Tips & Advice Posts

In the world of marine and heavy civil construction, access is everything. When a project site is located over water, in a marsh, or on unstable ground, getting equipment and materials where they need to be can be a major challenge. That’s where crane access trestles come into play.A crane access trestle is a temporary steel structure that serves as a stable platform for cranes and other heavy machinery. It functions much like a temporary bridge, extending from solid ground out over water or soft terrain to provide access to a remote work zone.

Key Features

Crane access trestles are modular and customizable, meaning they can be designed to fit the specific needs of a project. They are usually supported by driven piles and built to accommodate the weight and movement of cranes, excavators, and other large construction equipment. These trestles are often designed to be easily dismantled and reused on future projects, making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Where Are They Used?

You’ll find crane access trestles in a variety of settings:

• Bridge construction
• Port and harbor developments
• Offshore infrastructure projects
• Wetland or marshland developments

In these environments, traditional access methods like barges or causeways may not be practical, especially when dealing with variable water levels or sensitive ecosystems.

Why Use One?

The main benefits of using a crane access trestle include:

• Safe, stable working surface for heavy equipment
• Improved efficiency with continuous access to the work site
• Reduced environmental impact, especially in sensitive areas
• Lower costs over time due to reusability and reduced downtime

In short, a crane access trestle provides a reliable, durable solution to one of marine construction’s biggest challenges: safe and efficient access. Whether you're building a bridge or laying the foundation for an offshore facility, access trestles can be a game-changer.

If you’re looking to sell pipe, whether it’s new, used or surplus, partnering with a reliable and knowledgeable broker can make all the difference. Eiffel Trading, a leader in the pipe and steel trading industry since 2014, provides expert services to help you sell pipe quickly, efficiently, and at the best market price. Here are the top 5 reasons to sell pipe with Eiffel Trading:

1. Expertise in the Pipe Market

Eiffel Trading has extensive knowledge of the pipe market. Their team of experts stays on top of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and demand to ensure you get the best possible deal for your materials. Whether you’re selling new, used, or surplus pipe, Eiffel Trading can guide you through the process and provide you with insights to maximize your return.When you sell pipe with Eiffel Trading, you’re not just getting a transaction; you’re leveraging years of industry experience and insight to ensure you’re getting top dollar for your material.

2. Extensive Network of Buyers

One of the key advantages of working with Eiffel Trading is their vast network of buyers and their online marketplace. The company has built strong relationships with industry players, including contractors, distributors, and manufacturers throughout North America. This broad buyer base increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer for your pipe quickly.Because Eiffel Trading has access to so many potential buyers, you’re not limited to local markets and can reach all across North America and beyond. This allows you to sell your pipe faster and at a competitive market price, all while ensuring that you don’t miss out on any profitable opportunities.

3. Efficient and Streamlined Process

Selling pipe can sometimes be a time-consuming and complicated process. Eiffel Trading simplifies this by handling all aspects of the transaction from start to finish. From material assessment to marketing, negotiations, and logistics, their team takes care of everything so you can focus on your core business.The efficient and streamlined process means you won’t have to spend valuable time seeking out buyers or dealing with the complexities of the sale. Eiffel Trading makes the entire process smooth and hassle-free, ensuring that your pipe is sold quickly and with minimal effort on your part.

4. Maximize Your Profit with Competitive Pricing

Eiffel Trading is known for its ability to secure competitive pricing in the market. Their team carefully assesses the value of the pipe you wish to sell and provides you with a realistic market price based on current demand and material condition. Whether you’re selling used or surplus pipe, Eiffel Trading’s market knowledge ensures you’re getting a fair and competitive price.Additionally, their ability to quickly connect you with potential buyers means you won’t have to worry about long waiting periods or price drops over time. Selling your pipe with Eiffel Trading ensures you get the best possible return on your materials.

5. Flexible Sales Options

Eiffel Trading offers a Broker/Buy option where you can advertise your material with them for a period of time to help maximize return, then if you have to get out of the yard or off the project easement, Eiffel Trading will come in to purchase the material at a very competitive rate. With several yards conveniently located, our trucking costs are low which allows us to offer higher rates for material purchases.

Conclusion

Selling pipe with Eiffel Trading offers a host of benefits, from expert market knowledge to an extensive buyer network and efficient processes. With their commitment to competitive pricing and flexible sales options, Eiffel Trading stands out as the ideal partner for selling your pipe.In 2020, Eiffel Trading went from solely brokering steel to a hybrid model of broker/buying the material to help customers achieve tight timelines and limit any unnecessary handling of steel beams, pipe, h-pile, sheet pile, access trestle and road plates. With a Broker and Purchase option, Eiffel Trading works to help your project maximize the value of your used assets and limits unnecessary handling or storing of materials. If you’re looking to sell pipe quickly and profitably, contact Eiffel Trading today and let their experts help you get the best return on your material.

