Steel Sheet Pile Options

Sheet piles are structural steel sections that are connected with interlocking ends to form continuous sections. They are built to resist forces like water and soil, which makes them strong choices for things like retaining walls and cofferdams.

One of the most popular items on the Eiffel Trading marketplace is used steel sheet pile. Though sheet pile also comes in timber, concrete, and vinyl, steel is by far the most widely-used in the construction industry. It is relatively easy to transport, and it can be reused for many different projects. Steel sheet pile provides a high-resistance, low-cost option for pile driving in today’s construction industry.

Sheet piles are manufactured with male and female joints to create interlocking systems to form continuous walls. These steel joints are less likely to be damaged or deformed during pile driving. There is no one standard for interlocking systems on sheet piles; the primary goal for manufacturers is to create locking systems that are as water- or earth-tight as possible.

In this post, we will examine a few of the different types of sheet pile available today, and their defining characteristics and applications.

PZ/PZC Sheet Pile

PZ/PZC sheet pile are hot-rolled “Z” shaped sections, with ball-and-socket connections.

This type of sheet pile is identified by its type, shape, and a number which denotes the section’s weight, in pounds, per square foot. For example, a PZ 22 is a Z-shaped sheet pile that weighs 22 pounds per square foot.

PZ/PZC sheet piles are commonly used for cofferdams, levee strengthening, and as retaining walls.

PZ sheet pile sections are identified by their Z shape and the width of the sections, from the flange tips, end-to-end. PZC sheet pile sections are more light-weight, tend to be wider, and as such, are stronger than traditional Z-shaped sheet pile.

The ball-and-socket interlocking connections are durable under driving conditions, but allow for flexibility in setting because it displaces less soil. PZC sheet pile’s ball-and-socket connections allow for greater degrees of swing and flexibility, making it easier to drive and set in precise layouts. Sheets are lined up before being placed, to allow the sections to lock together by securing the ball-shaped end into the socket and driving the sheets into place.

PS Sheet Pile/Straight Web Sections

PS sheet pile, also known as flat sheet pile, is a hot-rolled form of sheet pile that uses a thumb-and-finger interlocking system. PS sheet piles are offer minimal beam strength but are able to withstand severe setting and driving conditions because of its strong interlocking system. Whereas one of the biggest performance benefits of PZ/PZC sheet pile is its strength and resistance to bending, PS sheet piles are often used to create large, cellular cofferdams or arcs. PS sheet piles do not bend, but are subjected to hoop tension from the water or soil retained in its cell.

PS sheet pile’s naming convention is the same as PZ/PZC sheet pile: P, for piling, S, for its style, and the number equal to the weight per square foot, in pounds. A PS 27.5 section of sheet pile is a flat sheet that weighs 27.5 pounds per square foot.

Thumb-and-finger locking systems are similar to a ball-and-socket system, except that both joints are the same fixture. Again, the sheet piles are lined up before being driven, and are locked together as the piles are driven into the earth. The thumb-and-finger system is earth-tight and relatively watertight once in place.

Cold-Rolled Sheet Pile

A lower-cost alternative to hot-rolled sheet pile is the cold-rolled sheet pile. This type of sheet pile can be produced quicker than any hot-rolled sheet pile. It also requires careful alignment during placement. Cold-finished sheet pilings are made to have a constant thickness throughout the web and flanges, and have a shallower depth than hot-rolled PZ/PZC sheet pile. Some manufacturers also offer cold-formed sheet pile in U- or Omega-shapes.

The most important difference between hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheet pile is its interlocking system. Hot-rolled sheet piles have tighter interlocks than cold-rolled sections, which makes this type of sheet pile better for use in softer driving conditions.

Buy and Sell Used Sheet Pile with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading currently has many types of used sheet pile for sale (including PZ/PZC, PS, AZ/NZ/ZZ/Hoesch sheet pile, and cold-rolled sheet pile) as well as used combined wall systems.

Don’t see the type of sheet pile you need? All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.