Z Type Sheet Piles vs U Type Sheet Piles: Advantages and Types

 Sheet piles are produced in different cross-sections and material specifications. The type of sheet pile section to be used depends on several factors.

 

The main design factors include subsurface conditions, the type and depth of the soil to be retained, the amount of overload at the top of the retained edge, seismic activity and the design life of the wall. Other factors include the type of environment in which the sheet piles will be installed and whether the environment is highly corrosive.

 

Z-shaped hot rolled sheet piles

Z profile hot rolled sheet piles are usually referred to as AZ sheet piles, PZ sheet piles, PZC sheet piles OZ sheet piles etc. Because competition for Z profiles is not as fierce as for U profiles, the price of Z profiles is usually higher than U profiles, although the rolling costs are approximately the same. Many sheet pile manufacturers and suppliers are unaware of the difference between hot rolled sheet piles and Larsen sheet piles. Any section with a Larsen lock can be called a Larsen sheet pile. Larsen is the name of the man who invented the Larsen interlock. So all British sheet piles, European sheet piles and steel sheet piles can be referred to as Larsen sheet piles.

 

Z Type Sheet Piles

Standing like the letter Z, the Z-shaped sheet pile is a long structural section with a vertical interlocking system that will form a continuous wall of sheet piles. The capacity of a sheet pile profile depends on the modulus of the section, the grade of steel and the soil and ground it is driven on.

 

Z-Sheet Piles Manufactured in a zigzag pattern and usually driven in crimped or welded double-driven form, Z-Sheet Piles are more widely used than U-Sheet Piles in port construction and deep foundations because Z-Sheets can have a greater modulus and can be used as intermediate piles in tubular and HZ combination walls.

 

In general, Z-shaped sheet piles have the following advantages.

 

The weight per square metre of a Z-shaped sheet pile is always less than that of a U-shaped sheet pile for similar section modulus.

 

They can be used as infill piles together with steel tubes and H-beams and are usually used to obtain very high moduli.

 

U Type Sheet Pile

U-shaped sheet piles are U-shaped sections interlocked on both sides to form a continuous wall with its centre line in the middle of a double U-section wall.U-shaped sheet piles can be stacked more stably than any other shape and can therefore be used for both permanent and temporary projects.100 Millions of tonnes of U-shaped hot-rolled sheet piles have been used in various structures around the world for many years.U-shaped sheet piles are traditional, especially in Aisa.

 

The advantages of U-shaped piles

The wide range of sections forms multiple series with various geometrical features, allowing the selection of a technically and economically optimised section for each specific project. Our regular stock of U-shaped hot-rolled sheet piles exceeds 80,000 tonnes.

 

The combination of large wave depths and high flange thicknesses provides excellent hydrostatic properties.

Individual elements in symmetrical form and therefore with good reusability

Piles can be assembled and fixed in pairs at the factory, providing better installation quality and performance.

 

U Type Sheet Pile

U-shaped hot rolled sheet piles are available as single, double or triple piles. Double and triple piles are usually supplied as crimped sheet piles. Threaded double driven stakes are recommended to facilitate the installation process. Single piles may bend around a weak shaft when driven. Crimped sheet piles, on the other hand, are easier to drive in and pull out.

 

U type hot rolled sheet piles can also be formed into box piles. Two U-shaped sheet piles form a double U-shaped sheet pile, e.g. CAU double box pile, CU double sheet pile, CPU-R double sheet pile, CGU double sheet pile. Three U-shaped sheet piles form a triple U-box pile, e.g. CAU triple box sheet pile, CU triple box sheet pile, CPU-R box pile. Four U-shaped sheet piles form a quadruple box pile.

 

If you want to learn more about sheet piles and its design and application, you may get in touch with Jiasheng today. We are always happy to help you.

The source is from here.