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.

ESC Group

Jun 24, 20233 min read

ESC Times June 2023 Edition

Updated: Sep 23, 2023

ESC Group: Building the Future with Expertise and Complete Engineered Solutions

ESC maintains a strong commitment to empowering a more sustainable future by providing complete engineered construction solutions that increases efficiency and reduces risks in projects.

Unexpected socio-economic distractions especially the pandemic has undeniably altered the way business is done for some time. Political conflicts have also been intervening on-off, affecting economies and commerce negatively. But besides these constraints, social-economic-environmental issues are emerging more critical and still deemed as the main priorities in the next 100 years or beyond. Why so? These three aspects, besides morals, are the pillars of sustainability or sustainable development – a quest for human which is so far a work in progress. Read more….

Download a copy of click here “ESC Times June 2023 Edition” to read online.

SPECIAL FEATURE:

Honoring an Ingenious Leader: A tribute to our founder

We are thankful for courage, perseverance, and patience to establish a company and worked hard to reach goal after another. Mentoring a good number of leaders who are until now displaying the same discipline and compassion towards client and company staff. Now a lot of people benefit from that hard work, as years after, ESC grows into a globally recognized company that offers quality products, services, and job opportunities worldwide.

Thank you for your great heart. Thank you for a life well lived.

Featured Product: ESC Aluminum Trench Shields

With the significant upgrade required on existing infrastructure in the US and the new housing growth the market for trench shoring products continues to look very promising. The vast percentage of trench shoring material us temporary and this allows contractors rental and purchase options.

ESC Trench Shoring Inc., a NAXSA and NUCA member and a recognized provider in the global stage has now launched its latest product line if aluminum trench shields and sheet piles.

Project Highlights:

Trench Sheets — Mooresville, North Carolina Trench Shields Supply

Bermuda, Fibre Reinforced (FRP) Sheet Piles

Bailey Bridge — Mindanao, Philippines Bypass Road Project – Bailer Bridge Projects.

Sheet Piling — Navotas, Philippines - Regional Fish Port Project

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Standard & Manhole Trench Boxes Supply

Steel Bridges — Mexico City, New Airport Freeway Project

Team Spotlights:

ESC 2023 Global Gathering

ESC Global Gathering 2023 was a 4-day event held from April 17 to 20, bringing together ESC group leaders and key players to gain insights into critical aspects of the business and further strengthen connections.

Overall, the forecasts and plans presented during the gathering were overwhelming optimistic, with upcoming projects in various locations and continued internal and external partnership expected to drive business development.

ESC Philippines Goes to Boracay

The team created an unforgettable experience, a lifelong memory of enjoying the activities in the world-class island. Some of which are Parasailing, Helmet Diving, Island hopping, Bar hopping, and more. The fun and laughter shared creates a harmonious and balanced relationship within the team.

ESC Group (Middle East) Boat Party

With the aim providing a refreshing change of scenery and strengthening the bond. ESC Group (Middle East) hosted another boat party for the team. A recreational activity that bring colleagues of both ESC Steel LLC and ESC General contracting team together.