Sheet Pile Connection Element with Angled Interlock Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combination sheet pile walls used in coastal sections, particularly in arctic areas, face failure due to extreme forces from pack ice, as existing interlocking profiles do not provide sufficient support to sheet pile interlocks, leading to frequent breakage at the transition between the sheet pile and the hook-shaped bent end.
Innovation Solution
A connection element with an interlocking profile that features two support surfaces, one parallel to the sheet pile direction and another angled between 40 to 50 degrees, providing uniform and large-area support to the sheet pile interlock, along with a support strip that protects the interlock from external influences, ensuring effective support and movability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional interlocking profile is used to connect sheet piles to carrier elements, then the structure can be assembled, but the sheet pile interlocks break frequently under extreme pack ice forces
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking profile is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first support surface for initial engagement, a second support surface at an angle for lateral force distribution, and a support strip for additional protection. This segmentation allows each zone to handle specific stress components, preventing concentration of forces at a single weak point and thereby improving interlock durability under pack ice conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third dimension to the support structure by adding a support strip that extends perpendicular to the main interlocking plane. This creates a three-dimensional support system rather than a flat two-dimensional connection, allowing forces to be distributed across multiple planes and significantly enhancing resistance to pack ice forces.
2Strength
If the interlocking profile provides rigid support to prevent movement, then connection strength improves, but the sheet pile interlock cannot make evasive movements to avoid breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking profile incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing controlled movement of the sheet pile interlock within the engagement zone. The angled second support surface and support strip create a mechanism that permits limited displacement while maintaining connection integrity, enabling the interlock to make evasive movements during ice impact while still providing strong connection under normal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection element for connecting a sheet pile to a carrier element, with a base strip (16) to be fastened to a carrier element (14), is provided with an interlock profile (20) for engaging the sheet pile (14). The interlock profile (20) exhibits a lock chamber (28) that is defined by the base strip (16), a support strip (24) that protrudes from the base strip (16) and a hook strip (26) that protrudes from the base strip (16), whereby the hook strip (16) exhibits a straight extending transition section (32) protruding from the base strip (16) and a hook section (34) that follows said transition section and points in the direction of the support strip (34). The hook section exhibits a first support surface (26) that faces an inner surface (30) of the support strip (24), whereby the first support surface (36) and at least that section of the inner surface (30) of the support strip (24) that directly faces the first support surface (26) are located in parallel converging planes (E1, E2) and together define the jaw (42) of the lock chamber (28). The first support surface (36) transitions under an acute angle (α) into a second support surface (38) that defines the lock chamber (28).