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 Group

Jul 30, 20232 min read

ESC: Your Trusted Supplier of High-Quality Sheet Piles

Updated: Sep 23, 2023

Who Can Supply the High-Quality Sheet Piles?

When it comes to finding a reliable supplier for high-quality sheet piles, ESC Group emerges as an excellent choice. With a strong presence in numerous regions, including United States of America, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East & Africa, ESC Group has established itself as a premier provider of professional-grade sheet piles and related accessories.

ESC is known for delivering the highest product integrity and timely project completion in the industry. Since its inception in the 1980s, ESC has developed a comprehensive support system for its clients, offering a range of customizable options tailored to project specific needs.

ESC believes that customer support is essential, going beyond just supplying products. Their team of experienced design and engineering professionals ensures that customers are provided with the necessary information on the sheet piling solutions for the project, making the entire process efficient and straightforward. They aim to meet customers identified and implied requirements.

Leading Supplier of Steel Sheet Piles

ESC Group operates as a leading sheet pile supplier and contractor serving the global market. The company maintains an extensive sheet pile stock in various profiles, steel grades and lengths . With a dedicated professional engineering team and skilled manpower, ESC Group is well-equipped to meet the demands of the construction industry.

Offering Innovative Vinyl Sheet Piling Worldwide

ESC, also known as ESC Global Piling Solutions, also supplies an innovative range of vinyl or PVC sheet piling that serves as an eco-friendly and highly corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional materials like steel sheet piles, concrete, and wood.