Tips & Advice Posts

Deciding whether to rent or purchase a barge for your offshore project can be a challenge. There are both advantages and disadvantages to both renting and purchasing. Ultimately, the scope of your project and future projects as well as factors affecting cash flow can help you decide which option is a better fit for your needs. Below are some of the pros and cons of both renting and purchasing barges to help you figure out which of these options is more ideal for you:Pros of Renting

• Since you don’t own the barge, you don’t have to worry about depreciation.
• Renting gives you the opportunity to try out the latest and newest barges with the latest and newest features.
• You can easily swap out a barge with another one that better suits your project, as needed.
• Maintenance expenses are minimized because the owner of the barge is required to handle routine maintenance.
• Leasing gives you the chance to try different types of barges out before you buy them, if you do decide to invest in a barge in the future.
• You can customize equipment and extras as needed, renting these out as well.
• Insurance costs are usually lower on your end, and the type of insurance required of you is typically based on the scope of the project and the jobs being done using the barge.
• The need for a long-term capital investment is eliminated.

Cons of Renting

• For popular types of barges, there may be a waiting period, particularly during busy seasons in offshore construction.
• If you know you’re going to use a barge for several different projects for years to come, it may cost you less in the long run to purchase the barge outright.

Pros of Purchasing

• As we’ve mentioned, this can save you money over the long haul if you know you’ll be using the barge for years to come on multiple different projects.
• You can claim a business tax deduction for the cost of the barge.
• As the value of the barge depreciates, how much it depreciates may be tax-deductible.
• Barges are built to last for decades. If you buy a new or fairly new barge, you can expect to have it for quite a long while.
• Buying used can save you a great deal of money, especially in comparison to renting a new barge or fairly new barge.
• You don’t have to deal with any waiting periods when you need to use the barge ASAP.
• Once you’re done with the barge, you can sell it or rent it out yourself.

Cons of Purchasing

• You’ll probably pay more insurance to actually insure the barge, rather than simply paying the price to insure the project. If you rent, the owner of the barge has to cover some of these insurance costs, typically.
• You have to pay for routine maintenance and repair costs.
• You won’t be as easily able to trade in the barge for a new one or different one as needed.
• For a short-term project, renting probably makes more sense.
• You’re responsible for transportation costs in terms of getting the barge from one project to the next.
• When the barge isn’t in use, you have to pay for storage costs or mooring costs.

Although our list of cons of renting is a bit shorter than the list for purchasing, this by no means indicates that renting is always the better option. In fact, the benefits of purchasing, including the ones listed above, can definitely be compelling enough to sway a sizeable number of companies to purchase rather than rent. At the end of the day, your unique project needs and budget have to determine which option is the better choice.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used barges and used work boats for sale and rent. In addition, our construction equipment ranges from used cranes, to used dozers, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

If you’re shopping for a sectional barge, you may have noticed that some sectional barges are sold as “packages” that include spuds and spudwells. It’s common for sectional barges to be sold with these add-ons, particularly from major manufacturers like Poseidon and Flexifloat. If you’re familiar with what a spud barge is, then you may already know what a spud is. While some sectional barges come with spuds, all spud barges come with them. And, generally, what differentiates a traditional spud barge from a sectional barge with spuds is a sectional barge’s unique “modules” that can be linked together to form platforms of various shapes and sizes. Traditional spud barges, on the other hand, usually come with a flat deck and spuds for mooring.If you’re still a little unclear about what exactly spuds and spudwells are as they pertain to sectional or modular barges in particular, here are some helpful definitions:

Spud

– A shaft that is usually made of steel used to anchor or moor a barge to a particular area. This protects the barge from movement due to currents, wind, and use of machinery on the vessel. The spud is driven into the soil or sand below the barge. Spuds usually can be raised using either a specialized machine on deck or by using a winch, either mechanical or hydraulic.

