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 Times 2020 June Edition

ESC Group - ESC Times 2020 has arrived!

Like a pebble dropped in water that creates ripples capable of reaching great distances, we wish to inspire lives for the better, as we share milestones of our achievements

Click here to read online or download a copy.

FEATURES

ESC Group continues to achieve significant milestones as it goes beyond 30 years since it’s first sheet pile was driven at Magnetic Island, Australia in 1986.

Now located in twenty (20) countries and counting, ESC has so far established manufacturing and engineering offices in different regions primarily in Asia, the Middle East and North America. This growth through project awards and market footprint set up ESC’s recognition and popularity in the global market in becoming one of the trusted product and service providers culminating in the delivery of significant projects all over the world.

ESC, over the years, has evolved into an internationally certified organization with full capacity in Engineering and Design, Project Management, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Supply, and Construction.

ESC Business Entities

From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer-supplier of steel sheet piles, ESC has successfully incorporated Engineering Support and Design to its discipline as a systematic approach to Foundation Solutions, Marine Equipment, Trench Safety, Corrosion Control, and diversified Structural Steel Fabrication. ESC has delivered to every continent in the world.

New Offices

ESC’S WORLDWIDE EXPANSION IS TAKING PLACE RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS.

Featured Product: ESC Trench Shoring Shields

ESC’s world-wide acclamation is sustained by its experience and product contribution in excavation and trench safety. The range of products that includes sheet piles, tubular piles, struts, trench shields/boxes, and tie-rod systems exhibits an undisputed level of commitment to system development and perfection. ESC is devoted to continual exploration of the versatility and possible combinations of these solutions that may lead to more effective, safe, and time saving project executions.

Project Highlights

China, Islington Warehouse
Dubai, DS-189 Deep Sewerage System
Louisiana, YCI Methanol One Plant
Virginia, Clearwater Construction
Abu Dhabi, Mubarraz Island

New Product: Waste Skips Fabrication

UAE: ESC Al Sharafi Steel have introduced a new product to the fabrication line. A new range of rubbish skips has been designed and the first orders have been completed. Under the guidance of Operations Manager Grace Agullana, the ESC rubbish skips have been designed in accordance with the German standards and look set to become a major product in the future.

NEWS

ESC Group Online Training during the Coronavirus Outbreak

As a part of the plan to maintain productivity amidst the quarantine, ESC Group has embarked upon a two-week online training course that tackled a syllabus focused on Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Project Management, Time Management, and Accounting. Special topics about Product Familiarization, Import and Export Operations, Logistics, ISO requirements, and Taxation were also provided including some subjects in Computer Software and Application.

Team Spotlights: ESC Philippines Team

The first part makes sense, such as when the duo of John Yeates Jr. and his Assistant demonstrated the capability to create a strong and well established ESC Group in the Philippines 3 years ago.

DILO: Acerlum-ESC Mexico Team

ESC employee section and more!

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ESC Times 2020 June Edition

Steel Sheet Piles

Combined Wall Systems

Tie Rod System

Steel Pipes

Marine Fender System

Mooring Bollards

Strutting System

Vinyl Sheet Piles

Corrosion Protection

Pile Connectors

Cathodic Protection

Interlock Sealant

Steel Structure

Trench Shield

Sheet Pile Applications

Projects by Country

Temporary Excavation

Flood Protection

Ports, Piers & Harbours

Permanent Basement Wall