What is Sheet Pile Retaining Wall? Purpose of Sheet Pile Retaining wall. Different types of Sheet Pile Retaining wall. Criteria for using Sheet Pile Retaining wall and where to use Sheet Pile Retaining Wall.

A sheet pile retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that is made of steel, vinyl, or wood planks that are driven vertically into the ground to create a wall. The sheet piles are driven into the ground and interlocked together to form a continuous wall. The interlocking mechanism provides stability and helps to resist lateral soil pressure.

The purpose of a sheet pile retaining wall is to provide structural support and stability to prevent soil or other materials from moving downhill. They are commonly used in marine construction, waterfront structures, bridge abutments, and flood control structures.

There are several types of sheet pile retaining walls:

1. Steel sheet pile walls: These walls are made of steel sheet piles that are interlocked together to create a continuous wall. They are commonly used in marine construction and waterfront structures.
2. Vinyl sheet pile walls: These walls are made of vinyl sheet piles that are interlocked together to create a continuous wall. They are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them a good choice for marine and waterfront structures.
3. Wood sheet pile walls: These walls are made of wooden planks that are interlocked together to create a continuous wall. They are a cost-effective option for temporary retaining walls.

The criteria for using a sheet pile retaining wall include:

1. Soil type: Sheet pile retaining walls are suitable for cohesive soils and soils with low permeability. They may not be suitable for loose or unstable soils.
2. Wall height: Sheet pile retaining walls are suitable for walls up to about 25 feet high.
3. Load bearing capacity: The wall must be able to withstand the weight of the soil it is holding back, as well as any additional loads placed on it.
4. Water table: If the water table is high, proper drainage must be provided to prevent water from accumulating behind the wall, which could increase the pressure on the wall.

Sheet pile retaining walls can be used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Marine and waterfront structures: Sheet pile retaining walls can be used in the construction of piers, docks, and seawalls.
2. Bridge abutments: Sheet pile retaining walls can be used to provide structural support for bridge abutments.
3. Flood control structures: Sheet pile retaining walls can be used to create flood control structures, such as levees and flood walls.