What kind of pressure is intended when using sheet pile?

When using sheet pile, the intended pressure is primarily horizontal pressure. Sheet piles are often used in construction to create retaining walls and are designed to resist lateral forces from soil, water, or other materials. Their primary function is to provide support against earth and hydrostatic pressures acting sideways, making horizontal pressure the key consideration in their structural design.

This application is crucial, especially in settings where excavation occurs near bodies of water, or in unstable soil conditions. The horizontal pressure acts on the walls of the sheet pile, preventing soil from collapsing into an excavation or avoiding the inflow of water. The physical shape and interlocks of the sheets help distribute this force along their length, ensuring that they can withstand significant horizontal loads.

Understanding the role of horizontal pressure in this context aids in the effective design and implementation of sheet pile systems in construction projects.