Spudwell

– Also referred to as a spud “pocket,” this is a vertical sleeve for a spud that attaches to the side of a sectional barge. It usually connects to the perimeter of a sectional barge using a lock system. A spudwell keeps a spud secure and in place. You can think of a spudwell as the “female” part, and the spud is the “male” part. They fit together to offer stabilized anchoring.

OPTIONS

Sectional barges ordinarily require the use of at least four spuds/spudwells, positioned at equal distances from each other. Any fewer than that will result in unstable mooring. It’s also essential that the correct spuds and spudwells, specifically designed for use with particular barges, are used. Below you’ll find some information about spud and spudwell options that are compatible with popular Flexifloat sectional barge models:For their H-50 sectional barge models, Flexifloat offers spuds that are 12” in diameter and 40’ tall as well as options that are 20” in diameter and 40’ or 60’ tall. These spuds are compatible with 12” and 20” spudwells respectively. Flexifloat’s S-50 barges are compatible with 20”x40’ or 20”x60’ spuds and 20” spudwells. And the company’s S-70 model works with 24” spudwells and 24”x40’ or 24”x60’ spuds.Poseidon sectional barges are compatible with Poseidon’s line of 20’, 30’, and 40’ spuds. Poseidon sells external mount spud pockets (aka spudwells) for use with these spuds. These spud and spudwell options are among the many accessories Poseidon sells to complement their sectional barges, including winches, pushers, safety railing, cleats, and ladders. The company also has helpful guidelines for proper use of spuds and double-drum winches.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In short, spuds and spudwells are useful tools in helping anchor sectional barges. And, as we’ve previously mentioned, they’re sold as accessories from top sectional barge manufacturers like Flexifloat and Poseidon in addition to other companies that specialize in sectional barges. Oftentimes, if you’re looking at used sectional barges, you may be able to purchase a package that includes spuds, spudwells, and other accessories like winches and safety railing, which eliminates the need to invest in them separately.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used barges, ranging from used sectional barges, to used spud barges, to used deck barges, and everything in between. In addition, we host a large assortment of construction equipment including used cranes, used vibratory hammers, and used dozers.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

A vibratory hammer is a tool used to drive piles into the ground when building foundations for things like bridges, buildings, roads, marine docks, walls or railways. Unlike traditional pile drivers which use a large weight to strike piles into the ground, vibratory hammers use vibrations to drive piles much more quickly, as well as to extract old piles out of the ground.

What Are the Benefits of Vibratory Hammers?

While traditional pile drivers are disruptively loud, vibratory hammers are quiet. Additionally, vibratory hammers are lightweight, can be used underwater, and are more nature-friendly (they don’t disrupt wildlife with loud noises). Vibratory hammers can also be used near residential areas without noise complaints, and are smaller and easier to maneuver than traditional pile drivers.

How Does a Vibratory Hammer Work?

Vibratory hammers use spinning counterweights to create a vibration, which causes a pile to “cut” into the soil below. While a traditional pile driver works like a hammer and a nail (a weight or ram strikes the pile and forces it into the ground), a vibratory hammer works more like an electric knife cutting through meat (the high speed vibration causes the soil to give way, allowing the pile to slip easily into the ground). Using a traditional pile driver, it might take up to an hour to drive a 100 foot pile into the ground, but with a vibratory hammer that same pile can be installed in about 10 minutes.

Electric vs. Hydraulic Vibratory Hammers

There are two main styles of vibratory hammers: electric and hydraulic. These two styles share three main similarities:

1. Both use a power unit to power the hammer
2. Both have clamps that allow the hammer to attach to the pile
3. Both use wires to connect the hammer to the power unit

Aside from these similarities, electric and hydraulic vibratory hammers operate differently. Electric vibratory hammers use a large electric motor to spin the counterweights. A power unit with a diesel engine powers the electric motor by turning a generator, creating enough power to turn to motor. Hydraulic vibratory hammers, on the other hand, use hydraulic motors to spin the counterweights. To power the hydraulic motors, a power unit with a diesel engine turns the hydraulic pumps, which causes oil to flow out the motors and back.Hydraulic vibratory hammers are considered superior to electric vibratory hammers because they’re more powerful yet half the weight. Hydraulic hammers can spin much faster, meaning that they can drive piles more quickly. The increased speed of a hydraulic hammer’s vibrations also means that less vibration will travel through the soil to the surrounding buildings (the vibrations stay more contained), so it’s possible to drive piles near other buildings when using a hydraulic hammer without compromising their foundations.

