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

Sep 10, 20233 min read

Top Five Advantages of Using Vinyl Sheet Pile for Marine Construction

Marine construction projects require durable and reliable materials to withstand the harsh elements of the sea. In recent years, vinyl sheet piling has gained popularity as a cost-effective and versatile solution for various marine construction applications due to their numerous advantages. This blog will explore the top five advantages of using vinyl sheet pile for marine construction and highlight its uses, installation methods, and benefits over traditional materials.

1. Corrosion Resistance

Vinyl sheet piling is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic compound known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion. Unlike traditional materials like wood or steel, vinyl sheet pile does not deteriorate when exposed to saltwater and constant moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance in marine environments.

Its anti-corrosion properties make it an ideal choice for retaining walls, bulkheads, and seawalls, offering superior durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

2. Superior Strength and Flexibility

Marine construction projects often require materials that can withstand the forces exerted by the sea, including waves, tides, and erosion. Vinyl sheet piling offers the perfect combination of flexibility and tensile strength. Its ability to bend and adapt to coastal fluctuations while remaining rigid enough to hold back water and sediments makes it an excellent choice for various applications

Whether it's constructing retaining walls in marinas or larger seawalls, vinyl sheet piling provides the necessary strength and adaptability for marine construction projects.

Uses of Vinyl Sheet Piles:

Seawalls: Protect coastal areas from erosion and storm surge.

Bulkheads: Support waterfront structures like docks and piers.

Revetments: Prevent soil erosion along the shoreline.

Cofferdams: Create temporary dry workspaces for construction underwater.

3. Resistance to Marine Borers and Rot

Vinyl sheet piles are highly resistant to corrosion, decay, and marine organisms, making them ideal for long-lasting marine structures. Vinyl sheet piles are eco-friendly as they don't leach harmful chemicals into the water, ensuring minimal impact on aquatic life.

Wood has traditionally been used in marine construction, but it is susceptible to damage from marine borers and rot. Vinyl sheet piling eliminates these concerns as it is impervious to marine borers and does not rot or decay over time.

This resistance to biological degradation ensures the longevity of marine structures and reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, resulting in cost savings for contractors and clients.

vinyl sheet pile for marine construction

4. Versatile Applications

Vinyl sheet piling finds widespread use in various marine construction projects due to its versatility. It is commonly employed in constructing retaining walls in marinas, coastal erosion protection, bulkheads, and cut-wall containment barriers. The ability to interlock and layer vinyl sheet piles provides a sturdy and adaptable solution that can be installed vertically or horizontally, depending on project requirements. Its dynamic design allows it to accommodate the ebb and flow of the sea while effectively preventing water and sediment overflow.

5. Cost-Effective and Easy Installation

Vinyl sheet piling offers cost savings compared to traditional materials like wood and steel. Its lower material costs, combined with reduced maintenance expenses, make it an attractive option for marine construction projects.

Additionally, vinyl sheet piling can be installed using different methods, depending on the project and soil conditions. Hammering, jetting, and digging are the three primary installation methods for marine construction projects.

Installation Methods:

Driving: Vinyl sheet piles are driven into the ground using vibratory hammers or hydraulic presses.

Interlocking: They feature interlocking mechanisms that ensure stability and watertightness.

Contractors can choose the most suitable method based on soil characteristics, ensuring efficient installation and timely project completion.

In conclusion, vinyl sheet piles offer a compelling choice for marine construction, offering durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits that set them apart from traditional materials. Their versatility and ease of installation make them a preferred option for various coastal and waterfront projects.

Its anti-corrosion properties, strength, flexibility, environmental friendliness, and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. With easy installation methods and minimal maintenance requirements, vinyl sheet piling offers both contractors and clients a durable and long-lasting solution for marine construction projects.

By embracing the advantages of vinyl sheet pile, marine construction can achieve greater efficiency, durability, and sustainability in coastal environments.

Contact ESC team for more information, ESC maintained a solid commitment to delivery timelines and repeated customer satisfaction making them the preferred supplier for #VinylSheetPiles globally.