Landslides are one of the natural events that often occur in Indonesia and as we know, this disaster can cause losses to society, both material and non-material. Landslides themselves can occur due to erosion of the soil or soil erosion. Soil erosion occurs partly because heavy water flows into the ground, making the land increasingly steep.
Cliffs that lack trees or do not have soil support will make the soil more easily eroded, making it easier for landslides to occur. One of the construction materials that functions to hold the soil is sheet piles or a type of precast concrete which is arranged in such a way as to form a sturdy wall to prevent landslides.
As a retaining wall, sheet piles are not only used on river banks or roads, but also to support excavated cliffs when making foundations and making basements. Buildings in ports such as dock walls, ship docks and dams also often use retaining walls.
Erection of Sheet Piles
During the erection process, there are several stages that must be considered so that the sheet piles can be installed properly. The first is site preparation, namely preparing the location for placing the piling tools. At this stage it must be ensured that the soil must be able to support the weight of the equipment.
Second, preparation of driving tools where workers must provide tools for driving piles according to the type of soil and type of sheet pile so that the sheet pile can penetrate at the specified depth without any damage. The piling tools commonly used are diesel hammers or vibro hammers which are installed on cranes / lifting equipment.
Third, during the process of erecting sheet piles, they must be protected with a cap bearing or mandrel. Then, the sheet pile is tied to the sling on the tool and pulled so that the sheet pile enters the tool. Piling of sheet piles must be carried out to maximum penetration or a certain depth according to the plan. If so, the erection at the next point is carried out with the same steps.
Sheet piles themselves consist of several types, one of which is sheet piles made from concrete. Concrete sheet piles are also known for their good quality, low maintenance costs, very easy installation and relatively cheap costs.
Functions of Sheet Pile: Precast Concrete for Soil Retention
Landslides are a frequent natural disaster in Indonesia, often resulting in both material and non-material losses for affected communities. Landslides occur due to soil erosion, which can be caused by heavy water flow striking the ground, making the terrain increasingly steep.
Slopes lacking trees or proper soil retention systems are more prone to erosion, which increases the likelihood of landslides. One construction material designed to prevent landslides is sheet piles—a type of precast concrete arranged to form a sturdy wall that holds the soil in place.
Applications of Sheet Piles
As retaining walls, sheet piles are not only used for riverbanks or highways but also for excavation walls in foundation and basement construction. Additionally, structures at ports, such as dock walls, shipyards, and dams, frequently use retaining walls made of sheet piles.
The Process of Driving Sheet Piles
To install sheet piles effectively, several stages must be followed:
Site Preparation
Prepare the location for the pile-driving equipment. It is essential to ensure that the ground can support the equipment’s weight.
Equipment Preparation
Workers must prepare tools suitable for driving sheet piles according to the soil type and sheet pile specifications. This ensures that the piles can penetrate the required depth without damage. Commonly used equipment includes diesel hammers and vibro hammers, typically mounted on cranes or lifting devices.
Driving the Sheet Piles
During the driving process, the sheet piles must be protected with a cap or mandrel. The sheet pile is attached to the equipment’s sling and pulled into position for driving. The piles must be driven to the planned maximum penetration or specific depth. Once one pile is driven, the process is repeated at the next point.
Concrete Sheet Piles
One type of sheet pile is concrete sheet piles, known for their high quality, low maintenance, ease of installation, and relatively affordable cost. Concrete sheet piles are an effective solution for soil retention, providing long-term stability and cost-efficiency for a variety of construction projects.
