What is the proper vinyl sheet pile driving method for different soil types?

“Pitch and drive” method is the most practical way of pile driving in loose soils especially when using short piles. Also called “set and drive”, this method installs piles one by one. However, with only one interlock in control, sheet piles have high tendencies of rotating from the axis and leaning forward or backward. Panel driving is recommended for the dense deposit of sands and compact cohesive soils such as heavy clay or in presence of obstructions. In this method, a number of piles are interlocked together before driving. The panel of piles is supported by guide frames and driven gradually in sequence, sometimes in a staggered manner. The method can achieve installations of longer piles in more difficult ground conditions with better results in sheet pile alignment and verticality. In cases of difficult ground conditions such as hard strata and the presence of obstructions, driving assistance is employed along with a proper selection of driving method and equipment. Jetting and drilling help by loosening or eliminating obstructions by creating pressure right under the tip of the sheet pile being driven. Long and slender PVC sheet piles require steel mandrels as supports when driven in such conditions. Mandrel, which shape is similar to sheet pile profiles, increases the rigidity of Plastic Sheet Pile and supports the weight of the driving equipment such as a vibro-hammer.

What is the proper machine to drive piles in different conditions?

Impact driving is suitable for all soil types but appears to create the highest degree of stress to sheet piles. It is more appropriate to cohesive soils and soft soils such as silts and peats, loose medium to coarse sand, and gravels free of rock inclusions. Drop hammers such as the hydraulic hammer are the common types of impact-driving machinery. Driving using vibratory hammers is ideal for non-cohesive or granular soils such as soft soils and round-grained sand or gravel. It has also shown satisfactory performance in sandy, silty, or softer clay soils. It is less effective in angular-grained materials and soils with a firm consistency. With the introduction of vibration, however, the sub-soil can be further compacted, increasing penetration resistance and ultimately-refusal. If this is the case, driving aids like jetting and drilling might be necessary.

What are the pvc sheet pile selection criteria for soil condition of different hardness?

General rule of the thumb: “the harder the soil, the stronger and stiffer sheet pile section should be used”. Driveability of a pile section is a consequence of its cross-sectional properties (thickness, depth, and width), designed shape, length, grade, and the applied load. Hardness of soil strata characterized by SPT or CPT values is used to predict soil resistance which is essential in the calculation of driving force to be applied. Knowing the range of force from the selected driving machine, corresponding sheet pile sections can be picked according to their yield strength and elastic modulus.

How should I choose a sheet pile section for soils with, say, SPT Value, N=30? Can I still consider using vinyl or shift to steel?

Every sheet pile material has a design purpose, strengths, and areas of improvement. The availability of different materials denotes the need for a special material for a specific application. Plastic or synthetic sheet piles for example are known for being light and corrosion-resistant; Steel sheet piles are recognized for their extraordinary strength and versatility; and so on.

ESC Steel LLC

Mar 23, 20222 min read

ESC Times March 2022 Edition

Updated: Oct 14, 2023

ESC Group: Steadfast, Committed, Standing the Test of Time

ESC, through the years, has proved its worth as a well-established group that covers large scopes of Engineering & Construction Solutions on the global stage.

From its first sheet pile in 1986, the Company evolved into a renowned organization highly recognized for providing quality products and services in local and international markets.

Despite the challenges, ESC has managed to persevere and endure these economic challenges. ESC, is still very much active in its 20+ country locations and continues to assert its prominence in all regions worldwide. Read more....

Download a copy of click here "ESC Times March 2022 Edition" to read online!

Featured Product: Bailey Bridge

Known as a portable pre-fabricated steel truss bridge, Bailey Bridge is extensively used in various applications.

Nowadays, the ”Bailey Bridge” is considered an engineering innovation due to the bridge designs’ continuous modern standardization and modularized nature. Read more...

Project Highlights:

combination wall system sheet pile and king piles — Patria de Cebu, Philippines - Combined Wall Systems

sacrificial anodes cathodic protection — Manila Harbour Center, Philippines - Sacrificial Anodes for Cathodic Protection

sheet pile supply — Oil Palm Plantation, Malaysia - Sheet Piles

z type sheet pile supply — Construction of Roads and Repair of Embankments, Mexico - Sheet Piles

design supply and installation of sheet piles in the USA — Orelans Pump Station, Massuchusetts, USA - Design, Supply and Installation of Sheet Piles

sheet pile shoring works uae — Sheet Pile Shoring - UAE

Team Spotlights:

ESC Group (Middle East)

In January 2007, the ESC joint ventured with the Sharafi Group to establish ESC Al Sharafi Group under registered companies “ESC AL SHARAFI STEEL LLC and ESC AL SHARAFI GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC” which have now become the premier provider of Complete Sheet Piling Solutions and more in the Middle East and Africa.

With the Managing Director, Mr. Kevin Ashdown, spearheading the team, and with the team’s combined efforts, ESC Group (Middle East) stands strong, amidst all uncertainties.

The team will continue to provide unparalleled efforts to contribute for the success of ESC Group.

News Features:

Admirable Qualities of a Good ESC Employee

ESC Group Highlights of 2021

ESC Trivia: ESC Steel Structures' First Project

Featured Website: www.escmarinesystems.com

Wellness Reminders

Employee Section:

Employee Profile: John Luis Yeates Jr., President of ESC Steel Philippines Inc.

Get to Know: Ravi Kishore, Project QA/QC Engineer, ESC Group (Middle East)

Marvin Joseph Guese, Technical Sales Engineer (ESC Steel Philippines)

Days in the Life: ESC China Team