Graphical Solution for Sheet Pile Embedment

Abstract

An arbitrary depth is assumed for the sheet pile. The lateral forces on both sides of the pile are equalized graphically which satisfies one equation of equilibrium. The moment equation is not satisfied which produces residual moment. Such residual moment is calculated for three different depths and plotted against the assumed depths. The right depth is obtained at zero residual moment from the graph. This method is much simpler than the conventional method and yields results which are just as accurate. It has even a greater appeal in the assumption of nonlinearity of soil lateral pressure, for which none of the known methods—Conventional Method, Blume Method, Free Earth Support Method and Fixed Earth Support Method—offer any solution.