What Is Sheet Piling?

Sheet piling refers to the construction of a wall, temporary or permanent, that uses thin, interlocking steel sheets known as sheet piles. These sheet piles lock together and are then driven vertically into the ground, forming an effective retaining wall.

Features

Sheet piles are thin sheets of material with interlocks built onto both of its ends. They can be made from wood or concrete, but the most commonly used sheet piles are made from steel. The interlocking design on their sides allow the sheet piles to connect to each other to form a continuous wall.

Applications

Sheet pile walls can be temporary or permanent. Temporary walls help prevent cave-ins at confined works sites and provide both easy access to the site and protection to the workers. Permanent walls support basement walls and prevent flooding along shorelines. Construction companies also use permanent sheet pile walls for home foundations and stabilizing a sloping terrain.

Advantages

Sheet piles are cheap and recyclable. Builders are able to assemble sheet pile walls easily, and they are able to erect a wall of any length quickly. Sheet pile walls are also very durable and are capable of retaining both water and earth while resisting their pressures.

References

• Sheetpiles.net: Description
• LBFoster.com: LB Foster Piling Products