Vibratory Hammer Components

Vibratory hammers have four main components:

1. Vibration suppressor
2. Vibration case
3. Hydraulic clamp
4. Power unit

Vibration SuppressorThe vibration suppressor is mounted on top of the vibration case to isolation vibrations and allow for pile extraction.Vibration CaseThe vibration case contains high amplitude eccentric weights, with a gear that rotates on a vertical plane to create vibration. For hydraulic vibratory hammers, the eccentric weights are driven by hydraulic motors mounted on the vibration case. The eccentrics and motor shafts are mounted on a heavy-duty cylindrical bearing. Oil pumps circulate oil between the vibration case and radiator to reduce heat in the vibration case.Hydraulic ClampThe hydraulic clamp is the part of the vibrator that grips the pile or tube. A hydraulic clamp uses two gripping jaws, one which is fixed, and one which is moveable.Power UnitThe power unit powers a vibratory hammer. Depending on whether the hammer is electric or hydraulic will determine what kind of power unit the vibratory hammer includes. The power unit also comes equipped with an emergency stop button.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used vibratory hammers, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of foundation equipment, including used auger attachments, used casing oscillators, and used crawler drill rigs.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

After entering the water main, water moves through a large pipe called a waterline (usually ¾ inches or larger) to reach its final destination. We rely on these pipes to deliver water to our homes, throughout our communities and for commercial applications. Waterlines are exposed to constant pressure and moisture, which is why choosing a material that is durable and resistant to corrosion is essential to ensuring a waterline’s longevity.

The History of Waterlines

Up until the 20th century, if you wanted water in your home you would need to fill a bucket from a stream or well and carry it home. One of the first houses to adopt running water in America was that of James LeRay, whose mansion had wooden pipes that kept water flowing using a simple gravity feed. Built in 1806, the water pipes were set at a slight grade so that water would always run downhill into the mansion’s kitchen, but not so quickly that it arrived with too much force. When the house was sold to Engineer Jules Payen, Payen improved this water system. By 1833, the White House was plumbed with running water, and from there the popularity of waterlines continued to grow into the standard we see today.

Materials Used in Waterlines

Today, waterlines are no longer made of hollow wooden tubes but of other materials such as PVC, copper and galvanized steel. PVC is typically used to transport cold water only. CPVC can transport water up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX can be used for hot and cold water and radiant heating, and copper is also common for both hot and cold-water distribution. Finally, galvanized steel is most often found in commercial applications.

Galvanized Steel Pipe for Commercial Waterlines

Galvanized steel pipe is pipe that’s been galvanized with a zinc coating. This coating prevents the water from corroding the pipe over time. Galvanized pipe was commonly used in home waterlines up until the 1970s, but due to the amount of work that it takes to cut, thread and install galvanized steel, today galvanized steel pipe is more often seen in commercial applications.

Common Waterline Problems

Waterlines are prone to certain problems that may cause damage and disrupt the water flow. Holes or cracks may develop in a waterline over time, usually as a result of long exposure to moisture or external corrosion from frost or chemicals in the soil. Similarly, waterlines are under constant pressure, which can degrade their integrity. Finally, it’s common for waterlines to suffer blunt damage from things like accidental shovel blows or construction digging. One of the reasons galvanized steel is a common choice in commercial waterlines is because it holds up well under pressure and is resistant to moisture and other outside elements.

