U-Shaped Steel Sheet Piles: Interlocking Structural Solutions for Heavy-Duty Retaining Systems
U-shaped steel sheet piles are modular, hot-rolled profiles designed to create watertight and load-bearing walls through interlocking connections. With Larssen-style joints and customizable lengths up to 80m, these piles provide exceptional bending resistance (up to 4,200 kN·m/m) for flood barriers, seawalls, and underground structures. Compliant with EN 10248 and ASTM A690 standards, they outperform traditional Z-type piles in corrosion resistance and installation speed.
Key Technical Specifications & Manufacturing Standards
Material Grades & Mechanical Properties:
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| S275 | ≥275 | 430–580 | Temporary cofferdams, small walls |
| S355 | ≥355 | 510–680 | Harbor quays, bridge abutments |
| ASTM A690 | ≥345 | 485–620 | Marine environments, saltwater |
Dimensions & Tolerances:
- Width: 400–750 mm (±1.5% tolerance)
- Height: 80–170 mm (±2% tolerance)
- Thickness: 6–16 mm (±0.3mm precision)
- Interlock Strength: 25–40 kN/cm² shear resistance
Certifications: CE Marking, ISO 9001:2015, FPC (Factory Production Control).
Superior Engineering Advantages
- Watertight Integrity: Larssen interlocks reduce seepage to ≤2 liters/min per linear meter.
- Rapid Installation: 35–50 piles/day installed with vibratory hammers (VS 30 equipment).
- Reusability: 15–20 cycle lifespan with proper anti-corrosion coatings.
- Cost Efficiency: Saves 25% vs. concrete walls in projects exceeding 15m depth.
Industrial Applications & Project Case Studies
U-shaped sheet piles are critical in these scenarios:
- Civil Engineering: Underground parking walls (S355, 12mm thickness).
- Water Management: Riverbank stabilization (ASTM A690, 16mm thickness).
- Transportation: Tunnel entrances (SY390, 14mm thickness).
- Environmental: Contaminated soil containment (S430, epoxy-coated).
Project Highlight: In the Rotterdam Port expansion, 2,800 S355 piles (18m length) reduced construction time by 40% while achieving 100-year design life in saline conditions.
Customization & Corrosion Protection
Tailored Solutions:
- Length: 6m–80m (modular welding for extended reach).
- Coatings: Hot-dip galvanizing (610 g/m²), 3-layer polyethylene (3LPE), or coal tar epoxy.
- Interlock Types:
- Larssen III: For high-stress marine applications.
- Cold-Rolled: Budget-friendly for temporary structures.
Testing Protocols:
- Ultrasonic Thickness Checks: ±0.1mm accuracy.
- Charpy V-Notch Test: ≥27J at -20°C (EN 10045).
- Interlock Torque Test: ≥300 N·m rotational resistance.
Why Choose Our U-Shaped Sheet Piles?
With a section modulus range of 1,200–4,200 cm³/m and elastic modulus of 210 GPa, our piles withstand lateral earth pressures up to 150 kPa. The EN 10248-compliant production line ensures ±0.5° angular accuracy, while JIS 5528 certification guarantees compatibility with Asian markets.
Request a free engineering consultation for custom coatings, non-standard widths, or seismic-grade solutions (Zone 4 compliance). Download our sheet pile load calculator to optimize wall designs for your soil type (CLAY, SAND, or GRAVEL).
Packaging: Bare bundles with edge protectors; 20ft container holds 18–22 tons.
Lead Time: 20–35 days for standard grades; 45–60 days for coated orders.
Packing And Delivery
