ArcelorMittalEnGoing wider – ArcelorMittal launches a new generation of AZ® sheet piles

Going wider – ArcelorMittal launches a new generation of AZ® sheet piles

ArcelorMittal’s mill in Belval started rolling steel sheet pile more than 100 years ago. The first profiles were around 400 mm wide, quite heavy, but back in those days, it was an outstanding achievement to roll interlocks on sheet piles. Rolling technology evolved and after many different shapes, the Belval mill produced the first AZ® sheet pile, with 630 mm width, beginning of the 1990’s.

Undeniably a breakthrough in the industry! In 2004, we introduced the first sheet pile of the AZ-700 range, with 700 mm width. Today, in 2015, we have the pleasure to announce the launch of the next generation of AZ sheet piles, starting with the AZ 20-800 and AZ 25-800.

AZ-800 new generation
AZ-800 new generation


It was a technical challenge for the mill and the R&D department. After an extensive development, numerical simulations, rolling trials, laboratory tests and in-situ driving tests, we are proud to unveil the geometry of the new sections. Compared to the existing range, the weight savings of an equivalent AZ-800 profile (comparing the equivalent elastic section modulus) may exceed 10%.

The production of wider piles requires a substantial investment at the mill. A brand new “straightener” will be commissioned in July 2015, so that the industrial production of the new sections can start right after the ramp up phase. The first AZ 25-800 are scheduled to be delivered beginning of the 3rd quarter of 2015.

The move from the AZ-700 range is a logical step for the worldwide leader in hot-rolled sheet piles. Our priority is to pass on the benefits of our research to our customers to strengthen their competitiveness and allow for an additional value creation. Innovation is key to maintaining ArcelorMittal’s position as the partner of choice for products that continuously raise the standard of performance and response to market needs.

Advantages of the AZ-800 profiles
  • wider & optimized geometry: less webs, higher profiles, with maximized thicknesses lead to lighter sheet piles,
  • faster installation time: the increased width of the AZ-800 sheet piles reduces the required number of profiles, which enables the contractor to finish the retaining wall faster due to gains in handling time,
  • suitable for all types of soil conditions,
  • excellent driveability,
  • can be driven withstandard pile driving equipment.
Additionally, ArcelorMittal completes the high end of the successful AZ-700 range by introducing two new sections. The new AZ 30-750 is an exclusivity of ArcelorMittal in the 3000 cm3/m range, and alloys designers a greater flexibility between the AZ 26-700 and AZ 38-700.

The new AZ 50-700 is the worldwide strongest sheet pile, now available in 700 mm width. Compared to the existing AZ 50, the weight reduction is around 6%.

All the sheet piles manufactured in Belval are prefabricated high quality products, quality-checked at the plant before shipment. They are available in rolled-up and rolled-down sections, in high strength steel grades and are made from 100% recycled steel that can be re-used several times and recycled. The sheet piles are “Made in Luxembourg” in a dedicated sheet piling plant, which has been leading the way in the industry for over one hundred years.

The new AZ series will be available for shipment as follows
  • AZ 25-800 & AZ 30-750: 4th quarter of 2015
  • AZ 20-800 & AZ 50-700: 1st semester of 2016
Feel free to contact us at sheetpiling@arcelormittal.com if you have any questions or suggestions. We appreciate your feedback.
Last modified: December 16, 2018

Date publish: July 2, 2015