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.

Should I Purchase the Sheet Pile New or Used?

Steel sheet piles serve as effective materials for constructing retaining walls, offering excellent structural support. Their modular design allows for straightforward installation and removal procedures once they are no longer needed at a site. These versatile components can follow multiple paths after their initial use - they can either be sent directly for recycling or repurposed for several additional projects before ultimately being recycled. By reusing steel sheet piles instead of manufacturing new ones, significant reductions in CO2 emissions can be achieved, as the environmental impact is distributed across multiple uses. Construction companies frequently employ used sheet piles in temporary projects like construction pits, and many permanent structures can be safely built using second-hand sheet piles without any compromise in performance or safety.

Used steel sheet piles can be utilized in just as many applications as brand-new ones, particularly in a range of projects, including boring pits, protection for sewer manholes, repairs for pipelines, methods of erosion control, trench shoring, and safeguarding building foundations.

When we work on a construction project that requires sheet piles, one of the critical decisions you'll face is whether to purchase new or used materials. This choice can significantly impact your project's budget, timeline, and overall sustainability. While new sheet piles offer the assurance of quality and customization, used sheet piles practically present an opportunity for cost savings and environmental benefits. Understanding the advantages and considerations of each option will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your project's unique requirements and goals.

How can I identify if a used steel pile is still usable?

Now that we know that used steel sheet piles are still usable after their first construction used for temporary projects, how may you know if it is still viable for future use? Now, here comes the part where we need to identify some physical characteristics and conditions of a used steel sheet pile to be checked.

To check if used sheet piles are still good to use, several simple tests can be done. First, we measure how thick the steel is using a special tool called a micrometer, and we send a small piece to a laboratory to test its strength. We also need to check if the sheet pile is straight by using a string line along its length and look carefully at how it appears on the outside, especially where the pieces connect together. Ensure the interlocks (clutches) are intact and functional. Damaged or worn interlocks can lead to water infiltration and reduced wall strength.

Sometimes, we might find a bent section (what we call a kink), but often, we can just cut out this damaged part and still use the rest. It's also very important to look at any rust on the steel to make sure it hasn't weakened the sheet pile too much to be used safely. Also, consider the conditions and duration of the pile's previous use. Piles used in harsh environments may have more wear and tear. If the pile has protective coatings, check their condition. Damaged coatings can accelerate corrosion.

Always keep in mind that sometimes, used steel sheet piles may be less available for some desired sizes as this is due to their competitive price and market demands.

Can it really save you some bucks?

Over the last decades, sizes and modifications of steel sheet pile design have varied depending on the sections, deeper sections, and grades of steel. But of course, this is still depending on the need of your project. Some may say that buying new steel sheet piles may save you some bucks, especially if you’re going to use it multiple times, transferring project after project. And if there’s not, it is a matter of proper handling and safe-keeping of these sets of steel sheet piles.

It's better to avoid buying very cheap, heavily worn sheet piles, even if you're planning to use them for just one project. While these low-cost options might work at first and save you money initially, they could cause problems sooner than expected and need repairs. In the end, it's smarter to invest in good quality sheet piles - whether new or used - as they will be more reliable and cost-effective over time.

Advantages of New Sheet Piles

Quality Assurance: New sheet piles are free from wear and tear, ensuring maximum structural integrity and performance.
Customization: You can order new sheet piles to specific lengths and specifications, tailored to your project needs.
Warranty: New sheet piles often come with manufacturer warranties, providing added security and peace of mind

Advantages of Used Sheet Piles

Cost Savings: Used sheet piles are generally cheaper than new ones, which can significantly reduce project costs
Environmental Benefits: Reusing sheet piles is more sustainable and reduces waste
Availability: Used sheet piles can be readily available, especially for smaller projects or temporary applications

In conclusion, the choice between new and used sheet piles will depend on your specific project requirements and budget. New sheet piles might be the better option if you need high-quality, customized piles with warranties. However, if cost savings and sustainability are your priorities, used sheet piles could be a great choice, especially if they meet your project needs.

You might also be surprised to find that sometimes new sheet piles actually cost less than used ones. This happens because modern factories can now make sheet piles more cheaply than before, thanks to new manufacturing methods and increased production. This has created healthy competition between sellers of both new and used sheet piles, leading to better prices for customers.

While it's not common to find new sheet piles cheaper than used ones, it does happen from time to time. The most important thing to remember is that whether you choose new or used sheet piles, you're making a good decision as long as they are high quality and right for your specific project.

If you need further assistance or expert advice tailored to your specific needs, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you make the most informed decision and provide the support you need for a successful construction project. Reach out to us today at www.escsteel.com to discuss your requirements and explore the best options available.