A bank sheet-piling profiled section of this type is known from GB 1 045 529. This document describes a panel with types of semicircular recesses. The first type of semicircular recesses extends over the entire height of the panel on one side thereof.

The same panel also has a second type of recess, the recess being located alternately on one side and on the other side. In this way, when seen from above, what appears to be a sleeve section is formed, while seen from the side the recesses are in each case open on one side. Piles can be introduced into the ground at regular intervals along a bank and are accommodated by the recesses in the panel. In this way, a bank protection is formed.

A drawback of this known bank sheet-piling profiled section is that the panels are not completely closed. At the location where a recess switches from one side of the plate to the other side, there is an open connection between one side of the panel and the other. Although there may be a pile located in this opening, this is not always the case, and moreover a pile will not always completely close off this opening. The result of this opening is that water and soil are not completely retained by the panel.

Another drawback of the known bank sheet-piling profiled section is that a pile, when it is pushed through a recess, is not completely reliably guided. This is because the recesses are completely open on one side, i. e. as long as a pile is located in one recess the pile is not delimited on the other side. Even when a pile is located in two successive recesses on opposite sides, it is still possible for the pile to rotate about the

point where the recess changes sides.

The object of the present invention is to provide a bank sheet- piling profiled section in which these drawbacks are at least partially overcome or to create a usable alternative. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly bank sheet-piling profiled section which guides a pile reliably in its longitudinal direction, can be fitted quickly and easily and better separates the soil and water.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a bank sheet-piling profiled section according to claim 1. This bank sheet-piling profiled section comprises one or more wall parts and one or more profiled-section parts. The profiled-section part comprises a channel-like recess. The open side of the channel-like recess is completely or partially closed off by means of a shell part or by a plurality of shell parts.

The bank sheet-piling profiled section according to the invention offers considerable benefits both during positioning and during use. A first advantage of the bank sheet-piling profiled section according to the invention, also known as a sheet pile, sheeting board or revetment element, is that a sheeting pile can be accommodated by the channel-like recess, while the shell part is positioned partly around the sheeting pile. The sheeting pile can slide in the longitudinal direction of the sheeting pile through an open space which is surrounded by the channel-like recess and the shell part. Movement of the sheeting pile transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pile is limited, on account of the fact that the channel-like recess extends on one side of the pile and the shell part is present on the other side. The transverse movement is limited in this way both when the channel-like recess and the shell part form a continuous, uninterrupted contour and when the channel-like recess and the shell part form an interrupted contour.

A second advantage is that the wall part and the profiled- section part are able to form a closed barrier, enabling the

limiting action of the channel-like recess and the shell part to be achieved, without the channel-like recess having to be interrupted for this purpose.

Further advantages occur during positioning of the sheet pile.

For example, before being positioned, a sheeting pile may already have been arranged in the delimited open space of a profiled-section part of a bank sheet-piling profiled section.

This operation may even be carried out before the sheet piles are transported to the bank location. The bank sheet-piling profiled section and the one or more sheeting piles are then together arranged at the correct position along the bank. In this case, it is not necessary to excavate the bank prior to positioning. If desired, the sheeting pile and the sheet pile can first of all be partly introduced into the ground together.

A conventional introduction method, such as driving, vibrating, pushing or spraying, can be used for this purpose. Then, the sheeting pile can be pushed in the longitudinal direction through the open space of the profiled-section part and introduced further into the ground in a conventional way. On account of the combination of the channel-like recess and the shell part, the sheeting pile will not readily slide away or tilt in the event of it encountering rocks or density differences while it is being introduced into the ground, as may occur with the panel according to the prior art.

If the pile is introduced a greater depth into the ground than the sheet pile, the majority of the anchoring of the bank sheet- piling profiled section will be attributable to the action of the sheeting pile. The earth-and water-retaining action is provided by the sheet piles themselves. The sheet pile retains this function even if the sheeting pile has a smaller cross section than the space available in the profiled-section part and/or if the sheeting pile has been introduced so deep into the ground that it no longer extends over the entire height of the sheet pile.

After the sheeting pile has been introduced into the ground, it will be located inside the channel-like recess in the profiled-

section part over the entire height and/or part of the height of the sheet pile and will be connected to the profiled-section part by the shell part. As a result, the sheeting pile contributes to increasing the resistance of the bank sheet- piling profiled section to bending with respect to an axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the channel- like recess. In any case, this bending resistance of the bank sheet-piling profiled section is already inherently higher than in the case of a panel according to the prior art produced using the same material and the same amount of material, on account of the structure of the profiled-section part. For example, the bending resistance of the panel according to the prior art is relatively low at the location of the transitions of the channel-like recess from one side of the panel to the other.