Galvanized Steel Waterlines

As previously mentioned, waterlines must be resilient under pressure, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It’s for these reasons that steel waterlines are often used for large commercial applications. Unlike other materials like PVC, steel is long lasting and resistant to many chemical reactions that cause corrosion. This is especially important for waterlines, since they’re constantly exposed to water. Similarly, steel pipe is stronger than many other types of pipe and can be made larger or thinner without compromising its durability. The strength of steel makes it a great option for most waterlines since it can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure. Unlike other materials, steel waterlines will bend rather than break in extreme conditions, which means they’re less likely to crack or leak. Finally, steel waterlines remain stable at extreme temperatures, which adds to their longevity.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used steel pipe and used HDPE pipe, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of heavy civil construction material and equipment. Our inventory ranges from used crawler cranes, to used sheet pile, to used sectional barges, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Steel pipe is utilized in permanent applications in a wide range of industries, including the construction industry, aerospace industry, oil and gas industry, and more.

Permanent Steel Pipe Oil and Gas Applications

Steel pipe is vital to many permanent systems in the oil and gas industry. Steel pipe is used to create things like heat exchanger tubes, high pressure tubes, and control lines, which are used for a variety of applications including hydraulic controls, chemical injections and flowline controls. Similarly, steel pipe is used to construct gathering lines, pipe trunk lines, and drilling equipment. Because of steel pipe’s durability and versatility, it can stand up to the unique needs of the oil and gas industry.

Permanent Steel Pipeline Applications

Since their introduction in the nineteenth century, steel pipelines have been vital to the distribution of natural gas, water and energy throughout the U.S. The prevalence of steel in pipelines is largely due to steel’s longevity, durability and resistance to corrosion.

Permanent Steel Pipe Marine Applications

Steel pipe is a common fixture in the marine industry and is often used to construct things like combi walls and mooring dolphins. Mooring dolphins are permanent marine structures to which boats can be moored, and are typically installed in areas where the number of ships is greater than can be accommodated by the length of the pier. Combi-walls are walls created using a mix of steel pipe and sheet pile. They are often installed permanently, and they’re a good alternative to traditional retaining wall structures such as secants or sheet pile walls. Similarly, steel pipe is also used in shipbuilding, and is designed and manufactured for the boilers, super heaters and pressure systems of a ship.

Permanent Steel Pipe Construction Applications

Steel pipe is commonly utilized by the construction industry in commercial and residential buildings. For example, pipe piling is often used as a foundation for structures such as buildings and water tanks. This kind of permanent piling is necessary if there’s a weak layer of soil at a construction site, or if the building is exceptionally heavy. In both instances, the soil will be unable to support the weight of the structure, so a permanent foundation must be built first using steel pipe piling.

Permanent Steel Pipe Aerospace Applications

Steel pipe is integral to many permanent systems in the aerospace industry. Small hydraulic steel tubes are used in the engines and airframes of both commercial and military aircraft. Steel pipe is also necessary for things like landing gear, breaks and instrumentations tubes, which are used to monitor factors such as pressure, temperature, density differences and fuel burn up rates.

Permanent Steel Pipe Agricultural Applications

Steel pipe is frequently used in agricultural fittings due to its durability and ability to withstand pressure. Steel is also sometimes mixed with carbon to create a more lightweight yet sturdy agricultural fitting. Farmers and other agricultural organizations use steel pipe in dozens of permanent applications, including tractor engines, grain elevators, field drainage systems, fertilizer applications, vent pipe systems and more.To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a large variety of construction materials, including used steel pipe, used sheet pile, and used wide flange beams. Additionally, our construction equipment inventory ranges from used excavators to used cranes, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Steel pipe foundation piling is a kind of deep foundation comprised of slender steel pipes that’s used to support a structure, such as a building or water tank, by transferring the structure’s weight to the soil below.

When Is Steel Pipe Foundation Piling Necessary?

