Do you know the width of a soccer field?

“Do you know the width of a soccer field?” I was taken aback by this manager’s question. First day of my new job, intro chats with many people. They talked about steel, steel and steel. It sounded abstract to me.

“So, do you know the width of a soccer field?!” By the time I could figure out a reply he was on the phone again. To keep me busy he passed me some ‘toys’. Tiny pieces of steel in Z- and U-shape, with a little hook at the end.

He hang up.

“These are sheet piles. 40 meters of soil or water; that’s what these enormous things can hold!” pointing at my toys.

Not sure about the spelling of this product, I did not take any notes.

“Look how these interlocks perfectly slide into each other. Like a rescue team they hold hands, making a water tight wall!” he continued. “Can you imagine my life? Looking for ships and trucks to transport those all over the world? Can you imagine the size of hammers you need to drive them deep into the ground?” he said excitedly.

“They are used for the BIG projects. Projects for the history books. Dry docks, dams, and river diversions. They protect us from hurricanes, flooding and landslides.”

“OK, that’s it I guess” he said. “If you have any questions, come and see me again. I am the sheet pile guy, remember”.

I walked out of his office and smiled. Yes, I will remember this.”

Author: Lynn Robbroeckx, Media Relations