Sheet piles[1]​ or board piles constitute a type of screen "Screen (containment structure)"), or flexible containment structure, commonly used in civil engineering.

They are made up of prefabricated elements. These prefabricated elements are usually made of steel, although there are also concrete, vinyl, aluminum or FRP Composite. Concrete sheet piles should not be confused with prefabricated concrete panel screens, which are usually larger in size.

The prefabricated elements that make up the sheet piles are driven into the ground by vibration. Although it is very rare, they are sometimes also driven into the ground by hitting.

They have meetings with each other, with two missions:

Since the elements are placed by driving, they must have dimensions (including thickness") that are small enough to facilitate driving. But they must also have a minimum resistance. This is why steel is used, with rare exceptions.

Small thicknesses can cause the metal panels or plates that make up the sheet piles to buckle or bend. To avoid this, the section is warped, giving them greater inertia.

Typical sections are 'Z' or 'U'.

The placement of several of these elements, maintaining a confined center for their function as piles, called "Larsen piles"), is usually used.