The transfer matrix method applied to steel sheet pile walls

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes two subgrade reaction models for the analysis of steel sheet pile walls based on the transfer matrix method. In the first model a plastic hinge is generated when the maximum moment in the retaining structure is exceeded. The second model deals with a beam with an asymmetrical cross‐section that can bend in two directions.In the first part of this paper the transfer matrix method is explained on the basis of a simple example. Further the development of two computer models is described: Plaswall and Skewwall.The second part of this paper deals with an application of both models. In the application of Plaswall the effect of four current earth pressure theories to the subgrade reaction method is compared to a finite element calculation. It is shown that the earth pressure theory is of major importance on the calculation result of a sheet pile wall both with and without a plastic hinge.In the application of Skewwall the effectiveness of structural measures to reduce oblique bending is investigated. The results are compared to a 3D finite element calculation. It is shown that with simple structural measures the loss of structural resistance due to oblique bending can be reduced. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.