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- 01425 489600
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Sheet Pile Retaining Walls
Sheet pile retaining wall installation for a wide variety of applications, we operate nationwide.
What Are Retaining Walls?
Retaining walls are structures that are built to hold back or “retain” soil, water or other grounds from sliding or eroding. They are used in both smaller landscaping projects, large construction and civil engineering projects.
The design of retaining walls varies based on the height of the wall, soil conditions, and the load it needs to bear. There are a variety of retaining wall types, at SPS, we predominantly install sheet pile walls, but there are other types we can install.
What is a Sheet Pile Retaining Wall?
Sheet pile retaining walls are constructed from interlocking sheets of steel that are driven into the ground to create a barrier that holds back soil or water. They are typically applied in areas where excavation works are needed or in marine environments with water.
Retaining Wall Applications
Retaining wall sheet piling can achieve the following applications:
- Seawalls and Bulkhead
- Wharves and Piers
- Foundation Support and Basements and Underground Structures
- Excavation Support
- Cofferdams
- Flood Defences
- Retaining Walls for Roads and Railways
- Slope Stabilisation
- Landslide Prevention
Temporary Works
A major application of retaining walls, is the allowance of temporary works to occur in a controlled, safe environment. Working to support the construction of permanent structures, they can act as temporary shoring systems to prevent the inflow of water or more commonly, function as a means to prevent soil collapse during work in an excavated site.
This is important in deep excavations or when constructing basements and underground facilities. Once the permanent structure is in place, these temporary retaining walls can be removed or integrated into the final design. Sheet piles can be a sustainable source of meeting your project needs, at SPS, we offer sheet piles on a buy back basis, in which we will can extract sheet piles after completion of temporary works.
Nevertheless, sheet piles are perfectly functional and durable as a long term option, with driven sheet piles frequently used in the flood defence sector, you can be sure your project will laid on stable foundations.
Road and Railway Retaining Walls
Retaining wall sheet piling plays a crucial role in railway infrastructure, providing essential support and stability to ensure safe and efficient operations. The importance of this application can be understood through its contributions to safety, longevity, and operational efficiency.
Sheet pile retaining walls are critical in stabilising slopes and preventing landslides or soil erosion near railway tracks or motorways. This minimises the risk of track subsidence, derailments, and other accidents, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. The interlocking sheet piles form a strong barrier that resists lateral soil pressure, maintaining the integrity of the railway embankments.
Certain methods of sheet piling can ensure quicker installation compared to other methods, minimising downtime and maintaining service schedules.
Landslide Prevention
Sheet pile retaining walls are a vital component in landslide prevention, providing a robust and reliable solution to stabilise slopes and prevent soil movement. These walls consist of interlocking steel, vinyl, or wood sheets driven deep into the ground, forming a continuous barrier that resists lateral soil pressure.
Why Choose Us?
- Efficiency
- Quality
- Specialists
- 30+ Years Industry Experience
Our team has over 30 years of experience to back it up, making us one of the leaders of retaining wall installs across the UK. We embrace both conventional and modern methods and tools, ensuring that we always provide fast, accurate and long lasting results.
Your project’s safety is our safety. We maintain strict safety guidelines, perform regular audits and invest in comprehensive training. In this way, your project remains safe all through its development period. Every job is unique; hence after thorough examination we come up with personalised solutions.
30+
Years Industry Experince
10,000+
Steel Sheet Piles Installed
300+
Successful Projects
7+
Industry Accreditations
King Post Retaining Walls
King post retaining walls are a popular choice for good reason. They are durable, inexpensive and easy to install, making them suitable for many projects.
- These walls can handle high soil or water pressure, ideal for containing large volumes of water or building strong basements.
- They cost less thanks to the prefabricated concrete panel as well as the speed of installation.
- Unlike poured concrete walls, which take time to cure, king pillar walls go in quickly.
- Predesigns mean smoother scheduling, reducing downtime.
- King post walls can be customised with a variety of infill panels (concrete, wood, metal) to suit your project needs. They also provide some flexibility during installation for minor changes.
Post Retaining Wall Applications
Erosion Prevention
Slope Stabilisation
Underground utilities
Erosion Prevention
Act as a barrier between soil and water runoff, preventing erosion and maintaining stable terrain.
Slope Stabilisation
Effectively stabilise slopes prone to erosion, protecting property and infrastructure.
Underground utilities
Form safe working areas for utility installation or maintenance projects.
Our Clients
FAQs
Where are sheet pile retaining walls commonly used?
Sheet pile retaining walls are used in a variety of applications including:
- Waterfront structures (seawalls, bulkheads)
- Foundation support for basements and underground structures
- Temporary works such as cofferdams and excavation support
- Flood protection (flood walls, levees)
- Urban infrastructure (retaining walls for roads and railways)
- Environmental applications (containment barriers for contaminated soil)
What materials are used for sheet piles?
Sheet piles are typically made from steel due to its strength and durability. However, they can also be made from vinyl, which is resistant to corrosion and chemicals, or wood, which is often used for temporary or less demanding applications.
How are sheet piles installed?
Sheet piles are installed by driving them into the ground using vibratory hammers, hydraulic presses, or impact hammers. The method chosen depends on the soil conditions, the depth required, and the project specifications. you can lean more about our sheet piling techniques here.
Can sheet pile retaining walls be used in high water table areas?
Yes, sheet pile retaining walls are particularly effective in areas with high water tables. The interlocking design creates a watertight barrier, making them ideal for waterfront applications, flood protection, and controlling groundwater in excavation sites.