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

Feb 25, 20233 min read

Steel Sheet Piles and their Benefits as Construction Material

Updated: Sep 23, 2023

Steel sheet pile is a widely used construction material in the construction of retaining walls, cofferdams, and other structures designed to hold back soil or water. It is a popular choice among engineers and contractors due to its high strength, durability, and versatility.

Steel sheet piles are long, thin sections of steel that are interlocked to form a continuous wall. The interlocking sections are designed to withstand the lateral and vertical forces of the soil and water being held back. Steel sheet piles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including U-shaped, Z-shaped, and flat-web sections, to accommodate different construction requirements and soil conditions.

One of the main benefits of steel sheet piling is its superior strength. Steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. This makes steel sheet piling ideal for use in applications where the structure must hold back a large amount of soil or water, such as in the construction of retaining walls for highways or railway lines.

Another advantage of steel sheet piling is its versatility. Steel sheet piles can be used in a variety of applications, including retaining walls, cofferdams, and retaining structures for riverbank stabilizations. They can also be used in conjunction with other construction materials, such as concrete or masonry, to create a more robust and durable structure. Steel sheet piles are also relatively easy to install and can be driven into the ground using a pile driver or a hammer, making them a popular choice for projects where speed and efficiency are important.

Steel sheet piles are also cost-effective when compared to other types of retaining structures, such as concrete walls. The cost of steel sheet piles is largely determined by the length and weight of the sections, as well as the cost of installation. However, the total cost of a steel sheet pile structure can be lower than other options because steel is lighter and easier to transport and install, and the interlocking design allows for a quicker and more efficient construction process.

In addition to its benefits as a construction material, steel sheet piling also has environmental advantages. Steel is a recyclable material, and steel sheet piles can be reused and recycled after their useful life has ended. This makes steel sheet piling an environmentally friendly option for retaining walls and other structures that are designed to last for many years.

In conclusion, steel sheet piling is a versatile and cost-effective construction material that offers many benefits for retaining walls, cofferdams, and other structures designed to hold back soil or water. Its high strength, durability, and versatility make it a popular choice among engineers and contractors, and its environmental advantages make it an attractive option for projects with sustainability in mind.

If you are considering using steel sheet piling for a construction project, it is important to work with experienced professionals who can help you choose the right material, design, and installation method for your specific needs.

ESC Group has been a global player in the construction industry for decades, supplying steel sheet piles to every continent around the world. ESC Group is proud to have one of the most steel sheet pile profiles offered with over 450 amongst 13 pile profile designs incorporated in its product line.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility conforming to international quality standards and a team of engineers and technical staffs that can provide expert solutions to your sheet piling needs. Are you looking for the best sheet pile supplier ? Choose ESC!

Steel Sheet Piles and their Benefits as Construction Material

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