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Modern construction presents engineers with new challenges related to efficiency, ecological solutions, and cost savings. In response to these needs, there is growing interest in vinyl sheet piles, which are gaining recognition not only in hydraulic engineering but also in road and rail infrastructure. Thanks to their exceptional properties, such as corrosion resistance, lightweight, and versatility of applications, vinyl sheet piles offer significant advantages compared to traditional steel sheet piles.

The use of vinyl sheet piles in infrastructure construction worldwide is becoming increasingly common, driven by their numerous benefits. In the face of the growing demands of modern construction projects, vinyl sheet piles are becoming a vital alternative to traditional materials like steel or concrete, offering modern solutions tailored to diverse conditions and needs.

Competitive advantages of vinyl sheet piles

Vinyl sheet piles have several competitive advantages over traditional steel sheet piles. The key benefits include:

• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel sheet piles, which are susceptible to corrosion, vinyl sheet piles made from hard PVC are resistant to both freshwater and saltwater. This makes them ideal for marine environments where traditional materials degrade.
• Aesthetics and Customization: Vinyl sheet piles can be produced in various colors according to customer expectations, allowing for better integration into the surroundings.
• Economy: Vinyl sheet piles are significantly cheaper than steel ones, and their light weight means lower transportation and installation costs. Moreover, these piles are made from recycled materials, reducing their carbon footprint.
• Durability and Longevity: Thanks to their high resistance to biological and chemical factors, vinyl sheet piles can retain their functionality for over 50 years, making them a very effective long-term solution.

Applications of vinyl sheet piles

Given the above advantages, vinyl sheet piles are widely used in infrastructure construction, particularly in projects related to erosion protection, quay construction, or slope stabilization. Example applications include:

• Quay and Breakwater Construction: Vinyl sheet piles are ideal for building quays and breakwaters, where corrosion resistance and resistance to biological effects in the marine environment are crucial.
• Slope Protection: Due to their light weight and ease of installation, vinyl sheet piles are an effective solution for slope stabilization and landslide protection.
• Flood Barrier: In urbanized areas where rainwater can cause flooding, vinyl sheet piles serve as an effective barrier protecting infrastructure from flooding.
• Small retaining walls: Vinyl sheet piles are used in road and railway construction, where they function as retaining walls and erosion protection. Additionally, their light weight and ease of installation allow for quick and efficient use in areas with limited access.

Railway construction

In railway construction, vinyl sheet piles are primarily used for slope stabilization and landslide protection. A notable example is the reconstruction of the railway line between Skierniewice and Warsaw West, where GW-610/9.0 vinyl sheet piles were used to stabilize an embankment on unstable ground. The strength of this system effectively prevented potential soil slippage.

Fig.  1 Slope stabilization of the embankment along the railway line between Skierniewice and Warsaw West.

Another example is the use of vinyl sheet piles on the railway line in Braniewo, where the GW-610/7.2 profile was utilized to stabilize an embankment at risk of landslides due to the presence of organic soils. The application of vinyl sheet piles helped reduce vertical settlements and increase the slope's stability, leading to the long-term durability of the structure.

Fig.  2 Reinforcement of the railway embankment on line No. 204 Malbork-Braniewo.

Another project worth mentioning is the one carried out in Stalowa Wola, where GW-270/5.5 vinyl sheet piles were used to reinforce a damaged embankment and stabilize the slope. This project required an effective solution due to the landslide risk that could have endangered the safety of the railway infrastructure. Vinyl sheet piles proved to be the ideal solution, providing durable stabilization and protection against further embankment degradation.

Fig. 3 Reinforcement of the damaged railway embankment in Stalowa Wola.

Road construction

In the road sector, vinyl sheet piles also play a crucial role, particularly in slope stabilization along roads and erosion protection. The use of vinyl sheet piles in road construction helps protect embankments and prevent landslides, which is especially important in regions with unstable soils. An example of such an application is the project in Marklowice, where GW-458/12.0 vinyl sheet piles were used to construct a retaining wall along a road, effectively securing the slope and providing protection against erosion. Another example is the project in Węgrów, where vinyl sheet piles were utilized for slope stabilization.

Fig.  4 Vinyl sheet piles used in the slope stabilization project as part of the road construction in Marklowice

Additionally, vinyl sheet piles can also be used for the construction of retention tanks. An example of such a project is the construction of a retention tank as part of the S3 expressway on section 1 from Świnoujście to Dargobądz, where GW-460/5.5 vinyl sheet piles were employed. This project perfectly illustrates the versatility of vinyl sheet piles in various construction applications, from soil stabilization to retention structures.

Fig.  5 Vinyl sheet piles used in the slope stabilization project as part of the road construction in Węgrów.

Additionally, vinyl sheet piles can also be used for the construction of retention tanks. An example of such a project is the construction of a retention tank as part of the S3 expressway on section 1 from Świnoujście to Dargobądz, where GW-460/5.5 vinyl sheet piles were employed. This project perfectly illustrates the versatility of vinyl sheet piles in various construction applications, from soil stabilization to retention structures.

Fig.  6 Construction of a retention tank as part of the S3 expressway project on section 1 from Świnoujście to Dargobądz.

Another application of vinyl sheet piles is the construction of cut-off walls, designed to protect the road substructure from underwashing. Such a project can significantly enhance the durability and safety of road infrastructure by preventing the adverse effects of water on the road’s structure.

Fig.  7 Cut-off wall made of vinyl sheet piles, designed to protect the road substructure from underwashing.

Summary

In summary, vinyl sheet piles are an innovative and effective solution in infrastructure construction. Their numerous advantages make them increasingly chosen as an alternative to traditional building materials, offering durability, aesthetics, and savings both in the short and long term.

From an economic standpoint, vinyl sheet piles have a longer lifespan compared to traditional materials. Their resistance to environmental factors means they require less maintenance, translating into lower operating costs over the long term. Moreover, vinyl offers a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for better adaptation of sheet piles to project requirements and the aesthetics of the surroundings.

Bibliography

1. Army Corps of Engineers, A study of the Long-Term Applications of Vinyl Sheet Piles, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory,72 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH,03755, 08.2003
2. Army Corps of Engineers, Design of sheet pile walls. Engineer Manual 1110-2-2504. (2014). Washington: Department of the Department of the U.S.
3. pietrucha.pl/en/home