Steel pipe foundation piling is necessary in one of two situations. First, if there is a weak layer of soil at the surface of a construction site, the soil will not be able to support the weight of a new structure and therefore a steel pipe foundation piling must be used. Second, if a very heavy building is being built (such as a high rise, bridge or water tank), the surface soil will be unable to support its weight regardless of the soil’s strength and foundation piling must be used. In both situations, the purpose of the steel pipe piling is to transfer the weight of the structure from the soil’s surface to the stronger soil or rock below.

End Bearing Piles vs. Friction Piles

There are two main types of steel pipe foundation piling: end bearing piles and friction piles. With end bearing piles, the bottom end of the pile rests on an underground layer of strong soil or rock. The end of the pile “sits” on this strong layer and presses against it to keep from shifting. When end bearing steel pipe piles are used, the load of the aboveground building is transferred through the pile onto the strong underground layer. In a way, end bearing piles act like building columns.Friction piles, on the other hand, work more like a wedge in the soil. The friction of the soil around the steel pipe pile is what holds the pile in place, and this is what transfers the weight of the aboveground load to the soil.

Steel Pipe Foundation Piling Installation

Foundation piling can be installed in one of two ways: by cast in place piles or precast driven piles. Cast in place piles are made by hammering a hollow, thin-walled steel tube into the ground. The earth inside the pipe is then removed, and a steel reinforcement cage is lowered into the tube. Finally, wet concrete is poured into the steel pipe to hold it in place.With precast driven piles, the pipe is first cast at ground level and then hammered into the ground using a pile driver. The pile driver holds the steel pipe piling vertically and hammers it into the ground by striking it with a heavy weight. The steel pipe is given a temporary cap to avoid damaging the pipe while it’s being hammered. The pipe is hammered until “refusal,” when the pipe will physically go no farther.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Pipe Piles

Steel pipe piles have many advantages. They are easy to install, can reach greater depths compared to other kinds of pile, can penetrate through hard layers of soil, are easy to splice, and can carry heavy loads. The downsides of steel piles is that, if not properly treated, they are prone to corrosion, they can shift during the installation process, and they’re expensive when compared to other types of piling, like timber or concrete. Overall, steel pipe foundation piling is considered worth the cost due to its longevity and durability.To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a host of used and surplus construction material, including used steel pipe, used wide flange beams, and used h pile. Additionally, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges to used gantry cranes, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Flexifloat and Poseidon are two of the most popular makers of sectional barges, which are also sometimes referred to as “modular” barges or “truckable” barges. The biggest difference between these two types of sectional barges is how their locking systems work. Additionally, select models of Flexifloat barges come in slightly smaller sizes, which makes transporting them for particular kinds of projects easier. If you’re trying to decide between investing in a Flexifloat barge or a Poseidon barge, here’s what you should know about what differentiates them in general:

Flexifloat Barges

• These barges feature a one-of-a-kind locking system that is entirely self-contained. This means Flexifloat barges do not have any loose parts.
• The Flexifloat locking system has an upper and lower connection point with female and male connectors that are secured in place with a vertical bar that is a part of the female connector.
• Each individual Flexifloat unit possesses a recessed lift shackle at its center that is welded into its deck structure. This simplifies the work crews have to do to connect modules/sections.
• Modules/sections can be connected end-to-end, side-to-side, or end-to-side as needed to create the size and shape of platform areas needed for specific jobs.
• Flexifloat offers the following series of barges: H-50, S-50, and S-70.
• H-50 barges can support up to 100-ton loads and are highly portable. This series of Flexifloat barges are often used to support small cranes and for various applications in drilling and pipeline construction.
• S-50 barges can support up to 300-ton loads and are intended to be transported by traditional tractors and trailers. They are often used in bridge and dam construction, equipment transport, oil well operations, and dredging.
• S-70 barges can support up to around 2000-ton loads and cranes that weigh up to 400 tons. They are the largest and strongest of the products offered by Flexifloat and the largest that is possible to transport using trucks. S-70 barges are often used to support heavy mobile cranes, large excavators, and drilling rigs.

