News - Steel Sheet Piles: Types, Sizes & Key Uses

In civil engineering, steel piles are indispensable for stable, long-lasting structures—and steel sheet piles stand out for their versatility. Unlike traditional structural steel piles (focused on load transfer), sheet piles excel at retaining soil/water while supporting loads, thanks to their interlocking “locks.” Below’s a simple guide to their types, common sizes, and practical uses.

Types of Steel Sheet Piles

Sheet piles are split into two main manufacturing categories: hot-rolled and cold-formed, each with U-type and Z-section designs.

Hot Rolled Steel Sheet Pile
Made by heating steel over 1,000°C and rolling it into shape, these piles are strong, durable, and ideal for large, long-term projects.

Hot Rolled U Type Sheet Pile: Its “U” cross-section (parallel flanges + web) offers easy installation—even in dense soil. It has great lateral stability, perfect for retaining walls or excavation support. The U-shape’s internal space can also be filled with concrete for extra strength.

Hot Rolled Z Section Sheet Pile: Resembling a “Z,” its flanges face opposite directions, with locks at the outer edges. This creates a wider effective width, so fewer piles cover an area (cutting costs). It resists heavy lateral forces, making it great for deep excavations or riverbank work.

Cold-Formed Steel Sheet Piles

Shaped from flat steel at room temperature (no heat), these are lighter, cheaper, and better for small/short-term projects (though less strong than hot-rolled).

Cold-Formed U Type Sheet Pile: Thinner than hot-rolled U-types, it’s easy to transport and install. Use it for temporary retaining walls, garden fences, or small flood barriers—ideal for budget projects.

Cold-Formed Z Section Sheet Pile: Shares the “Z” shape but is more flexible. It’s perfect for temporary sites (e.g., construction boundaries) since it’s easy to remove and adapts to minor ground movement.

Hot Rolled U Type Sheet Pile

Hot Rolled Z Section Sheet Pile

Cold-Formed U Type Sheet Pile

Cold-Formed Z Section Sheet Pile

Common Sizes

Sizes depend on project needs, but these are industry standards:

U Type Sheet Pile:
400mm×100mm: Compact for tight spaces (small retaining walls, garden edging).
400mm×125mm: Taller for medium jobs (residential excavation, small flood barriers).
500mm×200mm: Heavy-duty for commercial sites (deep excavations, permanent walls).

Z Section Sheet Pile: 770mm×343.5mm is the go-to. Its wide design covers large areas, and it’s strong enough for riverbank reinforcement or major flood control.

Key Applications

Steel sheet piles shine in real-world projects like these:

Riverbank Guardrails: Hot-rolled U/Z types reinforce banks to stop erosion. Their strength resists water force, and interlocking locks keep soil in place.

Walls (Retaining & Boundary): Cold-formed U-types work for residential walls; hot-rolled U/Z types handle commercial walls (e.g., around malls). The locks make them watertight, preventing water damage.

Flood Control: Hot-rolled Z-types build strong flood barriers; cold-formed ones are quick to install for emergencies (e.g., storm surges). Both keep water out effectively.

Why Choose Steel Sheet Piles?
They’re durable (hot-rolled lasts 50+ years), easy to install, and cost-effective long-term. With multiple types/sizes, they fit almost any retention or load project.
Next time you see a retaining wall or flood barrier, it’s likely supported by the reliability of steel sheet piles!