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Common Issues and Solutions in Steel Sheet Pile Construction

Leakage and Sand Boiling

1) Phenomenon:

During excavation, leakage is observed at steel sheet pile joints and corners, sometimes accompanied by sand boiling.

2) Cause Analysis:

  • A. Old or poorly maintained Larssen sheet piles may have misaligned interlocks, leading to water seepage.

  • B. Corner piles, often cut and welded for closure, may deform, compromising watertightness.

  • C. Improper interlock alignment during installation creates gaps.

  • D. Excessive vertical deviation in piles causes interlock leakage.

3) Preventive Measures:

  • Correct old piles using hydraulic jacks or heat straightening before installation.

  • Use guide frames to ensure vertical driving and alignment.

  • Install clamping plates to prevent interlock displacement.

  • For closure difficulties:

    • Use specially shaped corner piles (challenging).

    • Apply the axis closure method (preferred).

Steel Sheet Pile Tilting

1) Phenomenon:

Excavation near piles causes tilting, ground cracks, and base heaving.

2) Cause Analysis:

  • A. In soft soil, insufficient embedded depth leads to ground settlement and heaving (piping effect).

  • B. Heavy equipment near piles increases lateral soil pressure.

3) Solutions:

  • Calculate required embedment depth per JGJ 120—1999 Technical Specification for Retaining and Protection of Building Foundation Excavations.

  • Prohibit heavy machinery near unsupported excavation edges. If unavoidable, include loads in design calculations.

  • Combine with compaction grouting at the base for waterproofing (thickness varies with soil type).

  • Grout corner joints (3–4 injections) to prevent sand flow.

  • Use well-point dewatering for high water tables.

Pile “Drag-Down” (Co-Sinking)

1) Phenomenon:

Newly driven piles cause adjacent installed piles to sink.

2) Cause Analysis:

Bent or tilted piles increase interlock friction, pulling neighboring piles deeper.

3) Solutions:

  • Correct tilt immediately during driving.

  • Weld temporary angle braces to stabilize affected piles.

Quality Control Standards

  1. Material Compliance: Piles must meet design and manufacturer specifications.

  2. Installation Accuracy:

    • Elevation and joint treatments per design.

    • Installation/removal aligned with design load conditions.

  3. Tolerances:

    • Position deviation: ≤50mm (both axes).

    • Verticality: ≤0.5%.

    • Elevation: ±30mm.

    • Piles must fit tightly against soil.

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