Poseidon Barges

• These sectional barges have a “hairpin” connection system, which is fairly straightforward and makes connection simple.
• Poseidon barges, unlike Flexifloat barges, are not entirely self-contained and do come with loose parts. Accessories include: pockets, cleats, pushers, winches, ladders, and safety railing.
• Poseidon sectional barges are sometimes compatible with locking systems from other manufacturers of sectional barges, which makes them a versatile option.
• The Grade A-36 steel used in the construction of Poseidon barges makes them extra strong and durable.
• Poseidon sectional barges are highly protective against rust and corrosion, and their decks are embossed, which allows for a skid-resistant surface.
• Most Poseidon barges require a permit load to transport because of their dimensions.
• Popular sectional barge models from Poseidon include: the Poseidon I (P1), the Poseidon II (P2), the Poseidon III (P3), and the Poseidon P-10.
• Poseidon models differ mostly based on their dimensions, which are outlined on Poseidon's website.
• P1, P2, and P-10 models have a deck bearing capacity of 20,000 psf and come with 18-inch deck hatches.
• P3 models have a deck bearing capacity of 30,000 psf and can float 37,000 lbs. payload at 50% draft. They can also be connected with sections/modules of Shugart barges. Additionally, they have 24-inch deck hatches.

OVERVIEW

Whether you settle on a Flexifloat or a Poseidon barge, you can’t really go wrong. Both of these manufacturers build state-of-the-art models that will offer you the flexibility and durability you need from a sectional barge. Ultimately, the scope and nature of your project and the specs of particular models from each manufacturer should determine which type of sectional barge you decide on.To learn more about barges, check out our blog titled "Eiffel 101: Barge Type Reference Guide".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used sectional barges, Eiffel Trading’s marine equipment inventory includes used deck barges, used work boats, and much more. Plus, our construction material selection ranges from used sheet pile, to used barrier wall, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Since their introduction in the 1860s, steel pipelines have become vital to the distribution of energy in the U.S. The prevalence of steel in pipelines is largely due to steel’s longevity, durability and resistance to corrosion.

The History of Steel Pipelines

Pipelines have been used to move oil since 1859 when the first commercial oil well was drilled by “Colonel” Edwin Drake of Pennsylvania. The first pipelines were fairly basic and transported oil only a short distance from drill holes to nearby tanks or refineries. As demand for oil increased, so too did the demand for larger and more sophisticated pipeline systems.Initially, pipelines were made of wrought iron. As the pipeline industry continued to grow throughout the 1860s, new standards for quality control were introduced. Soon, manufacturers switched from wrought iron to steel, which is the safer, more durable and longer-lasting material.Improvements are continually being made to steel pipe production, coating and installation practices. Today, steel is still the top choice in the pipeline industry.

The Prevalence of Steel Pipelines

Steel pipelines can be found all over the U.S. Natural gas is delivered through small diameter distribution lines buried in our yards. Water is carried through large cross-country transmission pipelines. Sewage and energy lines all move through steel pipelines. Steel pipe is especially prevalent in the oil and gas industry, particularly in pipes like gathering lines (the tubes that transport oil or gas from the producing area to a storage facility or larger main pipeline), and pipe trunk lines (the welded, large-diameter steel pipes that are used to transport natural gas over long distances).Steel pipe is also a common choice in manufacturing facilities, warehouses and other industrial locations because it’s rust-proof and doesn’t corrode, affording facilities a lifetime of dependable use. Round steel pipelines are often used to transport liquids or gas from one area of an industrial facility to another.Because of steel pipe’s durability and versatility, it can stand up to the unique needs of many industries. In addition to the above listed, steel pipelines are used in:

• Power Plants
• Dairy and Food Processing Facilities
• Chemical Facilities
• Water Treatment Facilities
• Desalination Operations
• Energy Industries

Why Steel Pipelines are a Top Choice

Pipelines must be durable, resistant to corrosion and long-lasting. Because of this, pipelines are often made of steel over other types of materials like concrete, cast iron, copper, brass or PVC.

