Sheet Piling: Introduction, Different Types & Primary Uses

By Author: Andrew Bain
Total Articles: 72
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Sheet piling is used in the construction industry to provide a temporary and permanent wall. It is used for excavation, soil retention and can also serve as a border to keep the soil away from the structure. They are made from recycled steel and can be reused after usage in a particular site for different purposes, so they are easy to manage and are sustainable during construction projects. They can be used for temporary and permanent wall structures. The permanent sheet piles can last for an extended period. They can be installed with the aid of vibratory hammers.

However, when the soil is too hard, impact hammers are used instead of vibratory. Although sheet piles are built in units, all the units will be interlocked to form a wall to deploy them on site. When they are interlocked together, they can be used as a permanent or temporary structure earth support. When joined with anchors, it provides extra horizontal support. If you are interested in learning more about sheet piling, then you are in the right place. This article will teach you everything you should know about the sheet piling concept.

How ...
... sheet piling works

The primary material used in making piling sheets is steel. Still, in some cases, other materials like vinyl or wood can be used in the absence of steel. Piling sheets are designed in a way that each unit can be interlocked to each other. Once the sheets have been interlocked, they will be driven into the ground to form a wall. Out of all the materials for making sheet piles, steel is the best material because it can withstand large bending forces and pressure.

Types of sheet piling

1) Anchored sheet pile

When the sheet pile is anchored, it causes less penetration, saving cost, especially when the height is less than 6m. The anchor walls are designed to take down slack from the system, and they also provide better back slope subsidence. Subsidence can be caused if:

Anchor holes’ cave before grouting
When cohesion material gets into the excavation via open-source earlier provided for the anchor installation.

2) Cofferdams

Cofferdam sheet piling is mostly used in bridge construction. When a bridge is being constructed, cofferdams can temporarily keep the soil and water away from the excavated area. It can be used to create a dry working environment during and after construction. When combined with concrete, it can be used to prevent water penetration.

3) Cantilever sheet piles

Specialists in geotechnical practice use cantilever embedded retaining structures as sheet walls, temporarily retaining diaphragms and structures. Pile walls serve as permanent retaining structures. Cantilever sheet piles are mostly used for heights of approximately 6m or less.

Uses of sheet piling

It can be used to prevent a building foundation from water damage
Sheet piling can be used as a permanent structure for walls because they are durable, especially in the basement area
It can be used to prevent a home from the impact of erosion, especially structures close to the shoreline.

Final thought

Construction projects usually involve many procedures to ensure no possibility of structural damages along the way. Sheet piling is one way to make sure of this. Luckily, this article has discussed everything you should know about the construction concept. Sheet piling is widely used throughout the construction and development industry, particularly by companies that provide civil and environmental services.

Managing director of leading Australian cleaning company, Worth Every Cent Cleaning.