What are sheet piles primarily used for in civil engineering?

Sheet piles are primarily used to provide lateral support as a continuous wall. This construction element is particularly vital in applications where the ground needs to be retained and supported, especially in areas prone to water or soil movement. Sheet piles, typically made from steel, plastic, or concrete, are driven into the ground to create a barrier that can withstand lateral earth pressures from soil and water.

Their design allows them to form a continuous wall, which is crucial in retaining walls, cofferdams, and other structures where managing forces from soil and hydrodynamic loads is necessary. This capability makes them indispensable for projects involving waterfronts, basements, and excavations, where stability and containment of materials are critical.

Other options, while related to the functions of various civil engineering practices, do not specifically align with the primary use of sheet piles. Although they can provide indirect benefits for foundation support and erosion control, their main function is to serve as a structural barrier for lateral support.