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.

Apr 7, 20213 min read

Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Building

Updated: Aug 28, 2021

7 Reasons Why You Should Go For Pre-engineered Steel Structures and Buildings

Did you know? Steel construction has become the favorite choice for most commercial, residential, recreational and industrial projects. Pre-engineered steel buildings, with their ability to be customized, are the first preference for different magnitudes and types of construction projects. If you are starting a project soon, we can help you choose in the favor of pre-engineered steel structures.

Read below to find out the golden advantages of choosing the system over other construction methods.

1. Time-Saving

While construction cycles of standard structures take a longer time to complete, pre-engineered structures take fewer months or weeks. For instance, pre-engineered steel buildings have well-drawn construction diagrams and include components which are pre-cut or pre-fabricated.

In this way, pre-engineered steel structures save time ensuring project delivery on schedule. The use of pre-engineered steel is proven to be a perfect solution for tight schedules on projects.

2. Cost-Saving

Since parts of pre-engineered structures have been manufactured or fabricated beforehand, they cost less as compared to standard constructions which involves building everything from scratch on site. If you are on a limited budget, opting for pre-engineered steel structures can save you a lot of money.

3. Low-maintenance

Due to their high-quality construction elements, pre-engineered steel structures are low-maintenance. Steel does not crack, warp, or creep like other materials. Because it is inorganic, it does not support growth of mold, mildew, or fungi. Using steel, there is no need to worry about termites and rodents. Moreover, parts in a steel building or structure are easy to access when maintenance is needed.

Many kinds of coatings have also given steel components the excellent performance against formation of rust and corrosion. Pre-engineered structures and buildings are virtually maintenance-free and are proven to last for a long time.

4. Weather Resistant

Whether you have a commercial or a residential project at hand, having structures that remain unaffected by weathers of all kinds is the need of the time. Here, too, pre-engineered steel structures are the best option as they will not be destroyed due to extreme weather conditions. They can survive sand storms, strong winds, snowstorms and powerful rains.

Steel also does not ignite making it highly fire-proof especially when treated with coatings or jackets. Engineering studies has shown credible evidence that steel buildings performs best among others in seismic or earthquake zones. Well-grounded steel structures especially buildings are also found very safe against lightning.

5. Energy Efficient

Made with materials and elements that are 99% recyclable, steel structures are eco-friendly. Using fiberglass insulation, these pre-engineered steel buildings can help keep the expenses of cooling and heating low.

6. Durable

Pre-engineered steel structures and buildings not only offer protection against all kinds of weather, but can withstand issues such as termites and pests. Excellence and durability of steel is a manifestation of its low-maintenance cost.

Steel in so many applications such as pre-engineered buildings and structures have withstood the tests of time.

7. Customizable

Perhaps the best feature of these time-saving, weather-resistant and energy-efficient pre-engineered steel structures is their customizability. You can bring to life the perfect version of your project with the customizable feature of pre-engineered steel structures.

Consult with experts to help you choose the best design for your building to make it functional and efficient. They can also help you decide the perfect mix of metal building components to increase the functionality of your steel building.

So consider pre-engineered steel buildings for your next residential, industrial or commercial project for its cost effectiveness, strength, versatility and customizability. The perfect finishing of these customized pre-engineered steel structures is sure to make your building the next best thing!

For more information visit our website https://www.escsteelstructures.com/ email us info@escsteelstructures.com