Sheet Piling Essentials - Online course
Build a solid foundation in steel sheet piling
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- Sheet Piling Essentials - Online course
Steel sheet piles are used in ports, waterways, flood protection systems, transport infrastructure, underground structures and many other civil engineering applications. Yet their possibilities are not always fully understood.
Sheet Piling Essentials is a free online learning programme designed to make this technology more accessible. Through concise video-based lessons, expert explanations, interactive activities and practical examples, you can explore the fundamentals of steel sheet piling at your own pace, from basic applications and sustainability to technical systems, installation and design.
Access Sheet Piling Essentials
at steeluniversity.org
Learning for every stage of your engineering journey
| Civil and structural engineers | Develop a clearer understanding of sheet pile systems, their applications and the factors governing product selection and structural design. |
| Geotechnical engineers | Explore soil investigation, earth and water pressures, failure mechanisms, installation constraints and the interaction between the structure and the ground. |
| Project managers, and infrastructure owners | Understand how design, installation, durability, environmental performance and maintenance influence project decisions and whole-life value. |
| Contractors and installation specialists | Review installation sequences, equipment families, driving assistance methods, sealing systems, tolerances and practical execution considerations. |
| University professors and students | Use the programme as an introduction or complementary resource for courses in civil, structural, geotechnical or infrastructure engineering. |
| Researchers and other industry professionals | Access a structured overview of current sheet piling principles, systems and engineering practices. |
| Public authorities and infrastructure managers (ports, waterways, urban areas, roads and railways,...) | The programme helps public authorities and infrastructure owners assess where steel sheet piles can offer advantages in terms of construction speed, life-cycle costs, maintenance, durability and sustainability. |
By exploring the complete learning programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand what steel sheet piles are and where they are used
- Recognise the main sheet pile profiles, support systems and connectors
- Compare sheet pile solutions with alternative retaining-wall systems
- Understand how circular-economy principles, EPDs and life-cycle assessments apply to infrastructure
- Identify the main considerations involved in soil investigation and sheet pile design
- Explore loads, failure mechanisms and commonly used calculation approaches
- Understand the principles of installation, watertightness, corrosion protection and fire resistance
- Consider maintenance, monitoring and whole-life cost optimisation
Play an extract from Course 1
Play an extract from Course 2
Play an extract from Course 3
Course 1: Introduction to steel sheet piles
Discover the fundamentals of steel sheet piles, their history, properties and main applications. This course introduces their structural and construction advantages, their contribution to circularity and the factors to consider when comparing sheet piles with alternative retaining-wall solutions.
| Lesson | Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Meet the team | 5 min | Introduction to the programme and the engineering specialists involved in its development |
| What are steel sheet piles? | 20 min | Definition, properties, interlocks, temporary and permanent applications |
| History of steel sheet piles | 20 min | Evolution of profiles, interlocks, steel grades and combined-wall systems |
| Benefits of steel sheet piles | 20 min | Speed, space, watertightness, environmental performance, seismic behaviour, cost and potential limitations |
| Sustainability essentials | 15 min | Reuse, material reduction, recycling, production routes and Environmental Product Declarations |
| Life-cycle assessment and EPD | 20 min | Emission scopes, lifecycle stages, system boundaries and environmental comparison at project level |
After completing this course, learners should have a broad understanding of how steel sheet piles work, where they are used and how their technical, economic and environmental characteristics can be assessed.
Course 2: Technical aspects of steel sheet piles
Explore how sheet piles are produced, classified and combined into complete structural systems. This course examines the principal profile families, steel grades, anchors, props, connectors, sealing solutions, delivery conditions and selection criteria.
| Lesson | Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| How are steel sheet piles produced? | 15 min | Hot-rolled and cold-formed production, steel grades, controls and section classification |
| Steel sheet pile sections | 20 min | Z-sections, U-sections, combined walls, jagged walls and straight-web piles |
| Propped and anchored walls | 15 min | Tie rods, deadman anchors, grouted anchors, props, struts and walings |
| Watertightness and sealing systems | 15 min | Natural interlock resistance, sealants, swelling products, polymer systems and welding |
| Sheet pile connectors | 10 min | Interlocks, corner sections, connection systems and customised wall geometries |
| Delivery conditions | 15 min | Tolerances, dimensions, straightness, handling, rolling lengths, storage and transport |
This second course is designed particularly for engineers, specifiers, contractors, procurement specialists, project managers and professionals involved in the selection and delivery of sheet pile solutions. After completing this course, learners should be better equipped to understand technical documentation, compare sheet pile systems and identify the components required to create a complete solution.
