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 Aluminum Trench Shield

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

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

ESC’s array of trench shoring and safety products has been enhanced by the inclusion of the ABX Series- an Aluminum Trench Shield (Trench Box) developed by ESC’s engineering arm. The production of Aluminum Trench Shields will be carried out in Mexico to supplement the capacity of the UAE and allow more direct sales into the West Coast of the US and into Latin America.

Previously, all production was centered around our UAE facilities and the introduction of US (Steel Trench Shields) and Mexico based facilities will help complement our range of Steel Trench Shields and Sheets in providing optimum solutions for all types and sizes of excavation and trenching jobs in North America and globally.

ESC will now also eye distribution of the aluminum trench shields and equipment in newer markets like the UK, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The ABX Series’ light weight makes it ideal for applications using smaller units of machineries such as mini-excavators and rubber-tired backhoes or similar. ABX Trench Shields are manufactured using aircraft-grade aluminum alloy making it light but sturdy- the physical attributes that suits it best for smaller jobs such as routine maintenance works, on-the-spot repairs, and many more.

ESC Aluminum Shields which are available in commercial and custom sizes have the following features and benefits:

Compliant to OSHA Standards
Fabricated from 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy (aircraft grade)
3” Wall Thickness
4” Spreader Thickness (Steel)
4-points Lifting Lugs
Lengths up to 16ft
Heights up to 8ft
Cost-effective (Easy Installation & Lightweight)
Adjustable Spreaders at close increments
Does not rust

The actual, downscaled prototype of the ABX Series awaits for customers in the ESC Cornelius office where anyone can feel and explore its robustness while discussing project needs with our competent professionals.

ESC offers a complete line of steel and aluminum trench shields that covers a very wide range of pressure ratings and project site configurations, locally and internationally.

If anyone asks, which is better, Steel or Aluminum Trench Shield? There are comparisons between the two with reference to their economic and overall performance. Find out here: Which Is Better, Steel or Aluminum Trench Shield?

For more information or Professional Assistance for your Excavation and Trenching Projects, please do not hesitate to visit our website www.esctrenchshoring.com and email us at escglobal@escpile.com

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