LBFoster US | Engineered Piling Solutions

L.B. Foster provides engineered piling solutions for all applications including ideal and extreme conditions, from combination wall systems to OPEN CELL structures, each fitting the needs of the construction industry.

Combi-Wall Systems

Combi-wall systems are comprised of two main sections: steel sheet pile and a king pile. The king pile may be either a steel beam or pipe pile. These engineered piling solutions are only limited to manufacturing and jobsite restrictions.

L.B. Foster combi-walls are an efficient way to achieve high section modulus for those structures which require strength which exceeds that available from traditional sheet pile sections. By utilizing king piles, typically of wide flange or pipe pile, in conjunction with steel pile and extruded connectors to connect these together, the contractor can achieve an efficient cost effective system.

The king pile will be driven to a depth necessary to achieve the required passive toe resistance then steel sheet pile can be supplied in shorter lengths to act simply as a barrier for the soils or grade separation that is being constructed. This shorter sheets result in an overall reduction in steel required as well as less driving time.

L.B. Foster utilizes the "Wider, Lighter, Stronger” PZC™ sections produced by Gerdau which enable us to space the king pile farther apart due to the laying width of the efficient PZC sections, therefore requiring less installation time.

L.B. Foster Piling is ready to supply the largest assortment of hot rolled Z sheet pile in the market today with the appropriate king pile section to meet your construction requirements.

OPEN CELL™ Structures

OPEN CELL bulkheads are innovative engineered piling solutions used primarily in docks and marine structures. These unique bulkheads simplify construction processes, reduce construction schedules, and eliminate labor intensive tie backs. OPEN CELL structures are flexible steel sheet pile membranes supported by soil contact with embedded sheet pile tail anchor walls.

The first OPEN CELL structure was completed in 1981 for ARCO to support and protect a bridge servicing the oil fields. Since then, hundreds of satisfied owners and contractors have become convinced about the unique performance and low cost of OPEN CELL's through their own experiences.

View our dedicated OPEN CELL Website. http://www.opencell.us

Ideal and Extreme Conditions

The OPEN CELL system delivers proven performance for both ideal and extreme conditions.

Ice
Bulkheads have been subjected to severe arctic conditions both in fresh and salt water. The OPEN CELL system has effectively proven itself against the ice prevalent throughout the Alaska arctic.

High Loads
High vertical capacity for localized loads such as cranes or uniform loads from freight can be easily supported. Uniform loads of 5,000 pounds per square foot and concentrated loads of 6,000 tons have been accommodated. In addition, load capacity can be increased by simply extending tail walls even after construction has been completed if project requirements dictate.

Deep Water
The increasing draft of vessels throughout the world has required increased dredge depths. Vertical faces of over 80-feet have been constructed while still maintaining the highest load capacities.

Minimal Embedment
A minimal toe embedment of 10 feet below potential scour depth is a common design tip elevation. This is significantly less than other structure types.

Soft Soils
The OPEN CELL system accommodates soft clay and silts, allowing high capacities while still maintaining local and global stability.

Scour
The OPEN CELL system is scour insensitive because it derives its strength horizontally from its vertical tail wall and not through passive toe resistance.

Seismic Conditions
OPEN CELL structures have survived hundreds of seismic events throughout the Pacific Rim. Not only have they survived, but they have remained in service with no damage noted.

Long Term Settlement
In certain instances engineered piling solutions may need to be constructed in areas with deep deposits of soft material that are subject to significant settlement. Vertical member orientation of OPEN CELL SHEET PILE systems allows for soil settlement without damage to this flexible membrane structure. Also, due to the flexible nature of OPEN CELL systems, differential settlement can be accommodated without loss of strength.