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

Feb 185 min read

Exploring Optimal Applications for Vinyl Sheet Pile

Vinyl sheet piling, also referred to as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet piling, claims a significant historical background tracing back to the 19th century. Initially, the quest for alternatives to traditional materials like steel led to the development of PVC, recognized for its versatility as a thermoplastic polymer. Over time, its distinctive properties found application in the realm of construction materials.

Conventionally, steel sheet piling stands out as the prevalent and highly effective method for establishing deep foundations. With a longstanding history, these sheets create a strong barrier through interlocking shapes, exhibiting durability that can endure for 75 years or more.

On the other hand, in scenarios where deep foundations are unnecessary, solutions such as concrete retaining walls, soldier pile walls, or even the consolidation of historical masonry walls with concrete are sought. While cost-effective, these alternatives may compromise longevity.

An innovative solution arises, merging the strength of a sheet pile wall, the value of a concrete retaining wall, and contemporary technologies—utilizing vinyl sheet piling. This approach presents a versatile and resilient option for construction projects

The use of vinyl sheet piling in construction has gained popularity owing to its exceptional characteristics. In contrast to conventional materials like steel, vinyl sheet piles stand out for their eco-friendliness, lightweight nature, exceptional durability, and corrosion resistance. These sheets, available in shapes and sizes akin to steel sheet piling, present a versatile alternative suitable for diverse projects.

While steel sheet piles are widely recognized, it's essential to note the availability of other sheet pile materials, including vinyl, concrete, and wood. The choice of sheet pile material for a project involves considering various factors due to the broad range of applications. Despite the prevalence of steel sheet piles, vinyl sheet piling offers distinct advantages, making it a noteworthy option in construction projects.

Components and Manufacturing Process of Vinyl Sheet Pile

Vinyl sheet piles are primarily composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a thermoplastic polymer. The manufacturing process involves extrusion molding and creating monolithic profiles. During extrusion, hard PVC is modified with processing facilitation agents, impact strength modifiers, thermal stabilizers, and UV stabilizers. This combination of materials enhances the durability and effectiveness of vinyl sheet piles.

The manufacturing steps typically include:

Material Selection: The raw material used for vinyl sheet piles is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable and corrosion-resistant plastic.
Extrusion: The PVC material is fed into an extrusion machine, where it undergoes the continuous extrusion process. In this method, the PVC is heated and forced through a die, forming a continuous profile of the sheet pile.
Cutting: The extruded PVC profile is then cut into individual sheet piles of the desired lengths. This allows for customization based on project requirements.
Quality Control: Strict quality control measures are implemented during the manufacturing process to ensure dimensional accuracy, strength, and other specifications.
Installation Features: Vinyl sheet piles often come with features such as easy installation due to their dimensional stability, and they do not swell like wood. The manufacturing process aims to achieve consistent quality and performance.

Optimal Applications for Vinyl Sheet Pile

Vinyl sheet piles are versatile and offer several advantages for various applications, particularly in marine construction and water-related projects. Here are some key applications where vinyl sheet piles are best utilized:

Flood Protection

Flood protection is vital for various reasons, with the primary concern being the potential loss of life and injuries caused by flooding. The implementation of flood protection measures is crucial for ensuring the safety of communities, reducing the risk of casualties. Additionally, effective flood protection plays a key role in safeguarding infrastructure, encompassing homes, roads, and utilities. The aftermath of flood damage can lead to substantial economic losses, impacting businesses, agriculture, and overall economic stability.

Furthermore, flood protection contributes to environmental preservation by preventing degradation, such as soil erosion and water pollution. This is essential for maintaining natural habitats and ecosystems, integral aspects of flood control efforts.

In the context of flood control, the installation of sheet pile walls is recognized as an eco-friendly and constructive solution. The popularity of implementing PVC sheet pile walls has grown due to their provision of a safe and cost-effective approach. These sheet piles offer an optimal solution for constructing and reinforcing flood-related structures like ditches and dikes, providing effective seepage resistance

Cutoff & Barriers

Sheet Piles often emerge as the preferred choice for projects involving fluid containment. Vinyl PVC, an inert material, showcases excellent chemical and water corrosion resistance. The interlocks of the sheet pile can be coextruded with a sealing membrane, enhancing cutoff performance. These versatile applications encompass groundwater cutoff, chemical containment, fluid seepage barriers, and the protection of foundation structures

Water Control Systems

Vinyl PVC Sheet Piles find application in water control structures designed to modify water flow in ponds, drainage channels, or streams. Instances of employing vinyl sheet piles in water control systems involve the use of baffle walls for regulating water or wastewater flow, constructing river weirs, installing pond linings, creating channel linings for agricultural purposes, implementing river diversion projects, and establishing drainage systems for mining activities.

Marine Structures

Vinyl PVC Sheet Piles offer a compelling choice for enduring structural solutions, providing exceptional resistance to corrosion, an appealing aesthetic finish, and a lightweight profile that facilitates straightforward handling and installation. Within marine contexts, these sheet piles excel in various applications, serving as effective solutions for marine bulkheads, seawalls, tide walls, breakwaters, wave breaks, jetty structures, groins, scour protection, and erosion control

Retaining Wall

Because of its established resilience, resistance to corrosion, and improved water tightness, vinyl sheet piles have emerged as a leading choice for temporary structures like cofferdams, diaphragm walls, and foundation support. Additionally, these sheet piles find extensive use in permanent applications such as quay walls, bridge abutments, underground storage tanks, basements, tunnels, and shafts.

Erosion Control

In addition to its appealing aesthetic, lightweight design, and resistance to corrosion, this product has demonstrated durability, cost-effectiveness, and a perceived ability to minimize environmental impact. These attributes render the product highly efficient for a range of projects, including beachfront protection, coastline safeguarding, road preservation, and the construction of bulkheads.

Revetment Works

In scenarios involving steep-sloped or multi-layered revetments, vinyl sheet piles play a crucial role in containing rocks, boulders, or acropodes. The incorporation of vinyl sheet piles in revetment works enhances the safety of human life and protects properties in marine facilities and the adjacent coastlines.

Embankment Works / Road Construction

Utilizing sheet piles minimizes the amount of required backfill materials by precisely containing specific limits. This material application also eradicates the need for slope protection efforts, optimizing limited areas. The adaptability of vinyl sheet piles, which can be tailored to any specified length in a project, renders them well-suited for constructing overwater or elevated roads, walkways, coastal roads, jetties, berths, and various reclamation projects.

This exploration of vinyl sheet piles reveals their compelling advantages, particularly in marine construction and other water-related applications. ESC vinyl sheet piles offer durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits, making them a wise choice for certain applications. While acknowledging their load-bearing limitations compared to other materials like steel, vinyl sheet piling remains an attractive alternative due to its numerous benefits. The long-term applications of vinyl sheet piles have been studied, further supporting their suitability in many construction scenarios.