







Design of a KSP wall is relatively straightforward and no different in essence to design of a conventional sheet pile retaining wall except that the wall stiffness and structural properties are reduced in proportion to the ratio of the length of the wall made up of kings. The reduced stiffness of a KSP wall typically has only a minimal effect on wall deflections.

KSP walls are designed for use with Z piles. U piles do not work efficiently in a non-continuous wall.
The simplest and most efficient form of KSP wall consists of pairs of crimped Z piles as kings, with pairs of the lightest practicable Z piles, as intermediates.
For more detailed guidance on the design and specification of a KSP wall, including options for water cut-offs, see the detailed Technical Guidance download below.
KSP walls are suitable for installation by pitch and drive method. This eliminates the problem of forward lean and reduces the need for alignment correction - making installation considerably faster. KSP walls can also be installed by silent pressing.
For further information and for guidance on other aspects of construction, see the detailed Technical Guidance download below.
Click here to download Technical Guidance on design and construction of a KSP wall.
To use KSP on your project, see Guidance to Users updated 15 July 2021 & new Permit to Use.
October 2025: This year marked completion of all KSP walls on the M25 Junction 10 Upgrade and on motorways across the Southern and Midlands sections of the National Highways network as part of the Smart Motorway Alliance programme.
November 2024: Installation of KSP walls is currently well advanced or completed on the M25 Junction 10 Upgrade and on motorways across the Southern and Midlands sections of the National Highways network as part of the Smart Motorway Alliance programme. KSP also helped make valuable savings on major temporary works on parts of Balfour Beatty Vinci’s Midlands section of HS2.
May 2023: KSP walls are due to start shortly for slope stabilisation on both rail and highway applications, taking advantage of the important benefit that KSP facilitates groundwater flow.
2022: Saw completion of further KSP walls on the M1, M45 and M56 motorways.
31 August 2021: Correct Link to Technical Guidance Download reinstated (inadvertently re-directed in website upgrade of 28 July 2021).