The shell part together with at least part of the channel-like recess advantageously delimits a sleeve-like space. The sleeve- like space is open at the ends, so that a pile can be pushed in and out through these openings. One advantage of a sleeve-like space of this type is that in the longitudinal direction there are no discontinuities behind which the pile can become jammed during its introduction. A second advantage is that the pile can be enclosed, i. e. delimited, and support over the entire height of the sleeve.

In particular, one or more openings are formed in the shell part. The open space of the profiled-section part is in open communication with the surroundings via this opening or these openings. As a result, water can flow into and out of this open space through the opening which are located beneath the waterline. Also, ice which may form in the open space of the profiled-section part as a result of water freezing has sufficient room to expand without damaging the profiled-section part from the inner side.

The opening in the shell part may advantageously extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the channel-like recess over substantially the entire length of the shell part.

The length direction of the shell part is in this case defined

as being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel- like recess. This measure prevents discontinuities in the longitudinal direction of the open space of the profiled-section part. Moreover, a design of this type is easier to produce, for example using extrusion.

It is highly advantageously also possible for ribs to be located on the inner side of the shell part and/or in the channel-like recess. It is also possible for these ribs to extend substantially over the entire length of the channel-like recess and the shell part, although this is not strictly necessary. The ribs fulfil various functions. Their first function is to absorb irregularities in the surface of the sheeting pile. A second function is to absorb variations in the diameter of the profiled-section pile over the course of time. Variations of this type may arise, for example, in the case of wooden piles as a result of the action of water. A third function of the ribs is to keep the periphery of the profiled-section pile largely free of the surface of the channel-like recess and the shell part. As a result, water can pass around the sheeting pile in that part of the sheet pile which is located beneath the waterline.

As seen in cross section, it is advantageous for the channel- like recess to project further with respect to a first side of the wall part than the shell part projects with respect to a second side of the wall part. This measure increases the resistance to bending of the bank sheet-piling profiled section with respect to an axis which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction of the channel-like recess.

Further preferred embodiments are defined in the subclaims.

The invention also relates to a bank sheet-piling system, comprising a bank sheet-piling profiled section and a sheeting pile, in accordance with claims 10 and 11.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a bank sheet- piling profiled section, in accordance with claim 12,13 or 14, as bank protection. The banks which are protected by the system

may, for example, be the banks of canals for inland shipping or recreational navigation and banks of rivers, ditches, lakes, ponds or recreational waters and islands. It is also possible for a revetment to be arranged in the water, as protection for a so-called natural bank, in which case there is a gradual transition from the waterside to the water. The sheet pile of the system is located on or partially in the ground at the bank.

The top part of the sheeting pile, which is delimited by the shell part and the channel-like recess, is located in a part of the channel-like recess or over the entire length of this recess. This part of the pile contributes to the strength of the sheeting part. The bottom part of the sheeting pile projects beneath the sheeting part and is introduced into the ground.

The sheeting pile may highly advantageously be introduced so far into the ground that this pile is located completely below the lowest water level which can be expected at the corresponding location. As a result, the sheeting pile can be made from untreated pinewood without the service life of the sheeting pile being adversely affected. If untreated, unpreserved pinewood is located completely underwater, the service life of this pinewood is virtually unlimited.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for positioning a bank sheet-piling profiled section, in accordance with claim 15.

The use of a bank sheet-piling profiled section which limits movement of a sheeting pile transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pile, as achieved by a bank sheet- piling profiled section according to the invention, makes it possible to use a sheeting pile which, after it has been introduced into the ground, no longer bears against the sheet pile over the entire height. As a result, the pile can be introduced so deep into the ground that it is located entirely underwater.

One embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended figures: Fig. 1 shows a bank revetment comprising two sheet piles and

four sheeting piles, in front view, seen from the waterside; Fig. 2 shows a cross section A-A from Fig. 1, without the sheeting piles ; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the bank revetment shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a transverse view through one of the sheet piles from Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows three sheet piles in accordance with Fig. 4 in the coupled state; Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the coupling between two sheet piles, as indicated by reference number VI in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 shows a transverse view of a second embodiment of a sheet pile in accordance with the invention ; Fig. 8 shows a transverse view of a third embodiment of a sheet pile in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 9 shows a series of connected sheet piles, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a detail from Fig. 9.

