Sheet Piles: Definition, Types, Functions, & Advantages

Sheet piles are wall-shaped construction elements that function to withstand soil pressure to keep the building structure stable. Its use is important, especially in areas with steep soil contours or at risk of landslides.

In the construction world, sheet piles are often chosen to strengthen slopes, prevent erosion, and maintain the stability of buildings around areas prone to land movement. This article will discuss the definition of retaining walls, their types, main functions, advantages, and differences with gabions. Check out the full article below!

What Is a Sheet Pile?

Sheet pile is a wall-shaped construction structure that functions as a barrier to soil pressure and movement. Its main purpose is to maintain the stability of slopes and buildings, especially in areas prone to landslides or erosion.

Sheet piles are generally made of reinforced concrete or river stone, and can also be made of other strong construction materials. The design of a sheet pile involves the installation of a vertical retaining wall to resist the lateral pressure of the soil, preventing soil movement or scour.

Some commonly used types of sheet piles include gravity sheet piles, reinforced wall piles, and gabion piles. Their simple shape makes the installation process quicker, but they are not suitable for rocky or uphill areas where a stronger retaining system is required.

Types of Sheet Pile

Sheet pile has several types that are adapted to soil conditions and construction needs. Here are some types of sheet piles that are commonly used in construction work.

Types of Sheet Pile Based on Construction

When referring to the form of construction, sheet piles are divided into the following four main types:

Anchored wall: This sheet pile uses anchors as the main support. The installation process involves cables and weights that are buried in the ground, and then reinforced with a mixture of cement and liquid concrete for optimal durability.
Cantilever wall: This type of reinforced concrete wall is reinforced with thick steel bars and forms an inverted T-shaped structure. This design aims to increase the wall's ability to resist soil pressure.
Counterfort wall: This type consists of a thinner reinforced concrete wall with vertical plates for reinforcement. These are usually installed at regular intervals in the embankment area.
Gravity wall: This type of wall relies on the weight of the construction to resist soil pressure. The greater the lateral pressure of the soil, the heavier the material used to maintain stability.

Types of Sheet Piles Based on Material

Based on material, sheet piles can be divided into the following three types:

Wooden sheet piles: This type is generally used to retain soil that is not too high and does not contain gravel. Besides being quite strong, wooden sheet piles also give an aesthetic value to the appearance of the building.
Concrete sheet piles: Concrete sheet piles usually have a pointed bottom end to hold the load from the front. It is available in two options, namely bulk and block, which can be customized according to construction needs.
Steel sheet piles: Steel sheet piles have the advantage of being lightweight, making them easy to install and dismantle. In addition, this material is also resistant to weather changes, and thus it is more durable.

The Function of a Sheet Pile

In general, a sheet pile or retaining wall serves to prevent soil movement, especially in areas with uneven surfaces. Some of the main functions of sheet piles are as follows:

Maintain soil stability so that it does not shift or collapse, especially in areas of unstable slopes or contours.
Prevent erosion, especially on sloping land or highlands.
Gives additional protection in construction projects by resisting ground movement that could damage building structures.
Adds aesthetic value and increases the sale value of the property because the shape of the sheet pile can support a more organized landscape appearance.
Widely used in areas with hilly contours, mountain cliffs, and large-discharge river flows close to dense settlements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sheet Piles

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of sheet piles can help you choose the type that suits your land conditions and building needs. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of sheet piles that you need to know before applying them in a construction project.

Advantages of Sheet Piles

Sheet piles or retaining walls have several advantages that make them a good choice in construction projects, especially in areas with unstable soil contours. Here are some of the advantages:

Capable of controlling the lateral pressure of the soil properly so that the building structure becomes more stable.
Land utilization becomes more optimal because the entire area can be used without worrying about the risk of landslides.
Protects buildings from landslides and erosion, especially on slopes or river edges.
Increases the aesthetic value of the area as it can enhance the appearance of the surrounding landscape.
Increases property value, since areas that are safe from landslides are usually more desirable.
More environmentally friendly, especially if wood is used as the material.

Disadvantages of Sheet Piles

Despite its many advantages, sheet piles also have some disadvantages that need to be recognized before their construction. Here are some of them:

The cost of construction is high, especially if quality materials such as concrete or wood are used.
Requires regular maintenance, especially on the drainage system, so that it is not easily damaged and does not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment.
It may restrict access to the area behind it, especially if the sheet piles are made with a high height and steep slope.
Potentially disrupts the natural flow of water, which can damage the surrounding habitat.

The Difference between Sheet Piles and Gabions

Sheet piles and gabions both function as soil retainers, but they have differences in material, shape, and installation method. Here is a brief explanation of the differences.

1. Based on Functionality

Sheet piles function to hold soil in areas prone to landslides or erosion, such as on artificial slopes or around buildings with a vertical structure that maintains stability. Meanwhile, gabions are used to protect areas, such as beaches, rivers, and pavement construction, from erosion and control water flow.

2. Materials and Design

Sheet piles are generally made of reinforced concrete or strong construction materials with a special design to hold the soil. Whereas gabions consist of a grid of boxes or lattices filled with stones or waterproof materials.

That's a complete explanation of sheet piles, from their definition, types, functions, to their advantages. As explained earlier, sheet piles are ideal for strengthening slope structures, preventing landslides, and maintaining soil stability around buildings.

However, choosing the right sheet pile system must also be supported by sturdy and durable construction materials. This is important to use high-quality building materials, such as Semen Merah Putih.

As a premium cement producer, Semen Merah Putih provides a wide range of superior products, from multipurpose cement to precast and ready mix concrete. Through its subsidiary, Beton Merah Putih, Semen Merah Putih also presents innovative concrete solutions, such as Ready Mix Concrete and Precast Concrete, specifically designed to meet the needs of construction projects that require high durability and work efficiency.

So, are you designing a sheet pile system for a construction project? Use high-quality products from Semen Merah Putih for stronger, more durable, and low-maintenance results.

Contact us to get more information about our products and get the best solution from Semen Merah Putih!