Client Background:

A construction company reached out to Eiffel Trading in 2021 with an urgent need to sell 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling at varying lengths from 35’-55’ which equated to just north of 500,000lbs of steel. They were in a time crunch, with a deadline of only two weeks to sell the material. These used sheet piles were part of a larger project decommissioning, and the company needed to quickly liquidate the material to recover costs to finalize their project’s demobilization. The client was seeking a reliable, experienced broker and steel buyer who could help them sell sheet pile efficiently while helping them maximize the value of their used assets.

Challenge:

The challenge was multifaceted. First, the client had a strict two-week timeline to sell the 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling that had a wide range of lengths. With limited market exposure and no existing buyers lined up, they needed a broker with a robust network and the ability to sell the material quickly. Secondly, if the material didn’t sell they would be forced to either scrap the material for a fraction of the used market value or double-handle the material and send it to a storage yard.Given the urgency of the sale, the client turned to Eiffel Trading, a trusted leader in the used sheet pile market with a history of successful transactions. The goal was to sell 135 pairs of PZ-27 sheet piling in a short window, while ensuring the client maximized their return on the material.

Solution: Eiffel Trading’s Expertise in Selling Sheet Pile

Eiffel Trading’s first step was to evaluate the material and determine a competitive pricing strategy. The team used their extensive network and market knowledge to identify potential buyers for the used sheet piling. To help meet the two-week timeline, Eiffel Trading took a dual approach: brokering part of the material at market rates and purchasing the remaining material outright.Eiffel Trading successfully brokered 65 pairs of PZ-27 sheet piling, netting the contractor a market rate of $0.55 per pound which translated into roughly $160,000. This approach allowed the client to start recouping funds immediately, and the transaction was completed quickly due to Eiffel Trading’s marketplace and database filled with buyers. The remaining 70 pairs of sheet piling, while still valuable, required a different approach.To ensure the client met their goal of selling all 135 pairs within the two-week deadline, Eiffel Trading purchased the balance of the material at a rate of $0.30 per pound which translated into roughly $70,000.00. This strategy helped to close the gap, guaranteeing that the client met their timeline while also securing the necessary inventory to fulfill the entire order.

Results: Meeting the Client’s Timeline and Maximizing Value

Within the two-week timeframe, Eiffel Trading successfully sold 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling. The client received fair market value for the 65 pairs sold at the brokered price of $0.55 per pound, while Eiffel Trading purchased the remaining material at $0.30 per pound to close the deal. This dual approach ensured that the client achieved their goal of selling all the material quickly and efficiently.The client was able to quickly liquidate the sheet piling, recovering costs and get off of the easement in time. While also increasing their scrap budget line item from an anticipated recovery cost of $40,000 to over $230,000 thanks to Eiffel Trading.

Conclusion:

This case study illustrates how Eiffel Trading’s ability to broker and purchase used sheet piling can help clients sell material quickly, even under tight deadlines. By leveraging their marketplace, knowledge and strong buyer relationships, Eiffel Trading was able to help the client meet their timeline and maximize the return on their used PZ-27 sheet piling.In 2020, Eiffel Trading went from solely brokering steel to a hybrid model of broker/buying the material to help customers achieve tight timelines and limit any unnecessary handling of steel beams, pipe, h-pile, sheet pile, access trestle and road plates. With a Broker and Purchase option, Eiffel Trading works to help your project maximize the value of your used assets and limits unnecessary handling or storing of materials. If you’re looking to sell sheet pile or other steel construction materials, Eiffel Trading’s team of experts is ready to help you achieve the best results for your project.

Last night, our team successfully delivered the final truckload of a 507-truck precast barrier wall movement! With TXDOT f-shape barriers weighing in right under 14,000 pounds per piece, we moved exactly 45,540LF in 25 working days over a 12-week time frame.Our team encountered a myriad of challenges while navigating this movement including lane closures, live night loading with daytime delivery, multiple pickup and delivery locations, and much more.Behind the scenes, Eiffel Trading account managers Caleigh Cooper & Lexie Dwiggins kept things rolling with hundreds of shipping tickets, multiple spreadsheets, and near-constant communication with all involved parties!Caleigh Cooper said that “working along side my team on this project has been a great experience. Our dedication, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure made all the difference as we navigated the many challenges. I truly appreciate Lexie’s partnership and the way we’ve been able to support each other throughout this sale.”This accomplishment would not be possible without the help of carrier representative Judith Juarez from our freight partner, Inca Freight (https://incafreight.com/) ! Judith took on the night shifts (literally!) to provide critical support to the drivers and give important updates to the customers.“I am grateful to be a part of the team tackling our largest barrier wall movement to date. I loved being able to grow professionally through learning how to tackle challenges related to moving barrier from one job site to another during live night time lane closure load outs! I couldn't have made it through this journey without the support of Caleigh and all of our late night problem solving sessions. It was a pleasure being able to work with Pilar and Judith on this run. Here’s to teamwork, resilience, and pushing through together!” said Lexie Dwiggins of Eiffel Trading.Thank you to our customers for entrusting us with this undertaking. We are excited and ready to take on the next big challenge, so bring it on!P.S.: Check out a few action shots below, taken by our drivers:

