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Effective flood protection is a combination of many elements: thoughtful spatial planning, the use of warning systems, public education, with the key factors being proper design and construction of technical infrastructure using materials that, when a threat arises, will allow control over the disaster without harming the environment.

One type of threat is the large body of water, whose arrival can be anticipated to some extent. Another kind of threat is water that appears almost imperceptibly. These phenomena are known as flash floods because they can occur within just a few minutes of intense rainfall or the sudden release of water, such as from a dam failure. Flash floods, contrary to common belief, occur not only in cities and areas with low soil permeability but also in mountainous regions and valleys. Fast-moving water destroys buildings, road and energy infrastructure, and also threatens human lives. The aftermath of the wave includes soil erosion, water pollution, and damage to ecosystems.

The dangers of flooding are often visible in images from around the world, and recently, we were reminded of this in Poland as well. Fortunately, no one is debating the need to invest in flood protection measures anymore. However, it’s important to remember that the construction site for such infrastructure must meet current requirements, not only economic but also ecological, at every stage: from design, production, and transportation to construction work, and finally to its operational phase.

To build and modernize various types of flood protection structures, including embankments and anti-filtration walls, sheet piles are used, and in recent years, the vinyl variant has been becoming increasingly popular.

Bespoke and circular

• The production of vinyl sheet piles uses recycled materials, and the profiles themselves are fully recyclable. 

• The type and length of the profile is selected to comply with the project requirements. There is no need to cut them on the construction site, and waste disposal is not required.

• PVC is also a material resistant to corrosion, UV radiation, and the effects of saltwater.

• Vinyl sheet piles do not corrode, degrade over time, or require regular maintenance or additional anti-corrosion treatments in later years, which reduces operational costs.

Transport Costs

A key element in the construction project budget is transportation. The amount of the budget allocation depends not only on how far the materials need to be transported but also on whether the transport, due to their weight, requires additional measures. Transporting heavy elements is not always possible during the day, and stops increase costs. Transporting heavy materials also generates higher CO2 emissions, as it requires more fuel, stronger vehicles, and specialized loading and unloading equipment.

Once the materials arrive at the construction site, lighter materials can be assembled faster, using equipment that consumes less energy. Vinyl sheet piles are lighter than their counterparts made with other technologies, primarily due to the density of the material.

Instant Sealing

Compared to traditional methods such as steel sheet piles or cement-bentonite mixing technology (CDMM), vinyl sheet piles stand out due to their immediate sealing after installation. Thanks to the use of a soft PVC gasket, they provide effective protection against water infiltration.

Summary

In the case of investments in flood protection infrastructure, the use of vinyl sheet piles not only enhances flood safety but also optimizes costs and project timelines. It’s important to remember that the success of constructing a flood protection structure depends on choosing the right supplier, one who will provide not only a high-quality product but also logistical support, punctuality, and technical advice.