VINYL SHEET PILES APPLICATION TO PREVENT HYDRAULIC BREAKTHROUGH – A CASE STUDY

David Jasinski Justyna Kobos

As urbanization accelerates, the demand for green recreational areas is more critical than ever. These spaces not only enhance the quality of life for city residents but also play a vital role in promoting biodiversity and supporting sustainable development. In this context, one effective approach to developing such water reservoirs is the use of vinyl sheet piles. Made from recycled materials, these lightweight profiles offer a lower environmental impact during manufacturing and transportation.

In this article, we take a closer look at a project recently carried out in Poland, which assumed the expansion of the K?pielka Reservoir at the recreation complex in Pogrzybów, where vinyl sheet piles GW-610/9 were used as protection for the embankment between two cascaded reservoirs. The purpose of this article is to show how the application of vinyl sheet piles proved to be a very effective solution to prevent hydraulic breakthrough.

Hydraulic Breakthrough and Potential Hazards

Hydraulic breakthrough, also known as the piping effect, involves water movement through porous soil beneath an embankment or other water barrier. This occurrence can lead to internal erosion of the substrate material, ultimately weakening the structure and, in extreme cases, causing the embankment to fail. Such a failure poses a risk of flooding adjacent areas, which can result in significant material damage and threaten the lives of both people and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the embankment against hydraulic breakthrough adequately.

Project Description

The project to expand the water reservoir at the K?pielka Reservoir recreation complex in Pogrzybów involved increasing the surface area of the water body from 1.3 hectares to 5.5 hectares. This expansion aimed to improve the microclimate and water conditions in the area surrounding the reservoir, as well as to enhance the attractiveness of the complex as a leisure destination for residents. As part of the project, vinyl sheet piles GW-610/9 with a length of 8.5 meters were used, secured at the top with a vinyl cap model 290.

Soil Conditions

The new embankments were constructed using cohesive material, specifically clay collected from the bottom of the reservoir. The entire site exhibited variable geology, as different types of soil were encountered in each drilled borehole. In addition to cohesive formations, the substrate also contains organic soils in the form of peat and clay sediments, as well as various types of sand, whose presence increases the risk of hydraulic breakthrough. These soil conditions necessitate the implementation of effective methods for protection against hydraulic breakthrough.

Solution

The project opted to use vinyl sheet piles GW-610/9, known for their high resistance to corrosion, chemical action, and biological degradation. These sheet piles, due to their flexibility and durability, are an ideal solution for protecting embankments against hydraulic breakthrough, particularly in environments with variable soil conditions. Their robust design ensures long-lasting stability and effectiveness in safeguarding the reservoir infrastructure.

Installation

The installation of sheet piles was carried out using an excavator with a vibratory hammer and a mandrel, which allowed for easy installation and protection of the sheet piles during the process. The installation process was precisely controlled to ensure the proper placement of the sheet piles and their effective performance as a water-tight barrier preventing filtration.

Result

The use of GW-610/9 vinyl sheet piles in the reservoir expansion project in Pogrzybów effectively secured the embankment against hydraulic breakthrough. As a result, the enlarged water body will not only help improve the microclimate and water conditions in the area but will also enhance the attractiveness of the recreational complex as a leisure destination. Additionally, it is worth noting that the vinyl sheet piles were integrated into the landscape so seamlessly that they are hardly noticeable, preserving the natural appearance of the investment site. This project serves as an excellent example of the efficient use of modern materials in hydraulic engineering, bringing benefits both to the environment and the local community.

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