Sealing Systems
Sheet piling as sealing system
Our steel sheet piling has proved highly effective in terms of both its structural and sealing properties. We use sealing systems very successfully in excavations as well as hydraulic and port engineering projects. In addition, these systems can be used in landfill and for containing legacy pollution.
Depending on the degree of water-tightness required different sealing systems are used.
thyssenkrupp interlock sealing system
The thyssenkrupp interlock sealing system is factory-installed in the pile interlocks. It consists of a profiled seal in the threading interlock, plus, for double piles, an injected seal in the middle interlock that adapts perfectly to the interlock slot. A primer ensures dependable adhesion and prevents rust forming underneath.
The thyssenkrupp interlock sealing system is factory-installed in the pile interlocks. It consists of a profiled seal in the threading interlock, plus, for double piles, an injected seal in the middle interlock that adapts perfectly to the interlock slot. A primer ensures dependable adhesion and prevents rust forming underneath.
The seal in the threading interlock is designed in such a way that restoring forces are activated in the sealing material during pile driving which then seal off the interlock slot in the areas required (compression sealing). Providing two lip seals in the interlock ensures that the sealing system has two lines of defense. The driving interlock into which the next pile with its profiled seal is threaded is fabricated with a bevel to ease the threading process. The direction of driving must be specified in advance and adhered to.
Bitumen-based interlock fillers
The bituminous material SIRO 88 can be used to reduce the permeability of the interlocks substantially. It can be applied at the factory or on-site.
The hot-poured bitumen SIRO 88 sealant has proved ideal for vibratory driving. When factory-applied, the system consists of a paste-like filling material in the driving interlock and a poured sealant in the factory-threaded middle interlock. Since the material adheres well to the steel surface, it is not necessary to apply a primer to the interlocks beforehand. Certificates declaring the environmental compatibility of this interlock filler are available.
Other sealing methods
Other sealing and installation methods may be necessary depending on the requirements of the particular project. Where sealing requirements are not excessive, interlocks can be sealed subsequently, e.g. with timber wedges (swelling effect), rubber, or plastic cords. If total watertightness is required, welding the interlocks is the only solution.
The following additional sealing methods are available for interlocks that must be sealed after driving:
- Where sealing requirements are not excessive, interlocks can be sealed subsequently, e.g. with timber wedges (swelling effect), rubber, or plastic cords.
- If total watertightness is required, welding the interlocks is the only solution. As a rule, this concerns the threading interlocks only because factory-threaded interlocks can be welded prior to driving. It is important to note that the interlock can only be welded when the surfaces are dry and clean. The weld must be applied to the side of the sheet piling that faces the base of the structure to be erected. Open interlocks can be covered with, for instance, steel flats or steel sections attached to the sheet piling with fillet welds.
