Steel Beam Application: Combi-Wall
Combi-walls are a type of piling used in heavy marine construction and deep foundation applications that require high loadbearing capacity. When a regular sheet pile wall won’t provide enough support, a combi-wall system can be used instead. Combi-walls can be temporary or permanent.
How are Combi-Walls Installed?
Combi-walls are created using a combination of steel beams and sheet pile. The beams create the wall’s structure, while the sheet pile fills in the spaces between the beams to connect the wall and make it continuous. During installation, the beams are embedded into the ground at an angle that is perfectly straight and vertical, which guarantees that the beams are parallel to each other. This ensures that the wall retains its integrity.
Combi-wall steel beams are installed as bored pile, which can be backfilled with concrete and reinforcing steel if required. A vibratory hammer is then used to install sheet pile into the spaces between the beams. Finally, the sheet pile is aligned and welded to the beams at interlocking points.
If the combi-wall is meant to be temporary, the elements can be deconstructed and reused later when the wall is no longer needed.
Why Is Steel Beam Used to Construct Combi-Walls?
Combi-walls are constructed using steel beam for many reasons. Steel will bend under pressure rather than break, creating a more reliable wall that’s unlikely to crack or leak. Furthermore, steel can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure, making it an excellent choice for structural support applications. Steel is stronger than most other types of metal and can be made larger or thinner without compromising its durability. In combi-wall construction, this durability creates a significant advantage.
Unlike other materials, steel beam is rust-resistant and long lasting, since it’s resistant to many chemical reactions that cause corrosion. Particularly in the instance of permanent combi-walls, steel beam is a low maintenance choice that will last for years without the need for repairs or replacement.
Steel beam is customizable and easy to install. The metal can be cut to any height or width, and it can be modified on site as needed. The versatility of steel makes it a good option for more complex projects.
What are Combi-Wall Application?
Combi-walls are an alternative to secant or sheet pile walls. They are often seen in heavy marine construction and deep foundation projects where the piling wall must have a high bearing capacity. Some common combi-wall applications include retaining wall structures, building foundations, wharves, piers, roadway structures, railway structures, bridges, dams, lake filling and port expansion.
What are the Advantages of Combi-Walls?
Combi-walls come with a number of advantages. They are a cost-effective shoring alternative to the secant wall, making them a more economical option. They also have significantly more load bearing capacity than a sheet pile wall, meaning they can be used for larger projects.
What are the Common Sizes of Combi-Wall Steel Beams?
Combi-walls are created with both wide flange and H-pile beams, and come in sizes large and small. Some examples of common combi-wall steel beam sizes include:
W8: W8x18, W8x21, W8x24, W8x28, W8x31, W8x35, W8x40, W8x48, W8x58, W8x67
W10: W10x22, W10x26, W10x30, W10x33, W10x39, W10x45, W10x49, W10x54, W10x60, W10x68, W10x77, W10x88, W10x100, W10x112
W12: W12x26, W12x30, W12x35, W12x40, W12x45, W12x50, W12x53, W12x58 ,W12x65, W12x72, W12x79, W12x87, W12x96, W12x106, W26x120, W12x136, W12x152, W12x170, W12x190, W12x210, W12x230, W12x252
W14: W14x22, W14x26, W14x30, W14x34, W14x38, W14x43, W14x48, W14x53, W14x61, W14x68, W14x74, W14x82, W14x90, W14x99, W14x109, W14x120, W14x132, W14x145, W14x159, W14x176, W14x193, W14x211, W14x233, W14x257, W14x283
W16: W16x26, W16x31, W16x36, W16x40, W16x45, W16x50, W16x57, W16x67, W16x77, W16x89, W16x100
W18: W18x35, W18x40, W18x46, W18x50, W18x55, W18x60, W18x65, W18x71, W18x76, W18x86, W18x97, W18x106, W18x119, W18x130, W18x143, W18x158, W18x175, W18x192, W18x211, W18x234
W21: W21x44, W21x50, W21x57, W21x58, W21x55, W21x62, W21x68, W21x73, W21x83, W21x93, W21x101, W21x111, W21x122, W21x132, W21x147, W21x166, W21x182, W21x201, W21x223, W21x248, W21x275
W24: W24x55, W24x62, W24x68, W24x76, W24x84, W24x94, W24x103, W24x204, W24x117, W24x131, W24x146, W24x162, W24x176, W24x192, W24x207, W24x229
W27: W27x84, W27x94, W27x102, W27x114, W27x129, W27x146, W27x161, W27x178, W27x194
W30: W30x90, W30x99, W30x108, W30x116, W30x124, W30x132, W30x148
W33: W33x118, W33x130, W33x141, W33x152, W33x169
W36: W36x135, W36x150, W36x160, W36x170, W36x182, W36x194, W36x210, W36x232, W36x256
HP8: HP8x36
HP10: HP10x42, HP10x57
HP12: HP12x53, HP12x63, HP12x74, HP12x84, HP12x89, HP12x102, HP12x117
HP14: HP14x73, HP14x89, HP14x102, HP14x117
HP16: HP16x88, HP16x101, HP16x121, HP16x141, HP16x162, HP16x183
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