Different Types of Sheet Piles

Sheet piles are sections of sheet metal with interlocking edges that are driven into the ground to provide earth retention and excavation support. Sheet piles are usually made of steel, but can also be made of timber or reinforced concrete. They are installed sequentially at the designed depth along the perimeter of the planned excavation or seawall alignment. The interlocking sheet piles form a wall for permanent or temporary lateral earth support while reducing groundwater inflow. Anchors can be included to provide additional lateral support if required.

Sheet piles are commonly used for retaining walls, land reclamation, underground structures such as car parks and basements, marine locations for protecting river banks, sea walls, cofferdams, etc. Permanent sheet piles are intended to provide a long service life. Vibratory hammers are usually used to install sheet piles. If the soil is too hard or too dense, the installation can be completed using an impact hammer. For the development of sheet piles, there are two main techniques: hot rolling and cold forming. At high temperatures, hot-rolled piles are produced and the interlocking looks stronger and more resilient.

Different types of sheet piles

Steel sheet piles

It is available in a variety of cross-sections and shapes. They can be hot-rolled sheet piles, cold-rolled sheet piles, or cold-formed sheet piles. Steel sheet piles are enhanced in durability by corrosion protection measures such as painting and cathodic protection. Steel is the most common form of sheet pile because it has good resistance to high driving stresses, and excellent watertightness and can be increased in length by welding or bolting. They are connected by interlocking. The four basic forms of steel sheet piles are square section, straight web section, box section, and composite section.

Wooden sheet piles

These are used for temporary structures and support slabs in excavation works. If used for permanent structures above the water table, they should be treated with some form of corrosion protection. Even with corrosion protection, the life span of wooden sheet piles is very short and they are connected by tongue and groove joints. Timber piles are not suitable for use in strata consisting of gravel and boulders.

Concrete sheet piles

These are usually connected by tongue and groove joints. They are often used for permanent river banks, canals and other marine structures. The pile footings are usually cut at a slope to allow for driving and biting, while the pile heads are completed by pouring cap beams. These precast concrete elements are usually joined by tongue and groove joints. They are relatively heavy and bulky, discharging large amounts of soil during travel. This large volume displacement increases the driving resistance. Handling and piling should not damage the piles and appropriate reinforcement must be provided.

Vinyl sheet pile

An effective alternative to steel sheet piling for bulkheads, seawalls and cutoff walls. They are also superior to alternative materials like concrete and wood. The main advantage of vinyl sheet piles is the superior corrosion resistance when exposed to seawater, where no oxidation occurs.

LANDYOUNG has extensive experience in the design and installation of sheet piles, working closely with clients, developers, and general contractors to provide value-engineered solutions regardless of the size or complexity of the project.

If you are interested in our Sheet Piling solutions and would like to know more, please call our friendly team on +86 133 2318 2255 or email us at sales@landyounggroup.com.