EcoSheetPileTM Plus products are already being used successfully in some major European infrastructure projects. They are a part of ArcelorMittal's XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel. The products are made in an electric arc furnace from 100% recycled material and are manufactured using 100% renewable energy from wind and solar sources.
Certified by a dedicated Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), production of the EcoSheetPileTM Plus range generates only 370 kg of CO2-eq. per ton of steel produced. By comparison, the average CO2 emissions in the global steel industry for all production routes (conventional and electric) in 2020 were approximately 2.3 tons of CO2-eq. per metric ton of steel products produced. In addition, an independently issued certificate of origin for renewable electricity is included.
"The construction industry is one of the most challenging industry segments in terms of decarbonization. Regulations are becoming stricter, especially in the public sector. New projects are only approved if the CO2 footprint meets the requirements. Some countries such as the Netherlands have started integrating environmental criteria into their tendering processes for new public infrastructures. The environmental performance of the different bids is fairly assessed and monetised, therefore giving an advantage to more sustainable solutions. We are proud to be the world’s leading producer of hot rolled steel sheet piles, as well as being an industry leader in innovating and offering sheet pile products with a significantly reduced CO2 footprint,” informed Tapas Rajderkar, Chief Marketing Officer of ArcelorMittal Europe Long Products.
Use in several major European projects:
Following its own Net Zero strategy and as per client requirements, ArcelorMittal is already successfully using the steel sheet piles of the EcoSheetPileTM Plus range in several major European projects; for example, in the construction of a new fishing terminal in the port of Egersund, Norway. There, 2,200 tons of AS 500 straight-web sheet piles are being erected to form large circular cell structures. They will be filled with the sands dredged on-site to increase the draught of the port and eliminate transport emissions.
The CO2 footprint of a new quay wall at Ribécourt, on the upcoming Seine-Nord Europe canal in France will be significantly reduced thanks to the EcoSheetPileTM Plus range. The new waterway will connect French waterways with the Northern Europe network and drive water transport instead of road transport in France: Some barges carry as much cargo as 220 trucks. ArcelorMittal's HZ®/AZ® combined wall system is being used in the construction of a 200-meter quay wall. A total of 910 t of HZ 880M A-12 king piles and AZ 13-770 intermediate sheet piles are being used. Once completed, the Ribécourt quay will be used for the delivery of construction materials for the further canal construction.
Smart sheet piling solutions - demonstration at Bauma:
At Bauma, visitors can also discover what the future holds for “Smart Sheet Piles.” These innovative sheet piling solutions – for example, installed in quay walls, flood protection walls or bridges – collect data in real-time and transmit it remotely. This provides an efficient, controlled and automatised monitoring of the structures, helping to reach cost-effective preventive maintenance. Finally, the increased safety aspect plays a significant role. Alarm systems can be used to detect potential incidents earlier and help prevent floods for example. "A live demonstration of the technical concept of smart sheet piles will be the centrepiece of our stand at Bauma. We strongly believe in the benefits of this innovation for infrastructure stakeholders," added Tapas Rajderkar.
