5.

5 Proble ms
Example 5.1: Determine the depth of embedment for the sheet-piling shown in Fig Ex.5.1 by
rigorous analysis. Determine also the minimum section modulus. Assume an allowable flexural
stress fb = 170 MN/m2 . The soil has an effective unit weight of 16 kN/m3 and angle of internal
friction of 30°.
Solution:
For  =300 , K A= tan2 (450-  /2) = 1/3, K P =1/K A=3

Fig Ex.5.1a
The assumed pressure distribution along the pile is shown in figure below.
 Fig Ex.5.1b

Pa= γHK A= 16 5.5) =29.33 kN/m2

y0 = Depth of point ‘O’ from the dredge line, where active and passive pressure are equal.

=> y0 = 0.686 m

= 0.5 29.33 5.5+0.5 29.33 0.686=90.717 kN/m

So, Pa = 90.717 kN/m, let’s assume it to be 91 kN/m.

= 16 D 2.67-29.33=42.72D-29.33 kN/m2

= 16 5.5 3+16 D 2.67=264+42.72D kN/m2

= 16 5.5 3+16 0.686 2.67=293.3 kN/m2

 =0.5 29.33 5.5 (1.83+0.686) +0.5 29.33 0.6862 2/3=207.53

= 207.53/91=2.280m
Now, D0 can be found out from the equation,

C1 =6.865, C2 = -17.04, C3 = -146.029, C4 =-218.217

Substituting the values, D0 = 4.385 m

So, Depth of Embededment

D=D0 +y0 = 4.835+0.686=5.521 m

For design aspect, increasing D by 40%, D=7.73 m

Example 5.2: Figure shows freestanding sheet pile penetrating clay. Determine the depth of
penetration. Given: H = 6 m, P = 50 kN/m, and qu = 35 kN/m2 .
 Fig Ex.5.2

= 2 35=70 kN/m2
For a free standing cantilever sheet pile wall penetrating clay;
C1 D2 +C2 D+C3 =0
C1 = 2qu= 70, C2 = -2P= -100,

= -1871.428
Substituting the values;
70D2 -100D-1871.428=0
 D=5.933 m
For design aspect, increasing D by 40%, D=8.31m

Example 5.3: Determine the depth of embedment and the force in the tie rod of the anchored
bulkhead shown in figure below. The backfill above and below the dredge line is sand, having
the following properties
Gs = 2.65, γsat = 17 kN/m3 , γd= 14 kN/m3 and  = 35°
Solve the problem by the free-earth support method. Assume the backfill above the water table
remains dry.
 Fig Ex.5.3a

Solution:
Assume the soil above the water table is dry

For  = 350 , K A = 0.271, KP = 3.69

K= KP - KA = 3.69-0.271= 3.419

γb = γsat – γw = 17-9.81= 7.19 kN/m3

where, γw = 9.81 kN/m3

The pressure distribution along the bulkhead is as shown in figure below.

p1 =γdh1 KA= 14 2.5 0.271= 9.485 kN/m2 at GW Level

pa= p1 + γbh2 KA= 9.485+ 7.19 3.5 0.271=16.304 kN/m2 at dredge line level
 y0 = pa/ (γb K) = 16.304/(7.19 3.419)= 0.663 m

Pa = 0.5 p1 h1 +p1 h2 +0.5 (pa-p1 ) h2 +0.5 pa y0 = 60.13 kN/m of the wall

Fig Ex.5.3b

To find y, taking moments about ‘O’

60.13 y = 0.5 9.485 2.5(0.83+3+0.663) + 9.485 3.5(1.75+0.663) + 0.5(16.304-

9.485) 3.5(1.167+0.663) + 0.5 16.304 0.663(2/3)0.663

=>y = 2.621 m

Hence, ya = 5+0.663-2.621= 3.042 m

Now, PP = 0.5 γb K D0 2 = 0.5 7.19 3.419 D0 2 =12.29 D0 2

And its distance from the anchor rod is;

h4 = h3 + y0 + 2/3 D0 = 5+0.663+ 0.67 D0 =5.663+0.67 D0

Now taking the moment of the forces about the tie rod,

Pa ya = Pp h4

 60.13 3.042 = 12.29 D0 2 (5.663+0.67 D0 )

 69.598 D0 3 + 8.23 D0 2 – 182.915 = 0
Solving the equation, we find
D0 = 1.341 m
D = y0 + D0 = 1.341 + 0.663 = 2.004 m
D Design = 2.004 1.4 = 2.8056 m
For finding the tension in the tie rod,
Pa - Pp - Ta= 0
Therefore, Ta = Pa- Pp = 60.13 – 12.29(1.341)2 = 38.029 kN/m of wall for the calculated depth
D0 .