PZC (Hot Rolled Sheet Piling for Urban Shoreline Defense)

Gerdau (Long Steel North America)

Tel: +1 800-237-0230

PZC (Hot Rolled Sheet Piling for Urban Shoreline Defense)

Gerdau (Long Steel North America) – United States

Hot-rolled steel sheet piles offer superior structural integrity and
durability, making them well-suited for coastal flood defense applications.
Their high yield strength and resistance to corrosion ensure long-term performance, even under harsh marine conditions.
These piles can be driven to significant depths, forming robust and stable barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion.
In addition, their slender cross-sectional profile allows installation within limited urban footprints, providing a space-efficient and effective flood protection solution.

Characteristics

High Strength and Durability
– Steel sheet piles are strong and can resist the high lateral forces caused by storm surges, waves, and
shifting sands. They maintain structural integrity even under extreme conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
– Coating and corrosion resistant grades are available, allowing them to withstand the harsh, salty marine
environment for decades with minimal maintenance.
Deep Anchorage
– They can be driven deep into the ground, providing strong foundations that resist erosion and
ground movement—ideal for areas with shifting sands like beaches.
Minimal Surface Footprint
– Steel sheet piles are compact and can be embedded below ground, making them ideal for protection
without disrupting public access or beach aesthetics.
Ease of Installation and Modularity
– They are relatively quick to install using pile-driving equipment and can be cut or oriented to suit
different designs and site conditions. This flexibility helps in adapting to existing infrastructure.

Applications

After Hurricane Sandy devastated Rockaway Beach in 2012, a major restoration and resiliency project
was launched to protect the area from future storms (to be completed by 2026). A central feature of this effort was the installation of a steel sheet piling flood wall, designed to defend against
storm surges and coastal flooding.

Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the wall runs beneath the rebuilt boardwalk, extending for miles along the beach. It provides a durable, largely invisible barrier that enhances long-term
coastal resilience while preserving beach access and recreational use.