WVDOT barriers are usually constructed from concrete reinforced with steel, and they’re used to direct traffic, reduce speeds within construction zones, and shield motorists, pedestrians, and workers from potential dangers. In this article, we are specifically discussing precast temporary concrete barriers designed for use on WVDOT projects!If you’re planning to sell your used WVDOT barriers, not all selling platforms will give you the same results. Here, we outline why you’ll make more money with less hassle when you sell your precast WVDOT barrier wall through Eiffel Trading’s marketplace as opposed to global online marketplaces, through brokers, or at auction.

1. Eiffel Trading is free for sellers.

When you sell your temporary WVDOT barriers through Eiffel Trading, you’ll earn more money than if you’d used other platforms like global online marketplaces, brokers, or auctions. This is because unlike other avenues, we never charge a listing fee, commission fee, or membership fee. Furthermore, we offer sellers access to our extensive online marketplace and enhanced search tools, allowing you to attract the attention of many potential buyers. This can drive up the value of your materials and lead to a faster sale.

2. Eiffel Trading offers an active marketplace of interested buyers in West Virginia.

At Eiffel Trading, we understand the demand for WVDOT barrier walls is specific to West Virginia. Using this knowledge, our platform sorts barrier walls by region, making it easy for you to connect with local buyers and increasing your likelihood of making a successful sale. New contractors enter our platform daily, meaning there are always potential buyers searching for WVDOT barrier walls in West Virginia.

3. Listing WVDOT barrier walls on Eiffel Trading requires no obligation.

Unlike other platforms that may require fees or contracts, Eiffel Trading allows you to list your WVDOT barriers easily with no fees & no obligation. Creating a new listing is as simple as filling out an online form, and if you change your mind or sell the barrier elsewhere, you can edit or remove your barrier listing any time.

4. Listing WVDOT barrier walls on Eiffel Trading is easy.

Our simple, straightforward system allows you to list your WVDOT barriers quickly and easily. Unlike other platforms that require time and money to create a listing, Eiffel Trading is designed to make the selling process hassle free.

5. Eiffel Trading allows you to name your price for WVDOT barrier walls.

Unfortunately, sellers don’t always get to name the price for their materials. For example, if you choose to sell your used WVDOT barriers at auction, the price is determined by the highest bidder, whether or not that bid reflects the fair market value. Conversely, when you list your WVDOT barrier wall for sale on Eiffel Trading, you can set your own price and only accept an offer that meets your expectations.

6. Selling used precast WVDOT barriers through Eiffel Trading is a sustainable choice.

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace facilitates the reuse of materials such as WVDOT barrier walls, which reduces the need to manufacture new products and ensures functional materials don’t go to waste. Furthermore, selling used WVDOT barrier walls on our platform gives other contractors the opportunity to buy the material they need without having to pay full price. When you sell WVDOT barriers through Eiffel Trading, you’re making a sustainable choice.

7. Eiffel Trading enables you to sell your other unneeded materials alongside your barrier wall.

Rather than crushing unneeded materials or letting them sit in a yard, give them a second life by offering them for sale. Our online marketplace streamlines the process of selling secondary materials, making it easy to earn money from your excess tools, equipment, and scraps. We include this feature as an intuitive way to unload excess materials while you’re already selling your barrier wall on our platform. Selling secondary materials on Eiffel Trading not only generates extra income for you, but it also promotes sustainability and reduces waste.Instead of relying on word of mouth, auctions, ads, brokers or other inefficient selling strategies, you can reach a large audience of potential buyers with just a few clicks on Eiffel Trading. If you need assistance creating your listing, our team is standing by 24/7/365. To get started, call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com..

A huge benefit of buying used sheet pile is the exorbitant amount of money saved when compared to brand new sheets. But, what happens when the section that you need is not readily available on the Eiffel Trading market? You alternate!Listed below are the most common alternatives that we observe from our customers:We have a broad inventory of available sheet pile options across North America! Our team is ready to assist you with finding the best option for your next project. For more information on anything in this article, please contact 800-541-7998 or sales@eiffeltrading.com.Note: We are not engineers and this should not be used as engineering data, please consult with a licensed professional engineer for all of your sheet pile design needs.

