SHEET PILING
Steel sheet piling is used in many types of temporary works and permanent structures. The sections are designed to provide the maximum strength and durability at the lowest possible weight consistent with good driving qualities. The design of the section interlocks facilitates pitching and driving and results in a continuous wall with a series of closely fitting joints.
A comprehensive range of sections in both Z and U forms with a wide range of sizes and weights is obtainable in various different grades of steel which enables the most economic choice to be made to suit the nature and requirements of any given contract.
SHEET PILING PROFILES
The advantages of U-shaped piles are multiple:
* wide range of sections forming several series with various geometrical characteristics, enabling the choice of technically and economically optimised sections for each specific project
* combination of great wave depth and high flange thickness leading to excellent statical properties
* symmetrical form of single elements resulting in great aptitude for re-use
* possibility of assembling and fixing piles into pairs at the mill providing better installation quality and performance
Among the essential characteristics of Z-shaped sheet piles are the continuous form of the web and the specific location of the interlock symmetrically on both sides of the neutral axis. These two attributes have a positive influence on the section modulus. The AZ series combines a section with extraordinary characteristics with the quality-proven Larssen interlock. Z-shaped sheet piles present the following advantages:
* extremely competitive section modulus/mass relation
* increased inertia and thus reduced deflection allowing the choice of high yield strength steel grades for the most economical solution
* large width resulting in high installation performance
TYPICAL USES
Steel sheet piling has traditionally been used for the support and protection of river banks, lock and sluice construction, and flood protection. Ease of use, length of life and the ability to be driven through water make piles the obvious choice.
PORTS AND HARBOURS
Steel sheet piling is a tried and tested material to construct quay walls speedily and economically. Steel sheet piles can be designed to cater for heavy vertical loads and large bending moments.
BRIDGE ABUTMENTS
Abutments formed from sheet piles are most cost effective in situations when a piled foundation is required to support the bridge or where speed of construction is critical. Sheet piling can act as both foundation and abutment and can be driven in a single operation, requiring a minimum of space and time for construction.
ROAD WIDENING RETAINING WALLS
Key requirements in road widening include minimized land take and speed of construction – particularly in lane rental situations. Steel sheet piling provides these and eliminates the need for soil excavation and disposal.
UNDERGROUND CAR PARKS
One specific form of basement where steel sheet piling has been found to be particularly effective is for the creation of underground car parks. The fact that steel sheet piles can be driven tight against the boundaries of the site and the wall itself has minimum thickness means that the area available for cars is maximised and the cost per bay is minimised.
TEMPORARY WORKS
For construction projects where a supported excavation is required, steel sheet piling should be the first choice. The fundamental properties of strength and ease of use – which steel offers – are fully utilised in temporary works. The ability to extract and re-use sheet piles makes them an effective design solution. However, significant cost reductions and programme savings can be achieved by designing the temporary sheet pile structure as the permanent works.
