products such as vinyl decking, vinyl fencing, window and door frames with new products being
introduced at every building show. There is obviously a growing confidence in the uses for
weatherable PVC.
9. Degradation over time
9.1 Please reference our UV testing as indicated in Section 5 of this paper. also reference
additional studies as listed in Section 10.
9.2 We have not observed any measurable change in Modulus of Elasticity in any project
to date. Nearly all changes observed in a retaining wall structure can be quickly associated with
changes in loading, under design of the structure and/or construction failures.
9.3 Regarding long term creep, we have found that if designs are based on Creep Limited
Stress below 4,000 psi, the material creep actually decreases over time. With over 20,000 hours
of creep data to date, we show that incremental deflection is almost not measurable. We are
seeing (2.7 x 10 -7) % based on ongoing testing.
9.4 We have not experienced any long term changes in impact resistance. The hundreds
of miles of vinyl sheetpile installed in every possible climate has not experienced any measurable
change in impact strength; even in the colder regions. Contractors still install vinyl in frozen
conditions (usually above 20 degrees) with every possible tool, including drop hammers.
Other pertinent information.
Noteable Projects
Date
Installed
Project Name / Agency
Location
Product
Project Description
Shelter Island Causeway
Approx.
Shelter Island,
10-12 ft
Cantelevered seawall with Rip Rap to
USACE / NY District
1997
NY
sheets
protect roadway from storm erosion,
Ctc. D Rackmales
over 1,000 lin ft.
212-264-9111
US Navy / San Diego Pierwall
1999
San Diego, CA
26-38 ft
Sheets driven as facia, then grout
Blaylock Engineering
sheets
pumped behind in order to create a new
USN
wall with old wall in place.
Wallisville Reservoir Cut-off
1995
Trinity River,
22 ft.
Sheets driven in dense clays with steel
USACE / Galveston District
LA
sheets
mandrel, creating a cut-off wall, 350 ft
long, protecting bearing piles
Wood River Channel Restoration
1999
Wood River,
15-20 ft.
Sheets driven in channel to allow natural
US Fish & Wildlife, US Forest
OR
sheets
plantings to take hold, establish root
Service, DEQ, Bureau of Land
system, with sheets removed in 3 -4
Management, Bureau of
years.
Reclamation
69
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