Common Types and Specifications of Steel Sheet Piles
I. Primary Types of Steel Sheet Piles
Based on manufacturing processes, steel sheet piles are primarily categorized into hot-rolled and cold-formed types. Cross-sectional shapes mainly include U-shaped and Z-shaped profiles to accommodate diverse engineering requirements.
Hot-Rolled Sheet Piles
Hot-rolled sheet piles are formed through rolling at high temperatures (above approximately 1000°C). They feature dense structure, high strength, and excellent durability, making them suitable for large-scale projects demanding high load-bearing capacity and extended service life.
Hot-Rolled U-Shaped Steel Sheet Piles
Featuring a “U” shape with parallel flanges, these piles offer excellent bending resistance and lateral stability. They are easy to install and can be driven smoothly even in dense soil layers. Suitable for deep foundation pit support, ports and docks, permanent retaining walls, etc. In some projects, concrete can be poured into the U-piles to further enhance their stiffness and strength.
Hot-Rolled Z-Shaped Steel Sheet Piles
Featuring a “Z”-shaped cross-section with interlocking joints positioned on the outer flanges, these piles offer greater section modulus per unit width and superior bending resistance. Under identical project conditions, Z-piles reduce pile quantities and lower costs. They are particularly suitable for deep excavations, riverbank protection, large breakwaters, and other applications subject to significant lateral loads.
Cold-Formed Steel Sheet Piles
Formed through cold processing at ambient temperatures, cold-formed steel sheet piles offer lightweight construction, low cost, and ease of transportation and installation. They are commonly used in small-to-medium or temporary projects.
Cold-Formed U-Shaped Steel Sheet Piles
Their cross-section resembles hot-rolled U-shapes but with thinner walls. Suitable for temporary cofferdams, small retaining walls, landscaping projects, or lightweight flood control applications, they provide excellent cost-effectiveness.
Cold-formed Z-Shaped Steel Sheet Piles
Combine the mechanical advantages of Z-shaped cross-sections with enhanced flexibility and adaptability, accommodating moderate ground deformation. Commonly used for construction fencing, temporary excavation pits, and emergency flood control projects, they are easy to dismantle and reusable.
II. Common Specifications and Size Selection
The selection of steel sheet pile dimensions must be comprehensively determined based on the specific project's load requirements, soil conditions, and construction environment. Below are several common specifications:
| Type | Common Specifications (Width × Height) | Applicable Scenarios |
U-Shaped Sheet Piles | 400mm × 100mm | Small retaining walls, landscape boundaries, light-duty support |
| U-Shaped Sheet Piles | 400mm × 125mm | Residential foundation pits, small-to-medium flood control embankments, temporary cofferdams |
| U-Shaped Sheet Piles | 500mm × 200mm | Deep foundation pits, commercial building support, permanent retaining structures |
| Z-Shaped Sheet Piles | 770mm × 343.5mm | Riverbank reinforcement, port engineering, large flood barriers, deep marine excavations |
(Note: Actual selection should also consider pile thickness, material grade (e.g., Q235, Q355), and interlocking profiles to ensure overall wall rigidity and watertightness.)
This article is compiled and published by [Yangtze Steel Group]. We welcome inquiries regarding the export of steel sheet piles and various steel products, as well as technical services.
