Sheet piling is a well established technique for a range of retaining wall applications. It has become the preferred method for scour and erosion control, coastal protection, cut off walls, landfill containment and flood management. It is a low maintenance and environmentally friendly solution. Plastic piling offers several advantages over traditional steel sheet piles including a much longer lifespan, resistance to corrosion and a more aesthetic finish.

The design of a sheet pile wall is based on the resisting forces produced by active and passive soil pressures. These are typically calculated using the methods presented in the Retaining Wall Design Guide or Steel Sheet Piling Design Manual. The design bending moment and shear are then determined.

There is a limited but regular demand for sheet piles with strengths that exceed those available from standard products. This may be due to a specialised application such as a deeper dredge line or a rocky soil condition. This type of piling is usually supplied on a made to order basis and will carry the manufacturer's identification.

During installation, sheet piles are driven into the ground and interlocked to form a permanent or temporary retaining wall. The driving is typically accomplished with vibratory or impact hammers, though water jetting can be used to assist in rocky conditions. In a cellular application, the sheets must have sufficient interlock strength to resist "hoop" stresses. This can be achieved by the use of either a straight web or an arched web sheet pile.