Experimental Study on Indentation Behavior of U-Type Section Steel Piling

Abstract

Steel sheet piles are known for their straightforward assembly and construction, making them a popular choice that is often repurposed for other building projects once disassembled. Regarding the re-use of these steel sheet piles, understanding their behavior during penetration into the soil becomes pivotal. This study focuses on assessing the potential reusability of steel sheet piles as they penetrate into the soil. A laboratory-scale experiment involving the insertion of a steel sheet pile into a sand-filled tank was conducted. The experimental variables were the relative density of the soil, length of the steel sheet pile, and penetration method. The behavior of the sheet pile was analyzed, including the force-insertion length relationship and the strain of deformation occurring locally in the sheet pile. The results indicated that higher relative soil densities led to increased strain within the sheet pile. The strain values remained within the elastic range during the experiment. Notably, when interpenetrating the steel pile with a coupling mating joint test specimen, the strain showed an inverted mountain-shaped distribution within the interlock. © 2024, Korean Society of Steel Construction.