Vibro Hammer

A vibro hammer is used to lift the sheets, sometimes in tandem, and vibrate the sheets into the soil. Much lighter weight vibro hammers should be used for Tidewall than would be used for steel piling, however.

Small Vibro Hammer (TW50)

Smaller vibro hammers are well-suited for lighter profiles like the TW50. This video demonstrates installation of TW50 sheets using a compact vibro hammer — ideal for residential and smaller commercial projects.

Plate Compactor

In areas where the soil is moderately stiff or less, a plate compactor on a backhoe can drive Tidewall sheets smoothly and efficiently.

Compression Driving

Where the soils are very soft, simple compression driving works well to install Tidewall sheets. The bucket of a backhoe is used to exert downward pressure on the sheets, pressing them smoothly into the ground. This method works better with the heavier Tidewall sheets such as TW85 and above.

Pile Driver

A pile hammer in the 300–800 pound range is suitable to drive Tidewall sheets. Collins Pile Hammers offers compatible equipment for this application.

Jetting

For Tidewall installations into sand, jetting is an excellent method. A pump accelerates a stream of water directed through a wand to the base of the sheets. The sand is temporarily blasted out of the way, allowing the Tidewall to settle into position. Once the water jet is removed, the sand fills naturally back in around the sheets.