Do anchored sheet pile walls need whalers? 1

[MIKE_311]

I have been asked to design a whaler for a sheet pile wall. The anchors need to be spaced at 4ft max. The sheet pile wall is a PZ22. If the anchors are spaced at 3'-8" there would be an anchor at every peak (or valley) of each sheet pile section, essentially the anchors would be right next to one of the knuckles on each sheet.

I don't see a need for a whaler.

Is there some other reason why one would need a whalers if there will be an anchors on each section. Say for constructability?

 

[PEinc]

I don't know your tieback anchor design load but, without a waler to apply the tieback force evenly to each SSP double, you risk the SSP being pushed out of a straight alignment. If you can, use half as many tieback anchors with twice the DL at twice the spacing but with a waler. Walers are cheaper than tieback anchors. If you are using helical tieback anchors, you will need to cut large holes through the SSP which could affect the SSP value or your ability to reuse the sheets in the future. The less holes, the less damage to the SSP.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[MIKE_311]

I didn't design the anchors, spacing, or sheet pile section and the Geotech who did asked me to design a whaler. 4' spacing seems tight but I don't know what went into their design.

The Geotech liked the idea of not using a whaler, but I'll ask if they can ensure alignment without it.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I agree with PEinc, and think you should recommend to the Geotech that using a waler with wider spacing will be more cost effective.

DaveAtkins

 

[PEinc]

IMHO, if the Geotech is smart enough to design the SSP and the anchors but not the walers, he should not be designing the wall.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com