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Steel Plate Application: Closed End Pipe Piles

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.Closed end pipe pile is a type of pile created by covering the bottom of the pile with a steel plate. The steel plate, called an end cap, is welded onto the end of the pile. In most cases, the piles are filled with concrete, though this feature is sometimes skipped in order to save money. If pipe piles are not filled with concrete, a corrosion protection layer should be applied. This is because without a concrete filling, the piling will be less able to handle corrosion; if a concrete-filled pile is corroded, most of the loadbearing capacity will remain intact and will therefore not be an issue. However, if the pile is not filled with concrete when it corrodes, it will lose a large percent of its loadbearing capacity.

The Versatility of Steel Plates

Steel plates are large, flat plates most commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads that are under construction. They are also used along trench boxes during excavation, utility construction and repair, and as flat caps to close the end of pipe piles. Because the plates are made of steel, they are versatile and can be used and recycled in a number of ways.

Closed End Pipe Pile Advantages

The advantage of closed end pipe pile (as opposed to open end pipe pile) is that the pile creates full displacement of the soil, which may be desirable in certain situations; by closing one end, the pile becomes a displacement pile and functions well as a friction pile, particularly in loose sands.

Additional Closed End Pipe Pile Considerations

  • Closed end pile may be filled with a structural shape such as an H-section in addition to the concrete, which is then socketed into bedrock.
  • If bearing capacity from the entire pile toe area is required, the pile toe should be closed with a plate or a conical tip.
  • The structural capacity of pipe piles is calculated based on concrete strength and steel strength.
  • In the case of closed-end driving, soil heave can occur, though this can also happen with open-end piles if the open end of the pile is plugged with soil.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading is the leading online marketplace for used and surplus heavy civil materials and equipment? We offer a wide selection of structural steel, including used pipe pile, brand new steel plates, used steel plates, brand new h-pile beams, used h-pile beams, used crane access trestle, and 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.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today 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.
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Eiffel 101: Overview of OSHA Guidelines for Trenching

In order to keep workers safe, it’s important to understand OSHA’s trench box requirements, including when it’s appropriate to use a trench box and how to use one according to regulation.Protective systems, including trench boxes, are used when the trench reaches a depth of five feet or more. Protective systems are also required for trenches under five feet deep if the soil is loose and might cave in, particularly in the cases of sand or mud. Before work begins, the conditions of the soil should be evaluated to determine whether a protective system is needed.

Trench Box Overview

A trench box is a system installed to protect workers while they’re digging or excavating the earth. Trench boxes are also known as trench shields, sewer boxes, manhole boxes, or tap boxes. They give a trench stability and allow laborers to work in peace knowing that even if the trench collapses, the pressure and weight of the soil will not trap them.Trench boxes are not designed to prevent a trench wall from collapsing. Instead, they’re designed to protect workers from the pressure and weight of soil in the event of a cave-in. Unlike a shoring system, a trench box doesn’t provide any structural strength to the excavation itself.Trench boxes are designed to withstand pressure from the earth surrounding them. Trench boxes are made from aluminum or steel with sidewalls of varying thicknesses held apart by spreaders or other trench box panels. Spreaders are beams that are placed perpendicular to the plates and function as braces. All the components of a trench box are welded together to make the system stable.

OSHA Installation Guidelines (A Brief Overview)

OSHA outlines proper installation techniques for the use of trench boxes in OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.650-.652 Subpart P-Excavations. Some of the recommendations are as follows:
  • A contractor should install a trench box in a way that restricts its lateral movement and the space around the box should be backfilled to close any gaps.
  • The maximum distance between the bottom of the trench box and the bottom of the trench should be no more than two feet.
  • Trench boxes can be used alongside other protective systems for increased safety.
  • Trench boxes must be able to handle the pressure at the depth where they’ll be used and for the type of soil they’ll be used in, and these calculations should be verified before installation.
  • For trenches deeper than 20 feet, a registered professional engineer (RPE) must design the trench box, or contractors should select the right trench box for the depth of the excavation using manufacturer’s tabulated data.
  • As trenches get deeper, trench boxes can be stacked on top of one another to provide the necessary protection for workers.
  • Workers should not remain in the trench box when it’s being installed.
  • People working in a trench box must have access to a ladder or other means of escape.
  • OSHA requires employers to train employees on the hazards they may be exposed to when working in a trench box and how to protect themselves in case of emergency.
This blog post is an interpretation of OSHA regulations and standards. Please consult OSHA regulations for comprehensive guidelines.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is a centralized online marketplace for heavy civil materials and equipment; including used trench boxes, used shoring towers, used structural steel (including sheet pile, pipe pile, access trestle, and more!), used precast concrete barrier wall, and 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.
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Should I Purchase Welded or Seamless Steel Pipe?

