A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

A Self-Learning Manual
Mastering Different Fields of Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU
operation. Hence, the cost of installation can be reduced accordingly.
However, consideration should also be given to the drivability of steel
sections. The larger the surface area of piling sections, the higher the
driving force is required. Therefore, the drivability of wide sheetpiles
appears to be lower than that of narrow sheetpiles.
9. What is the difference of the following types of sheetpiles (Z-type,
U-type, flat web and Pan-type)? (S4)
Z-type: The interlocks are situated as far away from the neutral axis as
possible to facilitate good shear transfer and to enhance higher strength to
weight ratio. This is the most common type of sheetpiles used in many
countries.
U-type: U-type sheetpiles perform in similar manner as Z-type sheetpiles.
The major difference between them lies on the location of interlocks. For
U-type sheetpiles, the interlocks are located at neutral axis which reduces
the efficiency of the section. The properties of U-type shall be decreased
owing to the problem of shear transmission.
Flat web: The mechanism in resisting load differs from other types of
sheetpiles. Flat web are usually installed in circles and the sheetpiles are
held together by tensile strength of the interlock.
Pan-type: Pan-type sheetpiles are smaller in size than most other
sheetpiles. Owing to their smaller size, they are commonly used for
resisting short and light loaded structures.
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