Find the Best Sheet Piling Near You

Sheet piling refers to the installation of sections of a sheet made of wood, steel, concrete, etc. These sheets are interlocked and installed to form retaining walls and other support systems. Sheet piling cost varies according to the type of sheet used, which further depends on the construction purpose and soil quality.

The step-by-step process of sheet piling installation begins with positioning the sheet according to the correct order. The first section then needs to be driven into the ground at the required depth. For this step, engineers may use vibratory or impact hammers or hydraulics. The second sheet will then be hammered in place, ensuring it is interlocked with the first piece already installed. From here, the process is continued to construct the entire wall.

When it comes to the lifespan of sheet piling, vinyl sheets last the longest. Because sheet piles are designed to be highly resistant to corrosion, UV rays and marine bores, they can last for over 50 years. Additionally, vinyl sheet piling does not fade like wood, steel, and other materials.

Choosing the correct type of sheet pile is essential for the success of your project. The material you choose affects the overall sheet piling cost as well as its durability.

• Steel: Steel sheet piles are one of the most common types of piles but are also among the most expensive. Steel sheet piles are formed by joining the female joint with the male one. This type of pile offers unparalleled strength, durability, as well as a wide range of options. However, they fall prey to corrosion quite easily.
• Precast Concrete: Precast concrete sheet piles are constructed with the help of a reinforced steel panel. Though the precast concrete sheets may provide benefits in terms of stiffness, stability, and strength, they require high maintenance. These sheets can be damaged while transporting or even during installation.
• Aluminium: Aluminium sheet piles are similar to steel ones in terms of resistance. However, along with providing tensile strength, aluminium sheet piles are highly flexible. Additionally, these piles are also resistant to corrosion - that is why these sheets may be preferable to steel ones in marine areas.
• Timber: Timber sheet piles are constructed by joining multiple planks of timber. The wood-constructed sheet piles are rarely used in heavy construction works. The most common use of these sheets is in shallow installations where the soil quality is good. They may get ruined if used on grounds with high water tables.
• Vinyl: Vinyls are steel sheet piles that are refined and treated with synthetic materials. Though they are not stronger than steel ones, these sheet piles show higher corrosion resistance.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of sheet piling companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer sheet piling solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong.

iseekplant makes it easy to compare sheet piling companies and find the best contractor for the job! Just do a simple search on our marketplace, and we’ll find the closest sheet piling contractors to you. If you’d like to get multiple quotes, use our ‘get a quote’ tool or contact our project team directly on 1300 691 912 or email projects@iseekplant.com.au. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll get suppliers to contact you directly with their best rates for the job!

Sheet piling is used in various construction scenarios where a strong, impermeable barrier is needed. It is commonly employed in waterfront construction projects, such as building docks, seawalls, and bulkheads, to protect against erosion and tidal forces. Additionally, sheet piling is used for excavation support, providing temporary stability to prevent soil collapse during deep excavations. It is also effective for flood protection, creating barriers to prevent water ingress and constructing flood walls and levees.

The general rule of thumb for sheet piling is to embed the sheets at least one-third of their total length into the ground to ensure stability and structural integrity. For example, if a sheet pile is 9 meters long, at least 3 meters should be driven into the ground. This rule helps ensure that the sheet piles can resist the lateral forces from soil and water pressure effectively. However, the exact depth and length of sheet piles may vary depending on soil conditions, project requirements, and engineering specifications.

Sheet piles can be driven to depths of up to 30 meters or more, depending on the soil conditions and the type of equipment used. In softer soils, vibratory hammers can achieve greater depths, while harder soils may require the use of hydraulic hammers or pre-drilling to reach the desired depth. The depth of the sheet piles is also determined by the specific requirements of the project, such as the height of the retaining wall or the depth of the excavation. Proper engineering assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate depth for each application.

The lifespan of sheet piling can vary widely depending on the material used, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Steel sheet piles, which are commonly used, can last between 30 to 50 years or more if properly maintained and protected from corrosion. Coatings and cathodic protection systems can significantly extend the lifespan by preventing rust and degradation. Vinyl or composite sheet piles, which are resistant to corrosion, can have a lifespan exceeding 50 years, making them suitable for long-term applications.

An alternative to sheet piles is the use of secant or tangent pile walls, which involve drilling intersecting or touching piles to form a continuous wall. These methods provide a high level of support and can be used in similar applications as sheet piles. Additionally, diaphragm walls, which are constructed using reinforced concrete poured into a trench, offer another robust alternative for retaining structures and deep excavations. Each alternative has its own advantages and is chosen based on specific project requirements and site conditions.

Sheet piling can be installed relatively close to existing buildings, but the exact distance depends on factors such as the building's foundation type, soil conditions, and the method of installation. Generally, a safe distance is maintained to prevent any potential damage or disturbance to the building's structure. Vibration monitoring and careful planning are essential when installing sheet piles near buildings to ensure that the construction does not adversely affect the nearby structures. Consulting with a structural engineer is advisable to determine the safe distance for each specific situation.

Sheet piles primarily serve as retaining structures to hold back soil or water and prevent erosion or collapse. While they provide lateral support, they are not typically designed to bear significant vertical loads. However, in some applications, sheet piles can be combined with other structural elements, such as tie-backs or anchors, to increase their load-bearing capacity. The main function of sheet piles is to provide stability and support in retaining walls, cofferdams, and similar structures, rather than serving as primary load-bearing elements.

Sheet piling is used when soil retention, earth support, or water control is required. Common applications include:

• Excavation support: Retaining walls for deep excavations, basements, or trenches.
• Flood protection and water control: Riverbanks, seawalls, and levees to prevent erosion and flooding.
• Retaining walls: For roads, embankments, or landscaping projects.
• Temporary works: Shoring for construction sites or underpinning existing structures.

Sheet piling provides lateral support, prevents soil collapse, and can also act as a barrier against water ingress in both temporary and permanent projects.

Yes, sheet piling can be installed as a temporary solution to support excavations, trenches, or construction sites. Temporary sheet piles are typically used to:

• Shore up excavations during building or civil works.
• Protect adjacent structures from soil movement.
• Control water ingress in wet or flood-prone sites.

After the project or excavation is complete, temporary sheet piles can be removed and reused, making them a flexible and cost-effective option for short-term earth retention needs.

The depth of sheet piling depends on pile type, soil conditions, and project requirements. Typical ranges include:

• Light civil or temporary works: 3–6 metres, suitable for shallow excavations or small retaining walls.
• Medium-scale projects: 6–12 metres, common for basements, roadworks, or riverbank protection.
• Heavy civil or permanent structures: 12–20 metres or more, used for deep excavations, flood defence, or marine works.

Engineers determine the exact depth based on soil stability, water table, and lateral load requirements to ensure effective retention and structural safety.