The two most popular types of steel pipes on the market are welded and seamless steel pipes. As its name implies, a seamless steel pipe does not have a seam. It is engineered through methods like cold rolling, hot rolling, or cold drawn manufacturing. A welded pipe, on the other hand, is produced using a manufacturing process that results on a seam on the body of the pipe. There are a few different types of welded steel pipe: Electric Resistance Welded (ERW), Spiral Submerged Arc-Welding Pipe (SSAW), and Longitudinal Submerged Arc-Welding Pipe (LSAW). These three different types of welded steel pipe are created using slightly different methods.

Seamless Steel Pipe Production

A seamless steel pipe is manufactured using a billet, which is a cylinder-shaped piece of steel. Heat is applied to a billet, and then it is pierced through its center using a mandrel. Next, the billet is rolled and stretched into a desired size and thickness.Many seamless steel pipes harden during their manufacturing process and do not need to be treated with heat, while some types do require treatment with heat.

Welded Steel Pipe Production

Welded pipe is made from a skelp, which is an elongated and coiled steel ribbon. The skelp is cut into a flat sheet of a desired length. Then, the flat sheet is processed through a rolling machine, which forms a cylinder-shaped pipe. In the case of Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) steel pipe, an electrical current of a high frequency is passed between the edges of the flat sheet in order to fuse and melt them together. As opposed to other types of welded steel pipe, ERW pipe results in a weld seam that is barely detectable. Most categories of welded steel pipes are treated with heat after they are manufactured.

Seamless Steel Pipe vs. Welded Steel Pipe

Deciding which steel pipe is right for your project requires you to consider a few different factors. Seamless pipe is often considered the stronger and, in some cases, safer option. Without a seam, a seamless steel pipe can often withstand more pressure without cracking. Additionally, seamless steel pipes are usually lighter in weight than welded steel pipes, which can translate into benefits in areas like transportation.On the other hand, a criticism of some seamless steel pipes is that their wall thickness is not as uniform or consistent as that of welded steel pipes. The process of rolling and stretching them sometimes results in wall thickness inconsistencies. Additionally, welded steel pipes are more widely manufactured, and they are usually more affordable.While seamless steel pipe may often be the better choice for high-pressure or high-temperature applications, such as those in the oil and gas and energy sectors, keep in mind that some types of welded steel pipes, especially ERW pipes, are generally considered as strong as seamless steel pipes. When selecting which steel pipe is the right choice for your project, you should consider the temperature and pressure capabilities of individual pipe options and the requirements of your specific project. They are both great options and each offer many unique benefits.Both seamless and welded steel pipe can be purchased new or used. Steel prices are currently skyrocketing, so purchasing used can save you money in comparison to buying new. Steel pipes are engineered to be strong and durable, and there is a wide selection of high-quality, used steel pipe on the market for you to choose from.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace that exists for contractors to buy and sell new, used, and surplus heavy civil materials and equipment. Our steel inventory is robust, and includes the following: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.
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What is Casing Pipe?

Casing pipe is a hollow steel tube used for underground construction and utility projects to protect utility lines and product pipes from damage due to construction or weather-related damage. Casing pipe is also sometimes referred to as “encasement pipe.” This type of pipe is common in various kinds of underground boring. In most cases, it is driven underground using a jack (hydraulic or pneumatic) into an augered opening. It is driven into sections, and its sections are connected using welding, threading of ends, or interlocking using an interlocking system. Casing pipe may also be welded into a ribbon shape and pulled through drilled areas underneath lakes, rivers, highways, and railways.

Applications

Casing pipe is used to protect gas pipes, water mains, fiber optic cables, power cables, and more. It is also used for deep foundation construction. Once casing pipe is secured underground, utility lines and product pipes are run through it and mounted/secured using casing spacers. Casing spacers can be made of steel, plastic, or other materials. Once a line or pipe is secured inside a casing pipe, the end of the casing pipe may be sealed with an end seal, often made of rubber, in either a wrap-around or pull-on configuration.

