Construction along the Canal

There has been a lot of construction along the canal near my house in the Phu Nhuan District for over a year now. Today I actually had a good view from the top of my house of the construction. For once, I got to see what the construction workers were actually doing that was causing a lot of vibrations in this area the last 3-4 months.  Looking at the below pictures, you will see a crane lower cement columns into the ground along the canal.  I am not sure what these columns are supposed to do.  Maybe  will know.

I am speculating that these columns are re-enforcing the canal in preparation for the construction of the elevated highway.

(Construction along the canal near my house – Train station in the distance)

(The crane lowering the columns producing strong vibrations)

(There used to be trees and grass lining the canal but all have been uprooted)