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

Sep 134 min read

Vinyl Sheet Piles: Serving nature and human life better

What are vinyl sheet piles?

Vinyl sheet piles are a popular alternative to traditional steel sheet piles. Developed over 30 years ago in the USA, they have become widely used in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Vinyl sheet piles stand out from similar technologies due to the following key features:

Environmental Benefits: Made from recycled materials, vinyl sheet piles are eco-friendly and contribute to sustainable construction practices.
Corrosion Resistance: Vinyl sheet piles are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in harsh environments such as coastal areas or where exposure to chemicals is a concern.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle: They are lighter than steel sheet piles, simplifying transportation and installation.
Durability: Despite their lighter weight, vinyl sheet piles are durable and have a long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Aesthetic Flexibility: Vinyl sheet piles can be produced in various colors and finishes, offering more aesthetic options than traditional materials.
Cost-Effectiveness: Using recycled materials and reduced maintenance requirements can make vinyl sheet piles a more cost-effective solution over their lifespan.

The environmental benefits

We use recycled materials in their production, which can also be recycled. Additionally, their lighter weight allows us to transport significantly more square meters of the product on each truck.

As shown by the independent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis by the Lodz University of Technology, vinyl sheet piles are a greener product! The analysis compared two types of steel sheet piles, with a wall thickness of 7 mm and 13 mm, with our most popular profile from the GW-610 series.

Importantly, the LCA analysis was conducted following the “cradle to grave” approach, i.e., it considered the entire life cycle of the product, from the extraction of raw material from the ground to its processing, transport, and disposal/recycling.

What are the conclusions of this analysis?

They have a low environmental impact due to a very low carbon footprint, as they are produced from recycled material.

Here, we see an even more significant difference, i.e., from 4.4 to 9.1 times the carbon footprint emitted by steel sheet piles.

What about the carbon footprint?

The LCA analysis also checked the environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint.

Here we see an even greater difference, i.e. from 4.4 to 9.1 times the carbon footprint emitted by steel sheet piles.

Serving nature and human life through Environmental Projects:

Vinyl sheet piles are increasingly recognized for their role in environmental projects due to their sustainable and eco-friendly attributes. Made primarily from recycled materials and designed to minimize environmental impact, these sheet piles are ideal for flood protection, water retention, and soil stabilization applications. Their durability and resistance to environmental factors make them a practical choice for projects that preserve natural habitats and enhance ecological resilience.

Separation barriers around contaminated areas

The integrated gasket solution ensures exceptionally high watertightness of the connections, achieved immediately. We use this technology to safeguard numerous projects, including municipal landfills.

PVC material is highly resistant to chemicals. It is the same as soft PVC, from which the integrated gasket into our sheet piles is made. Using this product means we do not have to worry about the barrier failing its function as it will not corrode like steel sheet piles.

Construction of islands for birds

Artificial islands have been constructed using various technologies for years.

However, we are the first in the world to offer our sheet piles for bird island projects, designed to protect nests and young hatchlings from fluctuating water levels during the rainy season.

Counteract the drying up of peat bogs and wetlands.

This project was conducted around a wetland that was drying up very quickly due to changing climate and water conditions.

By using vinyl sheet piles in these projects, we operate in several ways: firstly, we prevent the ground from drying out, and secondly, we reduce the carbon footprint.

Small retention structures

Here, we also have various applications. We can build small water dams, but also small, more complete retention sluices.

One of the most interesting projects is the construction of a fish ladder, which increases the reproductive chances of fish by reducing the speed of water runoff.

Vinyl Sheet Piles and Microplastics: Is There a Risk?

Scientific studies have shown that the proportion of PVC as a microplastic in the samples evaluated was negligible compared to other polymers.

The source of PVC contamination is PVC products that are not resistant to oxidation.

Vinyl sheet piles are manufactured through extrusion using a raw material with exceptional oxidation resistance.

Are vinyl sheet piles harmful to drinking water?

No! Vinyl sheet piles have a hygienic certificate issued by the National Institute of Public Health, which says they can be used even in water tanks for human consumption. They do not emit any hazardous ingredients into the water.

In conclusion, vinyl sheet piles offer a sustainable and efficient solution for a range of construction and environmental projects. Their durability, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness make them a compelling choice for various applications.

For expert advice and a tailored quote on vinyl sheet piles, consider consulting ESC Company. Our team is ready to assist with your project needs and ensure you get the best results. Contact us today at+1 (980) 689 4388 or info@escvinylpile.com, and visit our website at escvinylpile.com for more information.