Sheet piling is one of the retaining walls' methods and it is used for soft soil like pure sand or soft clay. For piling in this method, piles used are made of steel or planked wood. They are used for offshore protection some times, supporting excavating sides, trenches and permanent use as retaining wallsAt the site, these piles are driven into the ground by a pile driver or crane and 2/3 of the total length must be under the ground. They are put together and interlock in each other to make stable wall. Behind the sheet piles, there is the main soil which causes the active pressure. Also there is soil in front of the wall which cause a small pressure compared to the active called passive
Due to these two pressures, a shear force can be exerted on down third of the sheet piles wall. If this problem was covered by good reinforcement, the wall can take high loads. The disadvantage of this type is weak resist for overturning. It is perfect for small spaces because it can be totally vertical
