Ground Response to Sheet Pile Installation in Clay

The effects of sheet pile installation on an adjacent cohesive soil mass are described herein. Observations indicate that driving sheet pile caused pore pressures to double at some locations. These pore pressures extended further than reported in previous studies concerning driven piles. Initially pore pressures rapidly dropped, but dissipation slowed after this initial adjustment. Inclinometer and extensometer data indicate that the clay was laterally displaced up and away from the sheeting causing the ground surface to heave. The impact of this behavior on subsequent stress changes during excavation is discussed