The Different Types of Sheet Piles

Sheet piles are structures which are designed to be inserted into the ground to retain earth, and prevent water seepage. Sheet piles can be used to build structures that are near to water, such as cofferdams, ports and harbours, and other flood prevention systems. This article details the three main different types of sheet piles, and what each of their benefits are.

Wooden Sheet Piles

Wooden sheet piles are available in a large number of shapes and sizes. They are suitable for use in areas that have little or no water leakage. If there is no water problem in the soil then a single row of wooden sheet piles can be erected. If there is a water problem then a wakefield can be used. A wakefield is a type of pile that is made up up three planks of wood, which are tightly held together in a tongue and groove formation. They are able to prevent water leakage, and they are also much stronger and more durable than a standard single wooden sheet pile row.

Concrete Sheet Piles

Concrete sheet piles come in two main forms: precast or prestressed. Precast concrete sheet piles are made with a square or rectangular shaped cross section, which is slotted together to make a continuous wall. These types of sheet piles use a tongue and groove system to ensure that they remain watertight. They are also reinforced to prevent cracking and damage during the installation process.

Prestressed concrete sheet piles are commonly used in sheet piling jobs, and they have a number of distinct advantage over the precast sheet piles. They are similar to precast sheet piles, except they are lighter, and some say they are more durable and economical over a longer period of time.

Steel Sheet Piles

A steel sheet pile consists of a rolled sheet section that has a plate, known as a web. The web has a number of interlocks which work in a tongue and groove system. They come in a large range of shapes and sizes; three common types of steel sheet piles include straight-web type, shallow or deep arched-web type, and Z web type. Sheet piles can be used in areas which require them to be placed at a greater depth. They are commonly used in coastal defence plans as they are extremely water tight and strong.

The best place to search for a sheet piling construction specialists is online. Simply type "sheet piling contractors" along with the town, city or country that you live in into your search engine. You can then browse through the top results until you find a company that provides what you need. Always use a trusted and reputable company to ensure that you are using highly trained professionals who will be able to provide a great service. Sheet piling specialists will be able to advise you on what types of sheet piles will be best for the job.

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