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 Group
- Mar 24, 2020
- 2 min read

Sheet Pile Types and Applications

Updated: Aug 30, 2021

Along with the rising complexity of global construction projects especially large infrastructures, the need of advanced construction methods and materials also comes at high demands. Sheet Piles are no exception. Basic introduction about Sheet Piles is therefore essential for key players in the Construction Industry to be properly oriented in making decisions with regards to Engineering, Value, and its Applications.

What are the Types of Sheet Piles and their Scope of Applications?

Sheet Piles are materials driven to the ground that serves as retaining wall. They are used in wide variety of temporary and permanent applications. Temporary sheet piles are used in cofferdams and other temporary works to enable deep excavations to facilitate construction below ground and water level. After completion of construction the sheet piles are usually extracted for reuse. Permanent sheet piles especially steel sheet piles are installed permanently as retaining walls for structures including quay walls, bridge abutments, underground storage tanks, basements and underground car parks.

Steel sheet pile - Steel sheet piles are the most popular due to its high strength, ease of handling, and ease of construction. Steel sheet piles are available in various cross-sections and shapes. They can be hot-rolled sheet piles, cold-rolled, or cold-formed sheet piles. Steel sheet piles durability are enhanced with the aid of corrosion protection measures such as coating and cathodic protection.

Vinyl sheet pile - Vinyl sheet piles, also known as Synthetic Sheet Piles, Plastic Sheet Piles, and PVC Sheet Piles, is the most widely used in heavy loads and marine applications today. Besides being inert, durable and less expensive than wood, concrete and steel, it is 100% recyclable.

Wooden sheet pile - wooden sheet piles are used for temporary light structures to prevent cave-ins. Wood sheet piling is still used in some applications nowadays, however, treatments are necessary to avoid rapid deterioration.

Concrete sheet pile - precast concrete sheet piles has good appearance but are heavy and produces large disturbance during driving. Concrete sheet piles are primarily used as bulkheads in either fresh or saltwater with the aid of various types of dead man.

Aluminum sheet pile - Aluminum sheet piles are recyclable, durable and resistant to corrosion from air, water, extreme temperature and chemicals. However, they are more expensive than other types.

ESC Group has one of the widest ranges of sheet piles: with over 15 series and over 400 profiles in hot rolled sheet piles, cold rolled sheet piles and cold formed sheet piles in assortment of steel grades and production standards. ESC sheet piles have withstood the test of time all around the world with over 30 years of experience at all continents including Antarctica.

These factors combined with a strong commitment to delivery timelines and repeated customer satisfaction make ESC the preferred supplier for Sheet Piles globally. Applications include port and harbour structures, river revetments, retaining walls, cutoff walls, slope protection and cofferdams.

For an expert advise on choosing the right type of sheet pile for your project needs contact one of ESC agents in our offices near you.