AKILA® Sealing System

An environmentally-friendly high performance sealing system developed by ArcelorMittal’s R&D department in Esch-sur-Alzette

AKILA® is a new environmentally friendly high performance sealing system for ArcelorMittal sheet piles. The system is based on three sealing ‘lips’ – consisting of a product called MSP-1 – mechanically extruded into the interlocks of single sheet piles, or the free interlocks of double sheet piles. In the case of double piles, the intermediary (paired) interlock is sealed with a second product MSP-2.

MSP-1 and MSP-2 both belong to the family of silane modified polymers (also called MS-Polymers), and are single component elastic sealants with a density of 1.41 g/cm3 and 1.48 g/cm3, respectively. They are UV-stable and have an excellent adhesion to primerless steel.

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en English AMCRPS_AKILA_InfoSheet_2024-EN-web.pdf de German AMCRPS_AKILA-InfoSheet_2024-DE-web.pdf fr French AMCRPS_AKILA_-InfoSheet_FR.pdf it Italian AMCRPS_AKILA_-InfoSheet_IT.pdf
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Both products are resistant to humidity, weathering and temperatures between -40°C and +90°C (even up to 120°C for short periods). They have an elongation at break of at least 380%, a Shore A hardness after complete polymerization of 58 for MSP-1 and 44 (after 14 days) for MSP-2, and are durable in contact with freshwater, seawater, as well as various hydrocarbons, bases and acids (depending on concentration, a complete list is available on request).

A series of in-situ tests were carried out in stiff clays and in soft sandy soils. Single and crimped double sheet piles, fitted out with the AKILA® system, were driven into the ground using an impact hammer as well as a vibratory hammer. 

In case of vibrodriving, sheet piles were driven continuously at a minimum penetration rate of 3 meters per minute. After installation, watertightness was tested at water pressures of 2 and 3 bar, according to a procedure developed by Delft Geotechnics (Deltares) and ArcelorMittal. The testing and the results were witnessed and certified by “Germanischer Lloyd”, an independent third party.

Environmental certification

MS-Polymers are solvent free and do not contain isocyanates. They can be considered environment-friendly products. AKILA® is certified by the “Hygiene-Institut des Ruhrgebiets” in Germany as suitable for use in contact with groundwater.

“Considering the fact that [MSP-1] remains effectively embedded within the sheet pile interlocks for typical applications, we believe that an appreciable impact on water in contact with the structure can be ruled out.”

Driving recommendations

The above mentioned inverse joint resistance ρₘ values for the AKILA® system were determined through driving tests using the impact hammer and vibratory hammer. In the latter case, the driving speed must be faster than 3 m per minute. We recommend prior consultation of ArcelorMittal’s technical department in case the pressing method is to be used. 

It is recommended to lubricate the sealed interlock with an environmental friendly lubricant before installation. During the installation process, it is important to ensure that the leading interlock is always unsealed.