Abstract: A system and method for installing sheet piles using active gripping along side portions of the sheet piles. A sheet pile profile including first and second locking profiles and a gripping flange enables engagement of the sheet piles onto a mandrel for installation. Double engagement flanges on the locking profiles and an expandable connection between adjacent sheet piles provide improved resistance to fluid passage.

Abstract: A system for installation of sheet pile including a sheet pile installation apparatus having a substantially rigid elongate beam with an upper end and a lower end, and at least one drive finger proximal the lower end of the substantially rigid elongate beam; and a sheet pile having an elongate member with an upper end and a lower end, and a first side and a second side, the first side having a male profile lock and the second side having a female profile lock, the sheet pile further including at least one receiver proximal the lower end for receiving the at least one drive finger of the sheet pile installation apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation using a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The protective housing has a fluid gallery and conduits for releasing fluid such as water onto the base of the sheet pile without jetting water into the earth formation. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for driving vinyl and plastic sheet piles into highly resistant soils.

Abstract: A plastic sleeve is applied to a pole of varying cross-sectional area. A series of poles are advanced along their lengths through the opening of an extruder die, plastic is extruded onto the pole to form a cylindrical sleeve, and the rate of advancement of the pole through the die is adjusted in accordance with the increasing or decreasing diameter of the pole, so as to assure an even application of the plastic about the pole. The ends of the plastic are gathered while the plastic is still hot, forming a closure of the plastic about the ends of the pole.

Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention relates to a wale for use in forming a driven wall structure including a plurality of elongated structural panels. The wale includes a base wall, a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The base wall and the top wall are parallel, the first side wall and the second side wall extend between both the base wall and the top wall such that the wale is of a trapezoidal cross-section.

Abstract: Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a sheet pile installation apparatus for inserting a sheet pile vertically into a soil formation, the installation apparatus including an elongated body configured to releasably receive the sheet pile, the body having an upper end, a lower end, a lower edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture formed at said lower end. The installation apparatus further includes a catch having a first portion and a second portion, the catch being pivotally mounted in the aperture about said pivot axis such that the first portion and the second portion are disposed on opposed sides of the lower end of the body when the catch is in an at-rest position. The first portion of the catch is configured such that insertion of the body into the soil formation rotates the first portion upwardly such that the first portion engages a lower end of the sheet pile disposed adjacent the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A series of duplicate structural panels form a substantially flat sea wall, barrier wall, and the like, fabricated of synthetic resin material for driving into soils. The structural panel is elongated and of constant size and shape along its length, and is characterized by having been extruded lengthwise. The structural panel includes, in cross section, a central wall section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and opposed side wall sections. A male locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from one side section and a female locking element is disposed on and extends laterally from the other side wall section, the female locking element being configured to slidably receive and retain the male locking element. First and a second strengthening flanges are integrally formed on the inner surface, both substantially perpendicular to the central wall section and substantially parallel to each other. The first and second strengthening flanges extend along the length of the structural panel.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member comprising an elongate reinforcing structure formed of high strength material defining an array of equally spaced openings therethrough. The reinforced structural member also includes an exterior body of water-impermeable material positioned about and in contact with the reinforcing structure, wherein the reinforcing structure is encapsulated within the exterior body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retaining panel of one-piece construction for a body of water. A preferred embodiment of the retaining panel comprises a central portion, two side portions, and two flanges. The central portion has a first end and a second end. One side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a first angle from the first end of the central portion. Similarly, the other side portion is integrally connected to and extends at a second angle from the second end of the central portion. It is preferred that the first angle and the second angle are approximately equal. It is further preferred that the lengths of the first and second side portions are approximately equal. One flange is integrally connected to and extends at a third angle from a rear end of one side portion, and the other flange is integrally connected to and extends at a fourth angle from a rear end of the other side portion. It is preferred that the third and fourth angles are approximately equal.