Any construction project requires a lot of planning and resources. If you are even slightly aware of how the construction business works, of how a building is actually made, you will know it is far from just combining bricks and cement! Each stage of construction requires intricate planning and accurate execution of the designs and dimensions. You miss the design by an inch or so, and the entire structure is ruined. Be it the laying of the foundation, or making the actual building, or the finishing work which includes the plumbing, the setting of electrical connections, the decorations, everything must be done with accurately and with perfection.
The first and the foremost in any sort of construction is the foundation of the building. Nothing is more important than getting the foundation right for obvious reasons! It is the foundation that will be taking the entire weight of the building so it is important that not only it is robust but also free from any damage. One of the best methods to construct the foundation of any building is to use steel piling. It is quite beneficial and is a better alternative to the traditional concrete approach. Geobond Piling and Foundation Solutions are one of the best people to go to for this purpose in London and surrounding areas.
What is sheet piling?
Sheet piling is basically the use of steel sheets of wooden material to form walls by interlocking these sheets together to provide earth retention and support to the excavation. Preferably steel is used for sheet piling. Sheet piling is used to provide temporary and permanent walls during construction of a building. These interlocked walls create a strong border between the soil and the building keep it away from the structure to block any harm.
Sheet piles are designed in such a way that they interlock with each other and are installed in a designed sequence around the excavation perimeter. In this manner they form a wall for temporary or permanent earth support, as is the requirement.
Steel is the most used material for sheet piling but one may also use wood or vinyl sheets for the same purpose. The interlocked sheets are driven into the ground to create a wall like structure. The kind of stability and strength that is imparted by this is dependent on the material used. This is why, steel is used the most.
Types of sheet piling
Anchored sheet piles- anchored sheet piles are the most useful when the excavation is less than 6 meters. The walls are prestressed in order to remove any slack from the system. The anchors make sure that the sheet wall and the soil remain at distance and in compression.
Cantilever sheet piling- cantilever piling is used when the height of the soil or water to be retained is 4.5 meters or less than that. Sheet piles are arranged vertically interlocked with each other and provide support to the structure.
Cofferdams- cofferdams are most helpful when a bridge is under construction to keep soil and water away from the excavation site. It seals the structure and does not let water seep in and provide dry working conditions even under water.
Uses of sheet piling
- Protects the foundations of buildings from damage due to water.
- Supports structures when excavation takes place for the construction of basements, parkings, foundations, pump houses, cofferdams, and other such construction site requirements.
- Structures close to shorelines obtain protection from sheet piling.
- When construction is happening in a closed vicinity, piling helps in making temporary walls that prevent cave-ins which enhances the protection for the workers on the site.
- In houses, piling is used as permanent walls to provide support and stability to interior walls, especially the basement walls.
Advantages of sheet piling
- Handling is easy due to the light weight.
- It is completely reusable and recyclable.
- The length and design of the pile can be adapted easily according to the depth in the excavation.
- Joints in the sheet piles are designed in a way to withstand high pressure.
- Both underwater and above the water maintenance is not high.
