24 novembre 2023

Types of sheet piles: the different sheet piles and their applications

Sheet piles represent a fundamental element for numerous engineering and construction projects. There are different types of sheet piles, each with its own characteristics and specific applications.

TYPE OF SHEET PILES BASED ON THE MATERIAL

TYPE OF STEEL SHEET PILE

Steel sheet piles are among the most common and are widely used due to their strength and ability to withstand heavy loads. They find application in construction projects of piers, ports, bridges, and also in coastal defense works.

TYPE OF WOODEN SHEET PILES

Wooden sheet piles are traditionally used for lighter applications, such as small docks, piers and floating dock support structures. Wood is a highly appreciated material due to its ease of processing.

TYPE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SHEET PILES

Reinforced concrete sheet piles are resistant and long-lasting, also often used in construction projects for piers, ports, and in works to protect against coastal erosion.

TYPE OF PVC SHEET PILES

Among the different types of sheet piles, PVC sheet piles, made of polyvinyl chloride, are gaining popularity thanks to their resistance to UV rays and corrosion. Their flexibility and ease of installation make them suitable for a wide range of applications, from hydraulic works to environmental redevelopment and land protection.

TYPE OF PLANE BASED ON THE SECTIONS

There are different types of sections regarding sheet piles, although the most used are U-shaped and Z-shaped sections.

TYPE OF U-SHEET PILES

U-shaped sheet piles are undoubtedly the most widespread type of sheet pile. They have a very open U shape and the thickness of the sections usually varies from 8 mm to 11 mm or slightly more.

TYPE OF Z SHEET PILES

Another widely used type is that of Z-shaped sheet piles, whose section thicknesses can vary from 8 mm to 16-17 mm or more, depending on the expected loads and ground conditions.

TYPE OF SHEET PILES BASED ON DURATION

TEMPORARY SHEET PILES

This type of sheet pile is designed to be used temporarily on a construction or engineering project and is immediately removed once the work is completed.

These structural components are often used to stabilize the ground during excavation, to build temporary foundation supports, or to create temporary bulkheads. Temporary sheet piles are usually made of lightweight or less expensive materials, as their lifespan is not intended to be long-term.

PERMANENT SHEET PILES

In contrast, permanent sheet piles are designed to remain in place permanently, indefinitely. For this reason, they are made with more resistant and long-lasting materials, as they must resist environmental conditions and atmospheric agents for many years.

This type of sheet pile finds application in projects that require long-term protection, such as piers, quays, coastal defense works or retaining walls.

CHOOSE GREENWALL PVC SHEET PILES

Among the different pillars, those in GreenWall PVC certainly stand out for their numerous qualities:

#1 RESISTANCE TO ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS

PVC is known for its resistance to weathering, corrosion, UV and chemicals, ensuring these sheet piles maintain their performance in challenging environments.

#2 FLEXIBILITY

GreenWall Plus sheet piles are flexible and can be adapted to a variety of configurations and terrains, making their installation easier.

#3 EASY INSTALLATION

Their intuitive design allows for quick installation, saving time and resources.

#4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

PVC is a sustainable, eco-friendly material that can be 100% recycled, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Are you interested in our GreenWall PVC sheet piles? Request a free quote or simply more information!