Durability

Steel pipe is stronger than many other types of pipe and can be made larger or thinner without compromising its durability. The strength of steel makes it a great option for most pipelines since it can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure. Unlike other materials, steel pipelines will bend rather than break in extreme conditions, which means they’re less likely to crack or leak.

Installation

Unlike many other types of pipe, steel pipelines are easy to install. The metal can be customized to any height, width or strength, and it can be modified on site as needed. Because of this ease of installation, steel pipe is considered one of the most convenient types of pipe to work with and is often picked over other, less versatile materials.

Weight

Steel pipelines are typically more lightweight and therefore easier to handle than other types of pipe, such as concrete. Because of this, it takes less equipment and less labor to install steel pipelines, meaning the cost of installation will also be less.

Longevity

Steel pipe has a low interior surface friction, remains stable at extreme temperatures, and is not affected by sunlight or ultraviolet rays, which adds to its longevity. If a steel pipeline is properly treated during the manufacturing process, the pipe can be expected to last 100 years.

Resistance to Corrosion

Unlike other materials like cast iron, steel is long lasting and resistant to many chemical reactions that cause corrosion. This is especially important for pipelines used to transport water, or buried pipelines that are exposed to water.To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used materials, including used steel pipe, used barrier wall, and used access trestle. In addition, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges to used cranes, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Steel pipe pile is used to create a strong foundation for large, heavy structures such as buildings, bridges and roads. The piles are made of steel pipe that’s driven or drilled deep into the ground in order to help distribute the weight of a structure down to the stronger soil or rock below. There are several different types of steel pipe piling including unplugged open ended, plugged open ended, bottom plate, steel pipe with rock shoe, and Franki pipe pile. Different types of pipe pile will work better for different projects, depending on the nature of the soil and the weight of the structure that’s being supported.

Pipe Pile Installation

To install pipe pile, steel pipe is forced into the ground. This can be done one of two ways, either by driving the piles or drilling the piles.Steel pipe piles can be driven into the ground using a large impact hammer. Driving the piles is favored over drilling in situations where the soil is fairly loose, since driving the piles into the ground compresses the surrounding soil and therefore causes greater friction (which increases the load-bearing capacity of the pipe piles).Steel piling can also be drilled into the ground using rotary boring equipment. Rotary boring is commonly used to install large diameter piles, and also when piles need to be installed in especially hard ground.In both methods, the piles remain in place due to friction in the soil.The design of a steel pipe pile system can be customized depending on the ground conditions and support requirements. Because pipe pile is made of steel, it can handle heavy loads and withstand extreme environments.

Types of Steel Pipe Pile

There are five main types of steel pipe pile. While all the different piling methods involve driving pipes into the earth, different soil conditions and structural needs make some pipe pilings better than others.Unplugged open ended steel pipe pile has an open end. For this reason, once the pipes are installed the ground level will be the same on the inside and outside of the pipe. Unplugged open ended pipe pile transfers the weight of their load to the soil primarily through friction.Plugged open ended steel pipe pile has a plug on the bottom of the pipe. For this reason, the soil inside the pipe will be lower than the soil outside of the pipe.Bottom plate steel pipe pile has a steel plate welded to the lower end. The plate creates compression and increases friction to reduce movement. Bottom plate steel pipe pile is used on rocky terrain where not much soil exists between the rock and the pile, and therefore increased friction is needed to hold the pile in place.Steel pipe with rock shoe is similar to bottom plate in that it helps increase friction when there isn’t enough soil around. The difference is that rock shoe is used when the pile comes into direct contact with a rock surface. The shoe is able to support the entire load and prevents shifting or sliding along the rock surface.Franki steel pipe pile is meant to be permanent and is plugged with a concrete filling. This kind of pipe pile can withstand a much stronger driving impact than any other kind of pipe pile.

