Steel Piling Group

Representing individuals and companies that are involved in the manufacture, supply, design and installation of steel foundations. Sheet piles are used in earth retaining structures where a differential surface level is to be established. The sheet pile forms the vertical interface. Steel sheet piles are used for both temporary and permanent retaining walls. Structures include basements, underground carparks and abutments for bridges. It is important to be aware that hot rolled and cold formed sheet piles are not equivalent products, as our guidance documents continue to emphasise. Structurally hot rolled sheet piles are most comprehensively specified, rather than cold formed sheet piles. Hot rolled sheet piles conform to EN 1993-5 for sheet pile walls, which are required to be ‘continuous’ and ‘connected by interlocks’. This is not the case for cold formed sheet piles. Importantly, cold formed sheet piles are more likely to be class 4 sections, which will require additional verification against local buckling. In addition, cold formed sheet piles cannot transmit forces between adjoining elements. Hot rolled steel sheet piling has been manufactured and used for over 100 years. It has continually developed and evolved to make it more useful, more efficient and more sustainable. As a product it has been subject to a metamorphosis in terms of shape, manufacturing, substance, installation plant and capability. Bearing piles are used mainly to support vertical loads. Steel sections can be used as bearing piles where soil and ground conditions preclude the use of shallow foundations. Steel piles are relatively light and easy to handle, and can be driven in most types of ground, including many types of rock.