Sheet Piling
Sheet piles are sections of sheet steel with interlocking edges (or clutches) that are driven into the ground to provide earth retention and excavation support. Vibratory hammers are often used to install sheet piles, although if soils are too hard/dense impact hammers can be used.
On building projects sheet piling is often adopted to provide temporary retention of very deep local elements of the foundation – eg core or lift overruns.
On civil projects sheet piling is commonly used for tunnel portals and in marine locations for riverbank protection, seawalls, cofferdams etc.When handled correctly the value of sheet piles to a project is enhanced by the ability to use and re-use them. This sets them apart from other retention/shoring techniques. Where incorporated in permanent works, sheet piles may need protective coatings, or may need to be connected to cathodic cell systems to prevent corrosion over the design life of the structure.