Types of Casing Pipe

Steel casing pipe comes in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and grades. Casing pipe usually comes with a diameter of between 4 and 60 inches but may sometimes be quite larger in diameter. Most projects do not require a specific grade, but when one is required, A.S.T.M. 139 Grade B is common. Grades are determined based on minimum yield, tensile strength of steel, concentricity, straightness, and rigidity. A.S.T.M. A-252 is another popular grade because it does not require hydrostatic testing and its inspection requirements are minimal. It is also fairly inexpensive. Previously used natural gas line pipe may also be used as casing pipe when grade requirements are not as important as wall thickness and size.

Options for Buying Casing Pipe

Casing pipe can either be purchased new or used. Like most types of steel pipe used for construction and utility projects, casing pipe is built to last and maintain its strength and overall integrity over the years. Surplus casing pipe that wasn’t used for a project may be sold at a bargain price, making it an attractive choice for a project that seeks to cut costs. The current price of new steel is quite high. Exploring used options can be a smart financial choice. For projects that require uncommon specifications, new casing pipe may be a better option. It’s best to explore all the available options and find casing pipe that meets the needs of a project at the best price.Casing pipe can play an important role in underground utility projects or deep foundation projects, offering extra protection for lines and pipes that need it. The various types of casing pipe on the market ensure that there’s a right type of casing pipe for every project in terms of grade, strength, diameter, thickness, etc. Whether purchased new or used, you can depend on casing pipe to do its job well.

Selling your Casing Pipe

Because casing pipe is durable and long-lasting, there is a great market for used pipe casing. In addition, with the price of new steel at a peak, you can make top dollar for your good-condition steel casing pipe. Now is the time to sell!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s used and surplus steel inventory is robust; we offer used steel pipe (including casing pipe!), used steel sheet pile, used h-pile beams, used wide flange beams, used steel plates, 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.
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What are Sectional Barges?

A sectional barge is one type of truckable vessel. Truckable vessels are designed to be able to be transported using 18-wheelers, which makes getting them to various project sites simple and affordable. Other truckable vessels aside from sectional barges include truckable push boats and truckable tugboats. Sectional barges are sometimes referred to as “truckable barges”. The fact that sectional barges are truckable is one of the key characteristics that makes them different from other types of barges. Sectional barges are made up of sections or modules that connect to form floating platforms of desired sizes.

Applications

Sectional barges are popularly used for a number of marine construction applications as well as in many offshore operations. They are especially common in bridge construction, for dredging operations, and for drilling operations. Oftentimes, they are used as a stable working platform for heavy equipment. When connected together, they have the ability to form a rather large working platform, but also have the added breaking up into smaller barge pieces for transport and hard to reach working-areas.

Load Capacity

Sectional barges have load capacities for large cranes as well as numerous other types of heavy equipment (including excavators and drilling equipment). They can also support materials in bulk. Various models are engineered to be able to safely support between 100 tons and 500 tons. Their roll form decks are rated for between 5,000 lbs/sqft point loads and 20,000 lbs/sqft point loads.

Transportation and Installation

A sectional barge is transported on a truck with its sections stacked on top of each other. When it arrives at a project site, its sections are lifted off into the water with the help of a crane. Each section has a lifting clevis or shackle for simplified lifting. Tag lines are frequently attached to sections to prevent them from moving too much while being lifted. Once in the water, sections are joined together to create the platform according to project requirements. To join them together, workers connect their bottoms and then drop pins to connect them securely.Some sectional barges do not require the use of securing pins. They make use of locking systems that are attached to sections that allow quick and secure connection. Flexifloat is a manufacturer of sectional barges that make use of this type of locking system.

Purchasing Sectional Barges

Sectional barges can either be purchased new or used. Purchasing used can save you quite a bit of money, and sectional barges are designed to last several decades, so quality is typically not a concern. Poseidon and Flexifloat are the two most popular brands of sectional barges, and there is a wide array of both new and used options from both companies. Sectional barges are also often sold with accessories, and these are available for purchase used and new as well. Popular accessories include dredge boxes, hydraulic double drum winches, crane mats, and sea bee pushers.