PZ-27, PZC-18, AZ19-700, ZZ19-700, ESZ19-700, & NZ19 Comparable Sections

The PZ-27 sheet pile is kind of like the godfather of sheet piling – all piling contractors know it and are comfortable with the performance. However, on the used steel market, used PZ-27 sheets are very hard to come by. Over the course of Eiffel Trading’s 10+ year existence, we’ve sold the PZ-27 and PZC-18 almost as fast as we could get them listed, most never even making it on the site. So, we have come up with a list that most engineers have allowed to substitute when your initial design calls for a PZ-27.

PZ-27 vs. PZC-18

The PZ-27 sheet pile is 36” or 3’ wide per pair with an elastic section modulus of 30.2. The PZC-18 is a wider section at 50” or 4’-2” per pair with a section modulus of 33.5. These two sections are the most commonly sought-after sheet pile sections we know. They’re both great at performance and some folks will say the PZ-27 is more durable for repetitive driving, but you also get more wall footage with the PZC-18 to increase production. Either way, you cannot go wrong with either of these ball and socket sheet piles. In our comparison, these are the only sections that have the same ball and socket interlocks. Both sections are, as of this writing, melted and manufactured in the USA for the Buy-America Act.

PZ-27 vs. AZ19-700

The PZ-27 as mentioned above is a ball and socket interlock, when compared to the AZ19-700 with a larssen interlock. The AZ19-700 has a section modulus of 34.8 compared to the PZ-27’s section modulus of 30.2. The AZ19-700 pair is 4.59’ compared to the PZ-27 at 3’. When it comes down to comparing these sheets, you get more production out of the wider AZ19-700 on a driving per pair basis, however, the PZ-27 has the coveted ball and socket interlock. The AZ19-700 is imported from Europe where the PZ-27 in melted and manufactured in the USA for the Buy-America Act.

PZ-27 vs. ZZ19-700

ZZ19-700 is a Chinese made sheet pile with a larssen interlock. The ZZ19-700 very similar to the previously mentioned AZ19-700 in respect to width of 4.59’ per pair with a section modulus slightly higher of 34.97. Comparing it to the USA melted and manufactured PZ-27 at 3’ per pair and 30.2 section modulus. Prior to the Trump administration’s tariff on China, the ZZ brand of Chinese sheet pile had made a big dent in the USA market, but has slowed its progression since. You will still find the ZZ19-700 and other sizes around the used market and folks say they’re great sheets.

PZ-27 vs. ESZ19-700

Similar to the ZZ19-700 and the AZ19-700 without product data and mill stamps, it’s difficult to tell the ESZ19-700 apart from their counterparts. The pair of ESZ19-700 is 4.59’ per pair with a section modulus of 34.875, with larssen interlocks. Against the PZ-27 3’ wide per pair and section modulus of 30.2. You get the production gains of driving more wall feet per pair vs. a PZ-27, but some people still prefer the USA made ball and socket section. The ESZ19-700 is manufactured in the UAE and imported to the USA.

PZ-27 vs. NZ19

On this comparison, we are talking siblings or maybe cousins, since they’re both produced by Nucor in the USA. The NZ19 is a larssen interlock sheet pile with a section modulus of 35.08 and a width per pair of 4.59’. If you haven’t memorized it yet, the PZ-27 section modulus is 30.2 and is 3’ wide per pair with the ball and socket interlock. The primary difference in the sheets other than all the data is the interlock, but importantly for the Buy-America Act projects – M&M in the USA.

Final Thoughts

I’ve mentioned a lot of praise for the ball and socket interlock in this comparison, however, this is just because a lot of the customers we serve look for that type. The Larssen interlock is more common on a global level and some have said more water-tight than the ball and socket. That is an ongoing debate – there’s even a group of people that believe cold-formed are best for water applications. What I’ve found is it is all a matter of preference for whoever is doing the work. If that person is happy – you have a higher chance of having a successful project.In summary – all of the above-mentioned sheet piles options are great products and when it comes to the used market, it is all about flexibility and availability. We may have the PZ-27 you covet in the pacific northwest and you need them in the Florida Keys. That’s why we put this sheet together to be a guide to help show our customers the other types of sheet pile sections available when you can’t find the exact one your engineer has designed.We have a huge inventory of sheet pile throughout North America and would be happy to help your project source or liquidate any sheets or steel. In addition to acting as a Broker, Eiffel Trading will come in to purchase all the steel you have on your project to get it out of your way and let you focus on finishing the project strong. For more information on anything in this article, please call or text us at 800-541-7998 or send an email to sales@eiffeltrading.com.- Andrew Norman, PresidentNote: We are not engineers and this should not be used as engineering data, please consult with a licensed professional engineer for all of your sheet pile design needs.