Sheet Piling

What is Sheet Piling?

Sheet piling is an earth retention and excavation support technique that is used primarily in the construction of retaining walls and cofferdams. Typically the piles form a wall for lateral earth support or seepage prevention that can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary sheet piles are usually designed to provide safe access for construction and are subsequently removed. The piles usually consist of thin interlocking sheets that when connected together form a barrier that is driven into the ground to a depth depending on the level of lateral support required.

Brief Methodology:

• Site is levelled to ensure safe access for safe access and operation of heavy machinery.
• Once site is in a satisfactory condition to begin piling, piles are hoisted into position using either an excavator, a crane or via any other suitable mechanism.
• The piles are then driven into the ground using a vibration (vibro) hammer. Piles are either driven to refusal or to a specified depth as set out by the design engineer.
• The sheet lengths are joined if necessary with joiners.
• The sheet pile wall will then be tested by an independent contractor to determine the pile’s resistance ensuring it meets design specifications.

We recently purchased a Bruce 40 Sheet Piling Hammer. Suitable for all types of sheet piling, h-beams and steel pipes for retaining walls, cofferdams, bulkheads and structures to hold back subsidence. Suitable for driving and extracting all types of sheet piles in awkward areas such as:

• Riverbanks & unstable ground
• Hillside or steep slope
• Restricted headroom i.e. tunnels, powerlines