Selling Sectional Barges

Selling a sectional barge can be a lucrative choice if you are finished using one for a project and don’t need it for another for the forecastable future. There is a wide market of buyers for used sectional barges, and a seller can usually find an interested buyer fairly quickly.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your heavy civil and marine material and equipment needs! Our marine equipment offerings include various truckable vessels, including used sectional barges and used truckable push boats. On the other hand, we have a wide range of material options including but not limited to used hdpe pipe, used steel sheet pile, brand new steel plates, used crane mats, and 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.
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Steel Plate Application: Road Utilities

Steel plates (also known as road plates) are wide, flat plates used to cover road utilities while construction or repair is underway. They are also used along trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. The purpose of a steel plate is to provide a temporary surface for traffic to pass over while work is underway.

Manufacturing

Steel plates are manufactured in mills and are made of steel that is commonly at least one inch thick. They sometimes feature hardened threaded weld nuts and engineered lifting devices such as lifting rings for easy installation. Many plates come with a skid-resistant texture that’s applied to the surface to prevent vehicles from sliding on the steel, especially in wet conditions.Though 1.00” thick steel plates seem to be the most commonly used, their thickness will depend on the speed of traffic moving over the plate. Speeds above 45 miles per hour will require taller plates, such as a 1.25-inch plate thickness.Some common sizes for steel road plates include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.Common thickness options for steel road plates are: 0.500”, 0.750”, 1.00”, 1.25”, 1.50”, 1.75”, 2.00”Steel plates are a common solution in urban areas where excavation must be done for utility work, such as installing or replacing utility lines, pipes and conduits. Steel plates are set on the road to cover the excavation when work is not underway and allow traffic to proceed as usual.

Safety Hazards

It should be noted that the use of steel road plates as a temporary cover over an excavated area can present safety hazards if allowed to remain in place for extended periods of time, or if the plate is not properly secured. Some common issues include incorrect installation of the plates, which leads to loud rattling; plates that are not clearly marked, which can cause traffic confusion and wrecks; and plates that are used as a permanent roadway solution.When an excavation cannot be completed within a single workday and steel plates are put into use, certain requirements should be met, as outlined by each state. Before installing a steel road plate, it’s important to consult with a structural engineer and conduct full site surveys to ensure the zone is suitable for the plates and meets all state requirements.Steel road plates as utility covers can be safe and effective when proper installation methods are applied.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is a one-stop-shop for your steel road plate needs! Our inventory includes: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.
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Eiffel 101: Pile Driver Maintenance Checklist

Pile drivers require maintenance to extend their mileage and to keep them running smoothly. Maintenance includes daily items, such as fluid checks and visual inspections, as well as items that should be done at certain time intervals or in inclement weather.

Daily Pile Driver Maintenance Checklist: Before Starting the Engine

  • Visually inspect the entire pile driver for loose nuts or bolts. Using a wrench, check the clamp bolts for tightness and firm them as needed.
  • Ensure that the clamp housing is well-greased.
  • Visually inspect the pile driver’s oil level. In most machines, the oil should be halfway up the gauge. If you’re unable to see the pile driver’s oil level due to dirt or grime, remove the gauge and clean it (commonly done by spraying a shot of starting fluid onto the gauge). It is vital to know the oil level before running the machine, so do not begin work until this level is observed.
  • If the oil is milky or black, change it. Furthermore, pile driver oil should be changed after 75 hours of use, regardless of the color of the oil.
  • Check the fluid level in the power unit tank.
  • Visually inspect the pile driver’s hoses for cuts or other damage that might cause an oil leak.
  • Inspect the rubbers in the suppressor housing for cracks or other damage.
  • Perform all start up checks, which are generally listed in the pile driver’s power manual.

Daily Pile Driver Maintenance Checklist: After Starting the Engine

  • Check all hoses for leaks. Hoses should hang freely with no kinks.
  • Check pin connection to ensure they are in proper working order.
  • Check the pile driver’s jaws for wear and replace if necessary.
  • Close and open the pile driver’s jaws to ensure they are in proper working order.

