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 Response to CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Corona Virus (COVID-19) has become so widespread and powerful in a way that it altered the daily whereabouts of people in more than 100 countries, and it is unlikely that any country or individual will be immune to its impact.

ESC stands hand-in-hand with everyone while committing absolute trust and support to the World Health Organization (WHO), Country Leaders, and Medical Professionals, in this battle humankind must win. Great responsibility comes from simple, collective acts. To follow lockdown and quarantine regulations is never a limitation to our goals but an opportunity to explore possibilities we never imagined can happen.

ESC offices in different regions have been arranged to operate online since the outbreak. Work from home – cannot make all things done but offers a long streak of silver lining which everyone must take advantage of, while we pause in anticipation. With all our employees at home with their families, we are utilizing telephones and internet connection to communicate, study, and serve our clients in all possible ways. Being safe while helping to mitigate the spread of the virus, we will stay this way until needed and hereby making an appeal to the public especially Companies to do the same as much as possible.

We may have been proving or flexing our numerous success and advancements all year long, but this pandemic right now is obviously becoming a huge test on everyone’s self-discipline, unity among people, effectiveness of statutes, and our faith in general.

In these difficult times, it is beneficial to redirect our focus towards the acts of kindness, personal progress, quality time with family, and anything that uplifts collective optimism in our community.

ESC commends the dedication and bravery of our front liners who are the healthcare providers, peace and order workers, volunteers, and medical researchers.

Let us support the “One World: Stay at Home” campaign of The World Health Organization, let us Stay At Home.

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ESC Response to CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

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