The APE Product Review
Product Name	EcoZ Plastic Piling
Product Group	Budget Plastic Piling
Material	Co extruded recycled PVC
Description	A light weight Z pile, based upon the original plastic piles produced in the UK, can be used in two configurations a fact unique to plastic piling, the Z rib where all piles are in the same direction, and the more convention format for a Z pile the Box rib, whereby an enlarged U is created by alternating the Z piles.  The Z rib creates the greatest coverage, will the box rib having a deeper section depth provide greater strength.
Max Angle of Rotation	12 degrees in Z rib, 15 degrees in Box rib
Best Features	The Z profile is favoured amongst engineers as it maximises the strength (box rib) of a light gauge profile.  Once installed the interlocks located as far from the neutral axis as possible.
Cost	Cheap
Strength	Low in z rib, moderate in Box rib
Drivability	Lengths of up to 3 metres have been driven with impact and vibratory hammers.  It is rare for long lengths to be employed even when installed in a trench.
Typical length used	1,2,3m
Interlock pull out resistance	The EcoZ features a second generation interlock compared to the original plastic Z piles, and so exhibits much high pull out resistance.  Although compared to heavier duty products, it is still relatively light gauge.
Stiffness	Quite flexible
Durability	Quite resilient to impact damage, with all the standard properties of PVC
Types of application	Low load applications, such as ditch blocking, erosion control, pond edging, low retaining walls.