The Influence of Water-Jet Modification of Soil Conditions on Reduction of Vibrations during Sheet Pile Driving in the Subsoil

Abstract

Vibratory driving is the most efficient method of sheet pile installation. The elimination or at least reduction of harmful consequences of sheet pile vibratory driving becomes an increasingly important and often the decisive factor in the selection of the excavation protection technology. In difficult soil conditions with strength soil parameters, pressure water jetting precedes sheet pile driving. This technique changes the soil properties, destroying its existing structure near the installed sheet pile. Unfortunately, the results and achievements of contractors using this technique are very often held confidential or simply remain in the records and it is difficult to find papers on this subject. This article features a detailed description of jet-assisted sheet pile driving, including a prefabrication description for the sheet pile toe used to jet water through, water pressure and quantity data and the results with regard to reduce vibrations and noise, as well as to the increase in sheet pile vibratory driving performance.