Vinyl sheet piles are made from special plastics composed of ethylene from crude oil and chlorine from common salt. Sometimes considered the best material for constructing marine structures, this sheet pile is unique and distinct from other sheet pile types. This is true, especially since sheet piles are used to reinforce or strengthen structures and retainer walls.
This explains the curiosity surrounding vinyl sheet piles as it is made from plastic. You may also be wondering how a plastic material is used to reinforce sophisticated structures. Well, you are not alone in these thoughts. This article highlights the frequently asked questions about vinyl sheet piles and their answers. Please ensure to read to the end for more interesting information.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Vinyl Sheet Piles
Q1: What are the proper driving methods for vinyl sheet piles?
The driving method employed when driving vinyl sheet piles depends on the soil type, and they are classified into three, namely:
- Pitch and Drive Method: Also known as set and drive, it is the most practical method of installing sheet piles in loose soils. When pile driving, piles one interlock at a time on the account that installed piles tend to rotate from their axis, either leaning forward or backward.
- Panel driving: This method is best suited for dense and compact cohesive soil. It incorporates guide frames when installing piles because the vibration generated from pile driving can cause the soil to become more compact. The sheet piles are interlocked to form a panel before driving them into the soil.
- Jetting and drilling are employed for hardened soil types with obstructions in them as they help loosen the soil for the effective installation of sheet piles.
Q2: What is the proper machine for driving piles based on varying soil conditions?
The choice of driving machine considers the machine’s effect on the sheet piles. You want to ensure that the piles are installed without incurring any damage to them. Some it the machines are:
- Drop hammers are best for installing in soft and cohesive soil types. The method of installing when using this machine is impact driving.
- Vibratory hammers and jetting and drilling instruments are used for non-cohesive and granular soil types.
- Driving and pressing rigs are suitable for heavy clay and soft cohesive soil types.
Q3: What are the pile selection criteria for soil conditions of different hardness?
There are specific criteria used in selecting PVC sheet piles for different soil hardness. These conditions are:
- Stronger and stiffer PVC sheet piles are used for more complex soil surfaces.
- The soil’s surface area determines the degree of driving force employed when driving PVC sheet piles.
- Experience is a crucial determinant in the selection of PVC sheet piles.
- PVC sheet piles exist in varying thickness because the varying thickness exists for different applications. Hence, check the specified application of the sheet piles before using them.
Conclusion
Many questions can arise concerning PVC sheet piles as they are a fascinating subject, and people are often interested in learning about them. But this article has highlighted the most important questions about PVC sheet piles and provided you with answers to them. This is so that you can have an extensive knowledge-base of the subject. Speak with a specialist vinyl sheet piling contractor today for further information.
