Vinyl Sheet Piles vs. Steel Sheet Piles: Comparison, Costs, and Installation

Steel sheet piles have been on the market for approximately 100 years and have become a cornerstone in civil engineering.  They are well-known and widely used in various applications, from coastal protection to foundation construction. Their reliability and durability have made them the number one choice in many engineering projects around the world.

However, in recent years, vinyl sheet piles have started to gain increasing popularity, despite having been on the market for nearly 40 years. This growing interest is due to their unique properties, which make them an attractive alternative to traditional steel sheet piles. Their lightness, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation are just a few of the advantages that attract engineers and investors to choose vinyl sheet piles.

In this article, we will compare steel and vinyl sheet piles by ESC Steel LLC, analyzing their characteristics, applications, and benefits. This way, engineers and industry specialists will be able to make more informed decisions about choosing the right sheet piles for their projects.

Material Characteristics: Steel vs. Vinyl

Steel Sheet Piles

Steel sheet piles are made from high-quality steel, characterized by exceptional strength and durability. Below are the most important technical parameters and their significance:

• Tensile Strength: Steel has a tensile strength ranging from 340-580 MPa (megapascals), which means it can withstand large loads without breaking.

• Young’s Modulus: For steel, the Young’s modulus is approximately 210 GPa (gigapascals). This is a measure of the material’s stiffness: the higher the value, the lower the deformation under load.

These properties make steel the ideal material for heavy civil engineering applications, such as the construction of bridges, foundations, and coastal protection. Its exceptional resistance to bending allows steel sheet piles to withstand the greatest mechanical challenges, providing stability and safety to structures.

Vinyl Sheet Piles

Vinyl sheet piles, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offer a different set of advantages that make them increasingly popular in various applications. The key technical parameters of vinyl sheet piles are as follows:

• Tensile Strength: This is approximately 40-46 MPa, a significantly lower value compared to steel, meaning that vinyl sheet piles are not designed for large mechanical loads.

• Young’s Modulus: For PVC, the Young’s modulus is approximately 2.3-3 GPa, indicating greater flexibility and lower deformation compared to steel.

Despite their lower mechanical strength, vinyl sheet piles stand out for their exceptional resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and biological degradation. This makes them an excellent choice in environments where steel is subject to rapid wear, such as marine environments or contact with aggressive substances.

Costs: Steel vs. Vinyl

Steel Sheet Piles

The cost of steel sheet piles is generally higher due to the material and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the transportation and installation of steel sheet piles can be costly due to their weight and the need for specialized equipment. Maintenance isalso a significant cost, especially in environments exposed to corrosion, where regular coatings or galvanization may be necessary.

Vinyl Sheet Piles

Vinyl sheet piles offer significant savings compared to steel. Here are some key aspects that influence the financial benefits:

• Product Cost: Vinyl sheet piles can be up to five times cheaper than steel, making them more attractive for many construction projects.

• Transportation: Due to their lower weight, transporting vinyl sheet piles is significantly more economical and straightforward. Their lower weight also reduces logistical costs and environmental impact.

• Installation: The installation of vinyl sheet piles is less complicated and less costly. They can be installed using lighter equipment, further reducing costs.

• Maintenance: One of the greatest advantages of vinyl sheet piles is their resistance to corrosion and biological degradation. This means they do not require costly maintenance or corrosion protection, resulting in significant long-term savings.

Installation: Steel vs. Vinyl

Installation of Steel Sheet Piles

• Site Preparation: Before starting the installation of steel sheet piles, careful site preparation is necessary. This may include leveling and stabilizing the soil, as well as preparing heavy equipment.

• Equipment: For installing steel sheet piles, heavy construction equipment is generally needed, such as excavators, cranes, vibratory hammers, hydraulic hammers, or pile drivers. This equipment is essential for driving the sheet piles into the ground to the appropriate depth.

• Installation Process: Steel sheet piles are driven into the ground using vibrations, impacts, or hydraulic presses. This process can take time and requires precise equipment operation to ensure the correct placement of the sheet piles.

• Protection: In some cases, additional protections, such as anticorrosive coatings, may be necessary. This can include painting, galvanization, or the use of protective coatings.

• Quality Control: After the installation of the sheet piles, quality inspections are carried out to ensure that the sheet piles are correctly seated and meet the project requirements.

Installation of Vinyl Sheet Piles

Site Preparation: As with steel sheet piles, the installation of vinyl sheet piles requires site preparation, although this process may be less intensive due to their lower weight.

• Equipment: Vinyl sheet piles are lighter, meaning that lighter equipment such as small excavators or hand tools can be used. However, in more challenging soil conditions, the same heavy equipment used for steel sheet piles, including excavators, cranes, and pile drivers, may be necessary. The key difference is the exclusive use of vibratory hammers for driving vinyl sheet piles, which is the most suitable method for this material.

• Installation Process: Vinyl sheet piles are driven into the ground using vibrations. This process is faster and less complicated, especially in lighter soil conditions. The exclusive use of vibratory hammers makes installation more precise and less invasive.

• Protection: Vinyl sheet piles are naturally resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and biological degradation, eliminating the need for additional protections.

• Quality Control: As with steel sheet piles, after the installation of vinyl sheet piles, inspections are carried out to ensure that they meet the project requirements and are correctly seated.

Mandrel: A Key Element in the Installation of Vinyl Sheet Piles

What is the Mandrel?

The mandrel is a specialized tool used in the installation process of vinyl sheet piles. It is a steel guide or rod used to guide and stabilize the sheet piles during the driving process. The mandrel is inserted inside or used along the vinyl sheet pile, allowing it to maintain its shape and stability during installation.

Functions of the Mandrel

• Guiding the Sheet Pile: The mandrel provides a stable guide for the vinyl sheet pile during the driving process. This ensures that the sheet pile does not deform or get damaged, which is crucial for maintaining its mechanical properties.

• Precise Installation: The mandrel allows for precise installation of the sheet piles, which is essential for maintaining the continuity and tightness of the sheet pile wall. The use of the mandrel minimizes the risk of installation errors, such as line deviation or uneven settlement.

• Increased Efficiency: Thanks to the support of the mandrel, the installation process of vinyl sheet piles becomes more efficient. The mandrel enables faster driving, translating into time savings and reduced installation costs.

Benefits of Using the Mandrel

• Protection of the Sheet Piles: The mandrel protects vinyl sheet piles from mechanical damage during installation. By keeping the sheet piles in a stable shape, the mandrel prevents cracks and deformations.

• Improved Installation Quality: Thanks to the use of the mandrel, the installation of vinyl sheet piles is more precise and controlled. This leads to higher quality and durability of the installed sheet pile wall.

Conclusion of the First Part

This concludes the first part of our extensive article comparing vinyl and steel sheet piles. Here, we have discussed the history of both types of sheet piles, their material characteristics, key technical parameters, and the differences in the installation process. Additionally, we have presented the key importance of the mandrel in the installation of vinyl sheet piles.