Steel Piles
Steel piles are long, column-like structural elements made of steel that are driven, vibrated, or drilled into the ground to provide foundational support for structures or to form earth-retaining walls.
Material
Structural Carbon Steel and High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel. Common grades include ASTM A572 Gr. 50/55 for H-piles, ASTM A252 Gr. 2/3 for pipe piles, and ASTM A572/A690 for sheet piles.
Model
HP Series (H-Piles), PS/PR Sections (Sheet Piles), Pipe Piles (various diameters).
Size
H-Piles: flange widths from 200mm to 400mm+; Pipe Piles: diameters from 200mm to 2000mm+; Sheet Piles: various module widths and depths (e.g., AZ, PU series).
Thickness
Varies significantly by type: H-Pile web/flange: 10-40mm; Pipe Pile wall: 6-25mm; Sheet Pile web: 5-15mm.
Standard
ASTM A6/A6M (HP shapes), ASTM A252 (Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles), ASTM A328/A690 (Sheet Piling), EN 10248 (Hot rolled sheet piling).
MOQ
50 Metric Tons (project-dependent).
Delivery Time
Standard lead time is 6 to 10 weeks from order confirmation, depending on section type, size, and quantity.
Long Description
Steel piles are deep foundation elements used to transfer structural loads through weak or compressible soil layers to a more competent stratum, such as bedrock or dense sand. They also serve as permanent or temporary earth retention systems. This product category encompasses several distinct types, each with a specific cross-section and application: H-Piles (wide flange beams), which offer high load capacity with minimal soil displacement; Pipe Piles (often filled with concrete), which provide excellent axial and lateral load resistance; and Sheet Piles (interlocking sections), which form continuous walls for excavation support, cofferdams, and waterfront structures. Steel piles are valued for their high strength-to-weight ratio, ease of handling and installation, ability to penetrate hard strata, and their capacity to be spliced to achieve great depths. They are supplied in standard lengths or can be spliced on-site.
Key Product Highlights
Steel piles provide high load-bearing capacity in both compression and tension, suitable for heavy structures and uplift forces.
The product allows for rapid installation with modern driving equipment, reducing overall project timelines.
Different pile types (H, Pipe, Sheet) are engineered for specific geotechnical conditions and structural requirements.
Steel’s durability and ability to be coated or cathodically protected ensure long service life in various environments, including marine.
Sections can be easily cut, spliced, and adapted to meet precise project length and load requirements.
Product Advantages
Pre-engineered sections with certified mechanical properties allow for precise geotechnical and structural design.
The high strength of steel enables the use of smaller cross-sections compared to concrete, reducing transportation and handling costs.
Installation causes minimal vibration and soil displacement for certain types (e.g., H-piles), making them suitable for urban environments.
Material is fully recyclable and can be extracted and reused on other projects, supporting sustainable construction practices.
Full traceability with mill test certificates and potential for third-party inspection ensures compliance with stringent project specifications.
Industry Application
This product is used for building and bridge foundations, wharf and dock structures, retaining walls for deep excavations, cofferdams, flood defense systems, foundation support for wind turbines, and stabilization of unstable slopes.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | H-Piles (e.g., HP 360×132) | Pipe Piles (e.g., Ø600mm, t=12mm) | Sheet Piles (e.g., AZ 18) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content (C) | % | ≤ 0.23 (A572 Gr.50) | ≤ 0.26 (A252 Gr.2) | ≤ 0.20 (A572 Gr.50) | Varies by specific grade and standard. |
| Manganese (Mn) | % | ≤ 1.35 | ≤ 1.20 | ≤ 1.35 | Grade dependent. |
| Phosphorus (P) | % | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.04 | Maximum allowable per respective standard. |
| Sulfur (S) | % | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.06 | ≤ 0.05 | Maximum allowable per respective standard. |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ≥ 450 (A572 Gr.50) | ≥ 415 (A252 Gr.2) | ≥ 450 (A572 Gr.50) | Minimum specified per grade. |
| Yield Strength | MPa | ≥ 345 (A572 Gr.50) | ≥ 240 (A252 Gr.2) | ≥ 345 (A572 Gr.50) | Minimum specified per grade. |
| Elongation | % | ≥ 18 | ≥ 18 | ≥ 18 | Minimum in 200mm gauge length typical. |
| Hardness | HB | N/A | N/A | N/A | Not a primary specified property for piles. |
| Cross-Section Dim. | mm | HP 360×132 (HxB) | OD 600, Wall 12 | AZ 18 (Module Width 600) | Defining dimensions for each pile type. |
| Section Depth/Width | mm | 360 | 600 (Diameter) | Varies by section (e.g., 500mm) | Key dimensional parameter. |
| Section Thickness | mm | Flange: 19.1, Web: 19.9 | Wall: 12 | Web: 10.0 | Critical for section modulus and durability. |
| Surface Treatment | – | As-Rolled | As-Rolled, Beveled Ends | As-Rolled | Often coated with shop primer or for marine use. |
| Coating / Finish | – | None, Primed, Galvanized | None, Primed | None, Primed, A588 (Weathering) | Protective coatings specified for corrosion control. |
| Rolling Type | – | Hot Rolling | Seamless/Hot Rolled or Welded | Hot Rolling | Defines the manufacturing process. |
| Standard Example | – | ASTM A6 HP360x132 Gr.50 | ASTM A252 Gr.2 Ø600×12 | EN 10248 S430GP AZ 18-700 | Representative standards for each pile type. |
Packaging & Surface Treatment
Piles are typically bundled according to type, size, and length, and secured with heavy-duty steel strapping. H-piles and sheet piles are often banded in lifts for crane handling. Pipe piles may have their ends protected with plastic or steel caps. The standard surface condition is as-rolled. For projects in corrosive environments (e.g., marine), piles are frequently supplied with a protective shop primer, or specifications may call for hot-dip galvanizing (sheet piles) or specialized coatings like coal tar epoxy.
Aliases Names
Foundation Piles, Bearing Piles, H-Pile Sections, Steel Sheet Piling, Pipe Piles, Larssen Piles, Z-Piles.