Figs. 1-4 show a first preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising two plastic sheet piles 1, each with two wooden sheeting piles 2, which together are arranged in the bed 3 of a water basin 4 in order in this way to form a protection for the waterside 7.

The sheet pile 1 comprises a left-hand wall 11, a middle wall 12, and right-hand side wall 13 and two profiled-section parts 15. The left-hand wall 11 is connected to the profiled-section part 15, which via the middle wall 12 is connected to the next profiled-section part 15, to which, finally, the right-hand side

wall 13 is connected. Two coupling rails 16 and 17 are provided at the ends of the side walls 11 and 13. The middle wall 12 comprises a reinforcing profiled section 18, which is triangular when seen transversely and contributes to the bending resistance of the sheet pile.

The profiled-section part 15 comprises a channel-like recess which in its longitudinal direction extends over substantially the entire height of the sheet pile 1. The channel-like recess is composed of an arc of a circle 15.1 and two connecting wall parts 15.2. In the embodiment shown, the arc of a circle 15.1 is a semicircle which corresponds to half the circumference of the sheeting pile 2 used. This arc of a circle 15.1 is extended in the direction of the side wall and middle wall by a straight connecting wall part 15.2. Finally, the profiled-section part 15 comprises two shell parts 15.3 which overall form extensions of the walls 11,12 and 13 and extend over substantially the entire height of the sheet pile 1. The free end 15.4 of each of the shell parts 15.3 rests against the circumference of pile 2 or is located at a short distance from this circumference. On account of the fact that the shell parts 15.3 are located virtually in the plane of the wall parts 11,12 and 13, the channel-like recess projects further with respect to these wall parts.

The arc of a circle 15.1, the two connecting wall parts 15.2 and the two shell parts 15.3 jointly delimit a sleeve-like internal space which is sufficiently closed to prevent the pile 2 from being able to move out of this internal space in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pile. As a result, the pile 2 can slide primarily in its longitudinal direction, which is therefore also the longitudinal direction of the channel-like recess 15.1, through the profiled-section part 15.

On the inner side of the circle segment 15.1 there are ribs 15.5. On account of the ribs 15.5, the radius of the pile 2 may vary between a value R2 and a value R1. If the radius of the pile 2 is greater than R2, the ribs will be pressed slightly into the material of the pile. The shape and dimensions of the ribs 15.5 can be selected in such a manner that a free space

remains between pile 2 and the inner side of the profiled- section part 15. This free space will be filled with water, since the pile 2 is located completely below the water surface 4.1.

All the elements of the sheet pile 1 described are formed from a single piece of plastic, have a substantially constant wall thickness and have a constant cross section as seen in the height of the sheet pile 1. A major advantage of the constant cross section is that the sheet pile can be produced by means of extrusion, which is relatively inexpensive and provides considerable freedom with regard to the production of different lengths (heights) of sheet piles. The sheet pile 1 does not require any remachining, for example milling, after extrusion.

Using plastic offers various benefits. It is durable, requires no maintenance and can be produced in different colours. The advantages of plastic and of extrusion can also be achieved in the case of bank sheet-piling profiled sections which do not necessarily have all the characteristic features of the invention, such as bank sheet-piling profiled sections with an open channel-like recess and bank sheet-piling profiled sections with a channel-like recess which is located alternately on one side and the other of the profiled section, as in the prior art.

Before a sheet pile 1 is positioned, the sheeting piles 2 can be introduced into the sleeve-like openings of the profiled-section parts 15. Then, sheet pile 1 and piles 2 are together positioned next to a sheet pile 1 which may if appropriate already have been put in place, with the female coupling rail 16 being fitted so as to slide over the male coupling rail 17 of the adjacent sheet pile. Alternatively, during positioning of the sheet pile 1, it is also possible for the male coupling rail 17 to be vertically slid into the female coupling rail 16. The sheet pile 1 and the piles 2 are together introduced into the ground 3, for example by driving or vibrating or by spraying out the earth beneath the sheet pile 1. After the sheet pile 1 and the piles 2 together have been introduced a certain distance into the ground 3, the piles 2 are driven further into the ground, until the pile heads 21 are located a certain distance below the water

level 4.1.

The sheet pile 1 can also be successfully positioned using other methods. For example, a plurality of piles 2 can be positioned at regular intervals with the aid of a pile-driving bar. The sheet piles 1 are then pushed over these piles 2 from above and if desired pushed a certain distance into the ground 3. The sheet piles 1 can cope with a certain variation in the distance between the piles 2 on account of the fact that the sheet piles to some extent act as a spring in a direction in the plane of the sheet pile 1, transversely to the piles 2. The sheet piles 1 impart this spring action partly to the reinforcing profiled sections 18 and the half-open cross section of the profiled- section part 15. This spring action also has the advantage that it can absorb contraction and expansion of the sheet pile 1 itself, for example caused by temperature changes.

