Specifics of applying EN 1993-5 in the design of steel pile structures
The EN 1993-5 regulation establishes fundamental principles and regulatory requirements for the design of load-bearing piles and sheet pile walls made of structural steel. This document is essential for design engineers working with deep foundations and retaining structures.
Technical specialists at EV Group China highlight the following key areas of application for the standard:
- Design of steel pile foundations for onshore and hydraulic civil engineering projects.
- Development of temporary and permanent load-bearing structures required to ensure safety during piling operations.
- Calculation and design of steel sheet pile retaining systems, including complex combined walls.
Scope limitations: The standard does not cover pile groups and operations at sites with restricted access. For the analysis of seismic effects and ground displacement impacts during earthquakes, the requirements of EN 1998 should be followed.
Technical aspects of design according to EN 1993-5
The document contains detailed rules for steel piles with concrete infill, as well as calculation methodologies for walers, connection nodes, and rigid end-restraints (Section 7). Particular attention is paid to cross-section classification:
- For elements of classes 1, 2, and 3, design parameters are regulated by sections 5 and 6.
- Calculation of class 4 sections is governed by Annex A, and their testing methodology by Annex B.
The calculation of corrugated U-shaped and flat sheet piles is based on resistance values obtained through field testing (in accordance with EN 10248). Engineering-geological surveys are outside the scope of this regulation and must be conducted according to EN 1997.
Corrosion and structural analysis
To ensure the durability of structures, Section 4 provides allowances for corrosion wear. General principles of analysis, taking into account the provisions of clause 5.4.3 of EN 1993-1-1, are set out in Section 5.2. EV Group China recommends using Annex C for practical guidance on sheet pile wall design.
When designing combined systems (Section 5), requirements for primary elements must be considered. Methodological recommendations for calculating tubular piles and I-sections acting as load-bearing elements are presented in Annex D.