Steel sheet piles from Pilequip, used in a marine project
Sheet piles are sections of sheet steel with interlocking edges that are driven into the ground to provide earth retention and excavation support. Steel sheet piles have been used for many years in various types of construction projects such as tunnel portals and in marine settings for riverbank protection and sea walls.
Pilequip has been supplying sheet piles for the past 15 years and has found a specific niche within the piling and foundation market. The company explains that sheet piling is often used on building projects to keep out very deep local elements of the foundation such as soil, water, concrete and other substances that could interfere with a job site. Vibratory hammers such as the PTC Vibro, are often used to install sheet piles, although if the soil is too hard or dense, impact hammers may also be used.
Sheet piles can be used to create an efficient for barrier or wall that will not collapse onto the work area. If sheet piles are used on a permanent basis, protective coatings and sealants making them water-tight and weather-resistant. In addition, cathodic protection can be applied to the sheet piles to further control corrosion of the metal surface.
Sheet piling is available in a range of sizes, with two main shapes are normally used in the building industry, namely a U-type shape in sizes from 400 mm to 750 mm, and a Z-type in sizes ranging from 580 to 770 mm. The length of the sheet piles is determined by specific job site requirements.