What exactly is sheet piling and what is it used for?

Sheet piling is something that you may have come across in the construction and engineering industries.

It is a process that is used widely in the construction of everything from car parks to canals.

Using this process is essential when building structures that need to be protected from groundwater, so it can be found in a huge range of applications that you may not have previously considered.

As such an important element of construction, we have taken a look into what exactly sheet piling is and what it can be used for, so you can have a deeper understanding of this essential process.

What exactly is sheet piling?

Simply put, sheet piling is the process of using sheet piles to provide extra support and protection from groundwater. The sheet piles themselves can be made from a variety of materials such as timber, reinforced concrete and steel. These sheets are driven down into the ground and interlocked, creating the necessary barriers and support. Once these sheets have been placed in the ground, they may be left there permanently, or they may be removed once construction is complete, depending on the way in which they have been used.

What is sheet piling used for?

There is a whole range of applications in which sheet piling may be used, and you may be aware of these uses without realising it. Applications of sheet piling include:

• Underground car parks
• Cofferdams
• Seawalls
• Basements
• Foundations

In these settings, sheet piling may be necessary in order to protect the structure from groundwater or they may be needed for the support of excavations.

Of course, there are plenty of other uses for sheet piling. We spoke to Sheet Piling UK who spoke to us about how sheet piling can be used.

They said, “We see sheet piling being used in lots of different ways, from the construction of underground car parks to repairing leaks in reservoirs. This process can provide much-needed solutions which make many of these projects possible.”

What are the benefits of sheet piling?

There are a number of benefits to using sheet piling in a construction project.

One such benefit is the reliability of the process. As it is used in so many different applications, you can be confident that it does its job well.

Being able to rely on sheet piling is essential when undertaking such large projects which could be completely compromised should the piles fail.

Another great benefit of sheet piling is that the sheet piles themselves can be used again when they are applied on a temporary basis.

This means that they also offer financial and environmental benefits. Sheet piling is an essential, yet relatively simple solution which has helped to make countless projects possible.

Whether it is used in the construction of underground car parks or used to create seawalls, it is clear that this process is particularly effective and offers a whole range of benefits.