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.

Why Consider Vinyl Sheet Pile as a Cost-effective Alternative to Traditional Sheet Piling Solution

New technologies and innovations in the construction industry has been continuously advancing as scientists and engineers are discovering more and more ways not just to make construction methods easier, safer, and more convenient, but also to find a cheaper and more cost-effective alternative materials to replace the traditional ones. One good example is the use of vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials in many industries.

Known to be the world’s most versatile plastic, vinyl products were sought for a variety of industrial applications and also became a staple material in the construction industry due to its fantastic properties like resistance to corrosion, lightweight and durability making it a good material of choice for construction projects.

Traditionally, when it comes to installing sheet piling like around a bridge pier or along an embankment, we think of steel sheet piling. Steel sheet piling are the most common and have been one of the most effective methods of installing a deep foundation. On the other hand, when deep foundations are not required, we search for solutions such as concrete retaining walls, soldier pile walls, or even concrete consolidation of historical masonry walls. These solutions are a cost-effective approach; however, longevity can be sacrificed.

There is another solution that combines the strength of a sheet pile wall, the value of a concrete retaining wall, and modern-day technologies. This involves the use of vinyl sheet piling. Vinyl sheet piling comes in similar shapes and sizes as steel sheet piling; however it is made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) so it resists degradation common in concrete walls.

Vinyl sheet piling can be used in several applications. One of the most effective applications is its use in concrete structure reinforcement. In this application it is effectively used as a leave-in-place formwork that helps protect newly placed concrete in above and below-water repairs. Vinyl sheet piling can be placed without the use of heavy equipment around an existing structure such as a bridge pier. It is secured in place using a steel waler system and rebar. Once secured, the concrete can then be placed using traditional methods, or as preplaced aggregate concrete. The pressurization of installing the grout in the preplaces aggregate concrete will consolidate the existing structure, increasing its strength

The result is an aesthetically pleasing repair that combines long-lasting surface protection, with effective strengthening of the existing structure. This method is cost effective and will last longer than traditional concrete retaining walls. Price wise, vinyl sheet piles also have a lower price per unit length than the traditional steel sheet piles making it a great option to consider.

Today, vinyl is the second largest-selling plastic in the world. Vinyl’s low cost, versatility and performance make it the material of choice for dozens of industries such as health care, communications, aerospace, automotive, retailing, textiles and construction. Rigid as pipe or pliable as plastic wrap, vinyl is a leading material of the 21st century.

Backed by its technical and engineering experts and market presence for decades, ESC Group is committed to provide the best piling solutions to its global clientele. Hence, the creation of the ESC Vinyl Pile brand to specifically address the growing demand for vinyl sheet piles. ESC offers best in quality vinyl piling products with superior durability for a sustainable and cost-effective piling solution.

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Why Consider Vinyl Sheet Pile as a Cost-effective Alternative to Traditional Sheet Piling Solution