Is there a minimum length that sheet-pile must extend above an excavated pit?
Neither Subpart O nor Subpart P requires a minimum length or height for the sheet-piling to extend above the surface grade of an excavation. Sheet-piling is a type of shield or support system. The general standard regulating the design, manufacture, installation, and removal of a shield system is in Subpart P, ยงยง1926.652(c), (d), (e), and (g). There is a situation (in each of the three soil classifications) where Subpart P requires that a shield extend a minimum length above the top of a vertical side of a pit. For excavations less than 20 feet, which have vertically sided lower portions, as shown in Appendix B’s Figures B-1.1, B-1.2, and B-1.3, a shield or support must extend to a height of at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. [see illustrations in the Attachment] For excavations greater than 20 feet, a registered engineer will be required, as explained under options three and four above, and any minimum sheet-pile height requirements will be indicated on the registe
