complex environmental remediation and geotechnical construction projects. Our work frequently involves deep excavations, constrained sites, and proximity to existing infrastructure, where carefully executed support systems are required to maintain excavation stability and protect adjacent structures.
With more than 35 years of experience in subsurface construction, ENTACT self-performs a wide range of earth retention, shoring, and other support systems using company-owned equipment and highly experienced field personnel. Our approach prioritizes constructability, safety, and integration with broader site remediation and construction objectives.
Supporting safe and stable excavations
Excavation and soil management activities are central to many ENTACT projects. When work occurs at depth, below the groundwater table, or near existing facilities, earth retention and structural support systems become essential to maintain stability and protect personnel, equipment, and surrounding infrastructure.
ENTACT utilizes OSHA-compliant benching, sloping, and shoring methods tailored to site-specific conditions such as soil type, excavation depth, groundwater conditions, available workspace, and the presence of nearby structures, utilities, and other infrastructure. For deeper excavations or constrained sites, engineered earth retention systems are implemented to maintain stability and protect adjacent facilities.
Our capabilities include engineered systems of:
- Benching and sloping in accordance with OSHA requirements
- Slide rail and trench box shoring systems
- Sheet pile walls for excavation support and groundwater control
- Temporary and permanent structural support systems
Each excavation is evaluated prior to entry by an ENTACT-designated Competent Person to verify compliance with OSHA excavation safety standards. Excavations are continuously monitored throughout the duration of work to address changing site conditions.
Shoring and earth retention systems
ENTACT self-performs a broad range of shoring and earth retention installations to support environmental remediation and geotechnical construction activities across civil, industrial, and marine environments.
Our experience includes the installation of steel, vinyl, HDPE, FRP, and timber sheet pile systems as well as deep soil mixing systems for applications such as:
- Excavation shoring and support
- Groundwater control and cutoff walls
- Retaining walls and bulkheads
- Cofferdams and temporary enclosures
- Shoreline, riverbank, and slope stabilization
- Infrastructure and utility protection
- Lateral spread mitigation
- Hybrid ground improvement systems combining deep soil mixing and sheet pile walls
ENTACT owns and operates specialized installation equipment, including excavators with mounted vibratory and impact hammers, cranes, barge-mounted crane plants, and an ABI MobilRam capable of installing most industry-standard earth retention materials. All of ENTACT’s equipment is operated by dedicated crews with extensive experience performing work in complex conditions and on challenging sites.
Integration with water management and project safety
ENTACT recognizes that excavation safety extends beyond soil stability alone. Groundwater and surface water conditions play a significant role in excavation performance and safety.
Water seepage is evaluated prior to and during excavation activities, and control measures are implemented as needed to maintain stable conditions. These measures may include temporary dewatering systems, cutoff walls, or other groundwater control methods integrated with earth retention systems.
Excavations are also evaluated for confined space hazards when applicable. ENTACT implements appropriate controls and monitoring procedures to address these conditions in accordance with site-specific safety plans and regulatory requirements.
Barrier walls and advanced support systems
In addition to conventional shoring and sheet pile systems, ENTACT possesses in-house construction resources to self-perform advanced earth retention and barrier wall installations used for structural support, ground stabilization, and groundwater management.
Our construction experience includes:
- Steel, vinyl, and HDPE sheet pile walls
- Soil-crete retaining wall systems
- Slurry cutoff walls
- In-situ auger soil-mixed column walls
- Biopolymer slurry trenching
- Funnel-and-gate groundwater treatment systems
- In-situ permeable reactive barrier (PRB) walls
These engineered systems are often used to support deep excavations, limit groundwater migration, stabilize weak soils, and protect nearby structures during remediation and construction activities.
Experience across diverse project environments
ENTACT’s earth retention and structural support services have been successfully implemented across a wide range of challenging project environments. Many of these projects occur at contaminated sites where excavation, shoring, and ground improvement activities must be performed while safely managing impacted soils and groundwater.
Our experience includes projects involving:
- Urban and industrial facilities with limited access
- Brownfield and redevelopment sites
- Waterfront, riverine, and marine environments
- Active facilities requiring phased construction
- Sites with variable or challenging subsurface conditions
- Sites with hazardous contaminants requiring specialized handling and safety controls
Our ability to self-perform these services allows ENTACT to maintain schedule control, adapt quickly to changing conditions, and seamlessly integrate earth retention systems with excavation, remediation, and construction activities.
Frequently asked questions
Earth retention and structural support systems are used to stabilize soil and support excavations, slopes, or adjacent structures during construction. These systems help prevent soil movement, manage groundwater, and maintain safe working conditions.
Shoring or earth retention is typically required for deep excavations, unstable soils, high groundwater conditions, or when excavations are located near existing buildings, utilities, or other sensitive infrastructure.
Yes. ENTACT self-performs benching, sloping, shoring, and sheet pile installation using company-owned equipment and experienced personnel.
Each excavation is evaluated by an ENTACT Competent Person to confirm compliance with OSHA requirements prior to entry. Excavations are monitored throughout construction, and water seepage and confined space hazards are addressed as conditions change.
Yes. ENTACT has extensive experience installing earth retention and sheet pile systems in marine and waterfront environments, including bulkheads, seawalls, cofferdams, and temporary dock structures.
ENTACT collaborates with qualified third-party design engineers to support design/build delivery when engineered solutions are required.
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