Difference between steel pipe pile and steel sheet pile

In construction and civil engineering, steel piles are essential elements that provide stability and support to structures. Among the most common types of steel piles are steel pipe piles and steel sheet piles. Although both serve to support foundations and structures, they have different characteristics, installation methods, and applications. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two types of steel piles.

what is steel pipe pile

Steel pipe piles are cylindrical tubes made primarily from carbon steel or alloy steel. These piles are mainly used to support vertical loads and are installed deep into the ground to provide support for heavy structures. Steel pipe piles can either be welded steel pipe, depending on the manufacturing process. Welded steel pipe piles are formed by joining steel plates, while .

A steel pipe pile is a type of structural material commonly used to support and stabilize the foundation of a building. Typically made from carbon steel, steel pipe piles can be manufactured in either welded forms, such as SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) or LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded). These piles are driven into the ground to provide stability for the structures above them. The primary advantage of steel pipe piles is their ability to support heavy loads without deformation, making them an ideal choice for projects that require deep and resilient foundations.

What is Steel Sheet Piles

The steel pipe sheet pile is made up of steel pipes with joints welded onto them.  It can be used to make a circular, oval, or rectangular-shaped well foundation that combines the functions of foundation piles and a cofferdam. They are then arranged in a planar fashion in an enclosed form. And filling the joint pipes of the steel pipe sheet piles with mortar and providing their heads with rigid connection by means of footing allows a group of steel pipe sheet piles to behave as an integral foundation. This type of foundation is employed with many bridges and big steel structure projects. Because of the large cross-section feature, it can realize a compact foundation design that minimizes interference with water flow.

Steel pipe sheet pipes are widely used in harbors (piers and breakwaters), urban civil engineering (earth-retaining walls and cofferdams), bridges (foundations for steel pipe sheet pile foundations), and other applications, along with use regarding increased scales of structures, increases in water depth, and increases regarding construction work in regions where the deep supporting strata exists under thick soft ground.

Differences Between Steel Pipe Piles and Steel Sheet Piles

1. Structure and Design

Steel Pipe Piles: These are cylindrical steel pipes installed vertically in the ground to provide structural support. They come in various sizes and thicknesses to meet different load requirements and ground conditions.

Steel Sheet Piles: These are flat steel sheets that are shaped into "U" or "Z" profiles and interlock to form a continuous barrier. They are more flexible than steel pipe piles and are used primarily for earth and water retention.

2. Installation Method

Steel Pipe Piles: These are typically installed using piling equipment, where the piles are driven into the ground using a hydraulic or impact hammer. Some steel pipe piles may be filled with concrete to increase their strength.

Steel Sheet Piles: These are installed by driving the steel sheets vertically into the ground and interlocking the edges to create a continuous wall. The installation method depends on soil conditions, required depth, and available equipment.

3. Function

Steel Pipe Piles: Their primary function is to support heavy vertical loads and provide deep foundation support for structures such as bridges, buildings, and offshore platforms.

Steel Sheet Piles: These are mainly used for earth retention, cofferdam construction, and excavation support in projects like waterfront structures, bulkheads, and foundation pits.

4. Load-bearing Capacity

Steel Pipe Piles: These have a higher load-bearing capacity due to their cylindrical shape and greater structural rigidity. They are ideal for supporting heavy vertical loads in deep foundations.

Steel Sheet Piles: While excellent for retaining earth and water, their load-bearing capacity is lower than that of steel pipe piles due to their thinner, more flexible design.

5. Durability

Steel Pipe Piles: Made from high-strength steel, these piles are resistant to corrosion and other environmental factors. Their thicker and more rigid design makes them less prone to deformation during installation.

Steel Sheet Piles: Although also made from high-quality steel, their thin and flexible nature makes them more susceptible to damage during installation. However, they are highly effective in environments where flexibility is key.

6.Manufacturing process:

1. Steel pipe piles are usually manufactured by welding steel plates together to form a cylindrical shape. According to the manufacturing process, steel pipe piles can be divided into Welded Pipe Piles: These piles are manufactured by welding together steel plates to form a cylindrical shape. The welded seams provide strength and structural integrity.

2. Steel sheet piles are manufactured by rolling steel sheets into a U or Z shape. U-shaped sheet piles have one interlocking element, while Z-shaped sheet piles have two interlocking elements, providing greater stability and design flexibility

Features of steel pipe sheet pile

1. Foundation possible to be sued both for temporary cofferdams and for permanent foundations can reduce construction periods and costs.

2. A group of steel pipe sheet piles moves together, which can provide high horizontal resistance and vertical bearing capacity, along with reducing the occupied are at the same time.

3. Using the interlocks of high shear strength can further reduce the size of foundations. The foundation can also be used for the aseismic retrofitting of bridges.

Summary

In conclusion, both steel pipe piles and steel sheet piles are crucial in construction, but they serve different purposes. Steel pipe piles are more suitable for supporting heavy vertical loads in deep foundations, while steel sheet piles are used for earth and water retention. The choice between the two depends on soil conditions, load requirements, and the type of project.