Common Sizes of Steel Pipe Pile

Pipe piles should have a minimum outer diameter of eight inches, and minimum wall thickness of 0.25 inches. Pile piles are available in many sizes, though 12-inch diameter pipe piles are some of the most common. For pipe piles with a diameter of 14 inches or larger, it’s recommended that they have a minimum wall thickness of 0.375 inches.

Benefits of Steel Pipe Pile

Steel pipe piles are favored for many reasons. They’re highly customizable. Because the pipe pile can be tweaked to exact load specifications, costs can also be reduced. Pipe piles are relatively easy to build, and they’re also easy to replace after construction is complete, so their maintenance and replacement costs are some of the lowest. For large structures such as buildings and bridges where a deep foundation is necessary, steel pipe pile is an excellent choice.

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In addition to steel pipe, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplaces hosts a wide variety of foundation materials and equipment, including used wide flange beams, used h pile, used diesel impact hammers, used diesel vibratory hammers, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

A mooring is any permanent structure to which a vessel may be secured. A dolphin is a marine structure that extends above the water level and is not attached to shore. Mooring dolphins, therefore, are fixed marine structures to which boats can be moored, and are typically installed in areas where the number of ships is greater than can be accommodated by the length of the pier.

Mooring Dolphin Overview

Mooring dolphins are made of steel pipe piles that are driven into the ocean floor. The number of piles used to create a mooring dolphin can range from as low as three piles to as many as 50 piles or more. Mooring dolphins are often made of steel pipe and can be paired with seawalls or docks for enhanced structural protection.

Mooring Dolphin vs. Breasting Dolphin

Mooring dolphins are not to be confused with breasting dolphins. Breasting dolphins assist in the berthing of vessels by taking up some of the berthing loads, while also keeping the vessels from pressing against the pier. Conversely, mooring dolphins are used only for securing vessels. They’re commonly built near piers to control the traffic of berthing vessels.

Mooring Dolphin Installation

There are three main ways in which a mooring dolphin can be installed: jetting, hammering and drilling. Each of these methods were developed for different construction environments.Jetting: Jetting works best if the underwater ground is soft. A high pressure water pump is used to blow a deep hole into the ground underwater where the steel pipe piling will be set. After the hold is blown, the piling is placed inside the hole and sand is pushed back around the piling to fill the remaining space and keep the piling in place.Hammering: Hammering is an excellent choice when there are a large number of rocks present. The hammering process forces small and medium sized rocks out of the way, and can also break through a layer of clay. Hammering will not work well on large rocks.Drilling: If large rocks are present, drilling is the best method to penetrate them. Using this method, pipe pile is drilled and installed right into the rock.

Mooring Dolphin and Steel Pipe Piles

When it comes to protecting valuable infrastructure, it’s important to use high quality pilings. Though mooring dolphins can also be made of timber, steel pipe provides the most durable and long-lasting pipe piles and is therefore a top choice.Capacity: Steel pipe pile has a high capacity. It’s stronger than timber and can be made larger or thinner without compromising its durability. The strength of steel makes it a great option for mooring dolphins since it can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure.Corrosion-Proof: Steel pipe pile is also corrosion proof. Unlike timber, steel is long lasting and resistant to water wear. Additional elements in steel pipe pile, such as nickel and molybdenum, add to its rust resistance. Because of this, steel pipe will last long beyond its installation.Longevity: Steel pipe has a low interior surface friction, remains stable at extreme temperatures, and is not affected by sunlight or ultraviolet rays, which adds to its longevity. If a steel pipe pile is properly treated during the manufacturing process (coated both inside and out with zinc or protective paint), the piling can be expected to last for years.To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".

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Eiffel Trading's online marketplace inventory ranges from used steel pipe, to used barrier wall, to used barges, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.