A Study on the Behavior of UHPC Sheet Piles

Tuan Nghia Hoang; Cong Thang Nguyen; Hung Viet Cu; Keun-Hyeok Yang; Van Tuan Nguyen

doi:10.48084/etasr.12606

Authors

Tuan Nghia Hoang Department of Steel and Timber Structures, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam
Cong Thang Nguyen Department of Building Materials, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hung Viet Cu Department of Bridges and Roads, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam
Keun-Hyeok Yang Department of Architectural Engineering, Kyonggi University, Kyonggi-do, South Korea
Van Tuan Nguyen Department of Building Materials, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam

Volume: 15 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 29134-29143 | December 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.12606

Received: 9 June 2025 | Revised: 10 September 2025 | Accepted: 19 September 2025 | Online: 8 December 2025

Corresponding author: Hung Viet Cu

Abstract

Steel and Reinforced Concrete (RC) sheet piles have been widely used in infrastructure applications. However, they are associated with significant drawbacks, including their high cost and susceptibility to corrosion in steel piles. They are also heavy, difficult to handle, and less durable in RC piles. This study proposes a novel approach using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) as an innovative alternative to address these limitations. UHPC was successfully developed using locally available materials, incorporating 2% steel fiber and achieving compressive and flexural strengths exceeding 120 MPa and 12 MPa, respectively. A new sheet pile cross-section was designed using the Wavy-type (SW), in accordance with Japanese standard JIS A5373:2004, and reinforced with normal steel bars (CB400V). The structural performance was evaluated through both theoretical calculations and experimental testing, covering the elastic, first cracking, and ultimate load stages. The findings demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of UHPC sheet piles, offering a lightweight, highly durable, and corrosion-resistant solution that addresses the key shortcomings of conventional materials. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable and resilient construction practices, particularly in aggressive environments.

Keywords:

ultra-high-performance concrete, sheet pile, flexural behavior, load-deflection behavior, first crack, reinforcements

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