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.

Dec 19, 20212 min read

Everything You Should Know About King Pile Combi Wall

Updated: Dec 20, 2021

Combination wall systems have numerous uses and have become an essential staple in the construction industry.

There is plenty to consider when choosing which steel combi wall system to use. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about king pile combi walls, from their installation to their most common uses.

If you're on the market for an excellent combined wall system, read on to find out more.

Installing King Pile Combi Walls

The king pile combi wall utilizes a king pile and sheet pile to make up its shape. It uses H shaped beams, like soldier pile walls, and is available in three main formats:

Single H King Pile
Double H King Pile
Pipe Pile

It is the king pile that makes up the vast bulk of the wall, with sheets used to ensure that the wall is one continuous structure.

The shape of the steel combi wall is a great benefit for installation: it is approximately 3:1 sheet to beam, meaning that only a quarter of the wall has to be driven. Compared to the standard sheet wall in which the whole structure must be driven, it's no surprise so many choose combi walls!

The pipe pile and H pile combination wall systems are often backfilled with concrete or steel. This serves to reinforce the wall. Once all sheet pile is hammered into place, the wall can be welded together at all interlocking points.

The vital thing to remember about installing your combined wall system is this: your materials must be of high quality. The king pile needs to be strong and rigid to ensure stability.

Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Combined walls are beneficial, particularly when it comes to excavations and construction. Some common uses include:

Marine Construction
Railway Construction
Bridge and Roadway Construction
Dams
Lake Refilling
Foundation Building
Retaining Wall

When it comes to the disadvantages, the obvious factor is cost. As they are more advanced, combination walls cost more to install than standard sheet walls. The materials will set you back more than simple sheets.

However, it is arguable that this cost is offset by the savings a good quality wall offers.

They are more reliable than standard walls—with excellent stability and resistance against movement. This is influenced by how deep the king pile can be buried: the walls can be taller with no ill effect.

Ultimately, though the walls are more expensive, they are the more economical option for those projects in which they are used. They are the best option for large-scale projects due to their higher durability and load-bearing capacity.

Choose Your Steel Combi Wall System Today

If you've got a big project on your hands, a combined wall system might be perfect for you. Now that you know the run-down, you can shop for exactly what you need.

For those kinds of high-quality products, be sure to take a look at what ESC have to offer. And remember, you can always contact us today for more help and advice on choosing your steel combi wall system.