Long-Term and Special Condition Maintenance Checklist

  • After every 75 hours of operation, change the pile driver’s oil. Clean the gearbox breathers each time the oil is changed. Replace the breathers if necessary.
  • After every 5,000 hours of operation, check the eccentric bearings (if applicable) and replace as needed.
  • When the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below -1 degrees Fahrenheit, reduce servicing intervals to one half of those specified in the operation manual.
  • When operating in the presence of dust or sand, reduce servicing intervals to one-third of those specified in the operation manual.
  • During stand-by or inactive periods, the servicing intervals may be reduced to one-half.
  • Power drivers should be run every 30 days or less to keep internal parts lubricated.
  • Gearbox oil should be changed weekly or when black or milky, if applicable.
  • The oil for clamp attachments must be checked and changed on a regular basis, if applicable.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is the go-to source for used and new pile driving equipment and materials! Our inventory includes pile driving machine, used sheet pile, new h pile, used pipe pile, 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.
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Eiffel 101: Trenching Safety Checklist

Excavation can be dangerous for workers due to the risk of cave-ins. For this reason, it’s important to plan for safe excavation work, including ordering utility locates, providing shoring or shielding equipment, and planning traffic control. The Competent Person (an official role) is responsible for managing safety on the excavation site, and they must be able to anticipate and fix dangerous conditions. Excavation workers should also know the dangers of their work and how to protect themselves.Before excavation, the Competent Person should complete a safety inspection, which includes the following checklist. By completing this checklist, the safety of the workers can be ensured before construction begins.

Trench Location and Dimensions

  • Utility locates should be contacted at least two days prior to start of digging. They should also be appropriately marked and identified.
  • Underground installations should be secured, supported, or removed when the excavation is open.
  • Surface impediments such as utilities, utility poles, foundations, transformer vaults or other structures should be strengthened or removed.
  • Equipment operators should be aware of overhead uninsulated powerlines and the required approach distances.

Excavation / Trench

  • Soil should be classified using one visual and one manual method.
  • Employees should be shielded from loose rock or soil.
  • All employees should be wearing proper protective equipment.
  • Spoils, materials, and equipment should be set back at least two feet from the edge of excavation.
  • The work area should be identified using barricades, fencing, or some other physical barrier.
  • A traffic control plan should be completed and implemented.
  • High visible clothing should be worn by all employees exposed to traffic.
  • Excavations six feet or deeper with walkways or bridges should be equipped with guardrails.
  • Employees should be prohibited from working or walking under suspended loads.
  • Employees should be prohibited from working on faces of sloped or benched excavations above other employees.
  • A warning system should be established and used when mobile equipment is operating near the edge of the excavation.
  • A means of escape in the form of ladders, steps, ramps, etc. should be provided so that no employee must travel farther than 25 feet to exit the trench.
  • If ladders are used for exit, they should be secured and extend at least three feet above the top of the excavation.
  • If wood ramps are used for exiting, they should be constructed of uniform material thickness and cleated together at the bottom.
  • All employees entering the trench should have documented training on requirements for excavation and protective measures.

Wet Conditions

  • Precautions should be taken to protect employees from hazards posed by water accumulation.
  • When water removal equipment is in operation, it should be monitored by the Competent Person.
  • Surface water should be collected or diverted.
  • An inspection of the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective system should be performed and documented after each rainstorm.

Hazardous Atmosphere

  • Where a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably exist, the atmosphere should be tested for low or high oxygen, hazardous vapors, and toxic gasses before employees enter the excavation.
  • Emergency response equipment should be readily available where a hazardous atmosphere could exist.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace exists for online contractors to buy and sell used, surplus, and new heavy civil materials and equipment. A few of our hot ticket items are used sheet pile, used steel plates, brand new steel plates, and much more. Furthermore, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges, to used shoring towers, 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.
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Steel Road Plate Application: Trenching

A trench is a type of pit created to install underground utilities like gas, water, power and communication lines; to create foundations for building, retaining walls, and dams; and for cut-and-cover construction of tunnels. Trenches are temporary and will be backfilled with soil after construction. While a project is underway, however, it’s possible to cover a trench so that traffic may continue using the road as normal, as well as keep motorists and pedestrians safe. This might be done late at night, early in the morning, or during other non-working hours when the trench is not in use. Trenches are covered using steel road plates.

What are Steel Plates?

Steel road plates are large, flat sheets of steel most commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads that are under construction. They are also used along trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. The purpose of a road plate is to provide a temporary surface for traffic to pass over while construction is underway. In addition, this creates a safe environment for workers, pedestrians, and motorists in the area.

