The Advanced Structures and Composites Center has developed and patented a thermoplastic sheetpile for use in the construction of retaining walls.

Features of these sheetpiles include: 

• They will not corrode or decay in a marine environment  
• They are environmentally inert - 100% recyclable
• They resist impact, creep, UV and weathering 
• They are far more economical than traditional materials when life-cycle costs are considered.

Sheet Piling Panels with Elongated Voids, US Patent 7,416,368 B2

Publications

• Alvarez-Valencia D, Dagher HJ, Lopez-Anido R, Davids W, Gardner D. Behavior of Natural-Fiber/Thermoplastic Sheet Piling. Winner of the Best Green Applications Paper, COMPOSITES & POLYCON, Jan 2009.

Media

• See photos of the Witter Farm project.

Factsheet

• Design, Production and Monitoring of a Wood Plastic Composite Retaining Wall Poster

Research Partner

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Coast Guard

Center Contact

• Douglas Gardner, Professor of Wood Science and Technology

  Douglas.gardner@umit.maine.edu

   

  207-581-2846

Graduate Student

• Shane Bourgault