Model Study of Circular Sheetpile Cells

A series of large scale circular sheetpile cell models was constructed, instrumented and tested. Distribution of stresses and deflections of the sheetpiles for various stages of testing are presented. Interlock forces behind arc connections to the main cells were shown to be smaller than the forces in the front sheetpiles. Behavior of model cells during failure under large lateral load is described and a mechanism for cell fill distortion developed. Overturning resistance of cells is compared with values calculated from previous theoretical models. A modified vertical shear mechanism of failure is proposed. Values of coefficient of lateral earth pressure appropriate for calculation of overturning resistance are presented.