Course 3: Sheet pile design basics
Learn the fundamental engineering considerations governing the design, installation and lifecycle management of sheet pile structures. The course addresses soil behaviour, loads, calculation approaches, durability, installation, monitoring and cost optimisation.
| Lesson | Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial considerations | 15 min | Ground conditions, water, geometry, access, safety, environmental constraints and installability |
| Soil characteristics and geotechnical investigation | 15 min | Soil properties, groundwater, boreholes, SPT, CPT, pressuremeter and laboratory testing |
| Loads and failure mechanisms | 15 min | Earth and water pressures, surcharges, construction loads, seismic actions and hydraulic failure |
| Design methodology | 30 min | Eurocodes, limit states, toe-support assumptions and calculation methods |
| Fire resistance | 20 min | Fire scenarios, thermal behaviour, active and passive protection and verification methods |
| Durability and corrosion | 15 min | Exposure zones, corrosion mechanisms and protection strategies |
| Installation | 25 min | Driving sequences, impact and vibratory hammers, hydraulic presses and driving assistance |
| Maintenance and monitoring | 15 min | Inspection, repair, sensors, structural-health monitoring and digital twins |
| Cost optimisation strategy | 15 min | Ground information, profile selection, steel grades, supports, installation and whole-life costs |
The design course covers the practical principles required to design, install, protect and manage sheet pile structures throughout their lifecycle.
Disclaimer:This programme provides an introduction to sheet pile design principles. It does not replace project-specific calculations, applicable standards or assessment by appropriately qualified engineering professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sheet Piling Essentials free?Yes. The programme can be accessed free of charge through steeluniversity. | How long does the programme take?The full programme takes approximately six hours. It is divided into short, focused lessons that can be followed at your own pace. |
In which languages is the programme available?The programme is currently available in English. Additional language versions are being considered.
| Can I obtain a certificate?Yes. A certificate is available through steeluniversity after the relevant programme requirements have been completed. A certification item is included in the steelHub catalogue for the design course. |
Who developed the programme?The content was developed by experienced engineers and specialists working in steel sheet piling, design, sustainability, installation and infrastructure solutions.
| I am new to steel sheet piling. Where should I begin?Start with Introduction to steel sheet piles. It explains what sheet piles are, where they are used, how the technology developed and what its principal technical and sustainability benefits are. |
Is the programme specific to ArcelorMittal products?No. The programme is primarily focused on engineering principles that are applicable to steel sheet pile systems in general. Some ArcelorMittal product names and solutions are used as examples where relevant. | I already have experience with sheet piles. Will the programme still be useful?Yes. Experienced learners can access individual lessons on topics such as sealing systems, delivery conditions, corrosion, installation, monitoring or cost optimisation without necessarily following every introductory unit. |
Do I have to complete every lesson?No. You can access individual lessons according to your needs and interests. However, completing the full learning journey provides a more structured understanding of the subject and may be required to obtain the corresponding certificate. | Can the programme replace formal engineering training or project-specific design?No. The programme is an educational introduction to the principal concepts involved in steel sheet piling. Project design must still follow the applicable standards, project requirements and professional engineering procedures. |
I'm a teacher, can I use the courses with my engineering students?We would be pleased to discuss how the programme or selected lessons could complement your teaching in civil, structural or geotechnical engineering. | Where can I find more detailed technical information?Additional information is available through our Piling Handbook, technical brochures, installation guidance and project case studies on the ArcelorMittal Sheet Piling website.
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How do I access the programme?The programme is hosted on steeluniversity. Follow the access link, sign in or create an account and select the course or individual lesson you would like to explore. |
Access Sheet Piling Essentials
at steeluniversity.org
Additional learning resources
Piling HandbookA comprehensive technical reference covering the design and execution of steel sheet pile structures. | Installation guidanceExplore installation methods, equipment considerations and practical recommendations for construction. |
Technical brochuresProduct information, engineering guidance and documentation for specific applications and solutions. | AskBorisHave a question about steel sheet piles? AskBoris can help you explore our technical resources. Available from any page at the bottom-right corner. |
Project case studiesDiscover how steel sheet pile solutions have been used in ports, flood protection, urban infrastructure, transport and environmental projects. |