stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
(OP)
Dear Fellow Engineers,
Regarding the subject above, I was assigned to evaluate the stability of an existing waterfront sheet pile wall.
I've done some research on previous cases and notice that it is a common practice to recommend for the following parameters used in the stability calculation :
1.) "Passive thrust in front of the sheet pile" value used for analysis is REDUCED by a factor of ~ 1.5
2.) "Penetration depth of the sheet pile below dredged level" used in the analysis is REDUCED with a a factor of ~ 1.2 from the actual depth
I will appreciate if fellow engineers could share their opinion on the rationale behind the above recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your valuable opinions.





RE: stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
RE: stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
If you divide the passive coefficient by 1.5, you will increase the bending moment, brace load, and sheet pile length. Most references use the full passive earth pressure coefficient and then multiply the calculated embedment depth by at least 1.2. This way, you increase the passive resistance without increasing the wall's bending moment or brace load. Both design approaches work; one is more expensive and conservative.
www.PeirceEngineering.com
RE: stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
A better method might be to estimate the scour depth and reduce the passive thrust to account for a calculated depth. Then apply a safety factor.
RE: stability evaluation of existing waterfront sheet pile wall
www.PeirceEngineering.com