Trenching

Road plates, also known as trench plates, essentially “cover” trenches. To accomplish this in the safest and most effective manner, it’s important to choose the right plate dimensions for each specific trench. A good rule of thumb is for traffic traveling 44 mph or less, there should be a 12” overlap of the steel road plate on either side of the trench. For traffic traveling 45 mph or more, the overlap should be at least 24” on either side of the trench. This overlap ensures that if the steel road plate shifts, the trench will remain firmly covered and traffic accidents won’t occur.As with all road projects, consult a structural engineer and conduct full site surveys before beginning construction. A steel road plate’s proper size, thickness and deployment plan will need to be formally assessed by a qualified professional to meet all state and local requirements for bridging an excavation site.

Size Options

There are many common size options for steel road plates, including those listed here:4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20. Typically steel plate thickness options include 0.500”, 0.750”, 1.00”, 1.25”, 1.50”, 1.75”, and 2.00”.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for all of your structural steel needs? From used steel plates, to brand new steel plates, to used crane access trestle, and used sheet pile, we’ve got it all! In addition, we offer many other heavy civil material and equipment options including sectional barges, hdpe pipe, and 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.
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What Is Closed-End Pipe Pile?

Closed end pipe pile is a type or application of steel pipe pile. Pipe pile is a type of steel pipe, which is welded, seamless, or welded in the shape of a spiral. It is driven into the ground to provide support for a deep foundations. Pipe pile helps transfer a load from a building or large structure to underground layers of soil. Pipe piles may be filled with concrete after they are driven into the ground to enhance their load bearing abilities. There are two main types of pipe pile: open end pipe pile and closed end pipe pile. A closed end pipe pile’s bottom opening is covered with either a steel plate or a conical tip. The steel plate or conical tip is welded to the opening. These coverings are often referred to as end caps. In comparison, open end pipe piles do not have end caps.

Applications of Closed End Pipe Pile

Closed end pipe piles should be driven through soft soils and loose sands, in most cases. Open end pipe piles, on the other hand, are better suited for hard soils and rocky ground areas. Closed end pipe piles are ideal for applications that necessitate bearing capacity from the entire pile toe. Acting as both displacement piles and as friction piles, closed-end pipe piles are integral to a variety of deep foundations.Here are some of the most popular applications for closed end pipe piles:
  • Bridge foundations
  • Highway foundations
  • Dock foundations
  • Building foundations
  • Railway foundations
  • Column foundations
  • Offshore construction
  • Marine structure foundations
  • Communication tower foundations
  • Marine structure construction

End Caps: Steel Plate vs. Conical Tip

Particularly when closed end pipe piles are driven into soft soil and sand, a steel plate works well as an end cap. A conical shaped end cap is better for harder soils as well as rocky areas. As mentioned, open end pipe piles are also a viable choice for harder soils or rocky areas. The benefit of using a closed end pipe pile with a conical tip for these applications is that it adds protection for the pile toe.Closed end pipe piles are frequently filled with concrete to bolster their load bearing capability and overall resistance and strength. In the event that closed end pipe piles are not filled with concrete, a corrosion prevention layer should be applied to them. Cutting costs is a major reason pipe piles may not be filled with concrete.

Buying and Selling Closed End Pipe Piles

Closed end pipe piles can be purchased either new or used, and there is quite a large selection of options for buyers, both new and used. The appropriate closed end pipe piles for a particular deep foundation project will be the correct size and strength and have the necessary load bearing capabilities. Buyers can save a good deal of money purchasing used, especially considering the current high steel prices. Used pipe piles should be inspected for damage and curvature before purchase to ensure their integrity and capabilities.Selling used closed end pipe piles can be a lucrative and attractive option, especially for those who have extra pipe pile taking up unnecessary storage space. For those who have surplus pipe pile, selling it can be a great way to recoup funds that were lost due to purchasing too much pipe pile for a project.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is an excellent source of used steel piling materials; our steel piling inventory includes used and surplus pipe pile, brand new h-pile beams (as well as used h-pile beams!), used steel sheet pile, and so much more. In addition to steel piling materials, our material inventory also ranges to include used hdpe pipe, brand new steel plates, used traffic 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.
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