In yet another variant, first of all only the sheet piles 1 are positioned, and if desired are pushed a certain distance into the ground 3. Then, the piles 2 are introduced and driven into the ground 3. In this case, a monkey which is used for this purpose can be provided with an attachment, so that the pile 2 can be introduced further even when its top side 21 is already inside the profiled-section part 15. If appropriate, the profiled-section part 1 can be held in place during this phase, in order to prevent it moving too far into the ground 3 together with the pile 2. During the introduction of a part, for example the last part, of the piles, the sheet pile 1 in question can indeed be driven with it in order for the sheet pile also to be introduced a certain distance into the ground.

In principle, it will not be necessary for the sheeting pile to be secured to the sheet pile by connecting elements after it has been positioned. This may be necessary if the ground is so loose that the sheet pile will undesirably sink further into the ground under its own weight.

An advantage of combining piles 2 and sheet piles 1 is that the sheet piles 1 only have to be introduced a short distance into

the ground 3, since the piles 2 fulfil the anchoring function.

Consequently, there is little risk of the sheet piles 1 being damaged during their introduction and there is no need to take any measures to protect the sheet piles while they are being introduced into the ground.

On account of the fact that the piles 2 are located completely below the water surface 4.1 and by virtue of the fact that the ribs 15.5 are completely surrounded by this water, untreated pinewood piles acquire a durability which is comparable to that of hardwood piles. In addition to the anchoring function, the sheeting piles 2 contribute to the strength of the sheet piles 1 from the bottom of the sheet pile up to their pile heads 21. The piles 2 project beneath the sheet piles over a length 22. The length 22 which is required is dependent on the specific conditions, such as the soil conditions, the dimensions of the sheet pile and the diameter of the piles 2.

A waling 51 is provided horizontally along the waterside of the sheet pile 1. A ground anchor 52 can be secured to this waling 51. A ground anchor 52 of this type is advantageous if the height of the sheet pile above the pile head 21 is such that the strength of the revetment is insufficient. In addition, this waling 51 can fulfil a function for any shipping which may be present.

A covering crossbeam 60 is arranged on top of the sheet piles 1.

A covering crossbeam 60 of this type is primarily present for aesthetic reasons and can be designed in various colours and materials. The covering crossbeam may advantageously be designed in such a manner that it clamps onto the shell parts 15.3 when it is positioned on the sheet piles 1. It is also possible for other objects, such as auxiliary parts for marking purposes or profiled-section sealing elements, to be clamped around the shell parts 15.3.

Figs. 5 and 6 show that the coupling rails 16 and 17 allow an angular rotation (detail VI), so that it is possible to form a revetment which can follow a curved or angular path of a bank.

Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment 101 of a sheet pile according to the invention. The sheet pile 101 is provided with two side walls 111 and 113 and one profiled-section part 115. Otherwise, this embodiment is identical to those described and shown above.

The side walls 111 and 113 end in coupling rails 116 and 117, respectively. Reinforcing profiled sections 118 are provided in each of the side walls 111 and 113. A channel-like recess of the profiled-section part 115 is composed of an arc of a circle 115.1 and two connecting wall parts 115.2, while the free ends 115.4 of the two shell parts 115.3 are supported against a pile, which is only indicatively shown.

Figs. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment 201 of a sheet pile according to the invention, with a pile 202. The sheet pile 201 comprises two side-wall parts 211 and 213 and a profiled-section part 215. This embodiment 201 differs from the first and second embodiments in a number of points. Once again, the profiled- section part 215 is composed of an arc of a circle 215.1 and connecting wall parts 215.2, but in this embodiment the connecting wall parts 215.2 are designed to be wider in relative terms with respect to the arc of a circle 215.1. This has two benefits. Firstly, the overall strength of the sheet pile 201 is increased, which is to be understood as meaning that the resistance to bending of the sheet pile 201 with respect to an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profiled-section part is greater than in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7. Secondly, the pile 202 is now located entirely within the outer contour of the profiled-section part 215, meaning that it is less easily damaged. This positioning of the pile 202 is also achieved by virtue of the shape of the shell parts 215.3.

The free ends 215.4 of the shell parts 215.3 are set slightly inwards, i. e. towards the pile 202.

A second difference from the first two embodiments is that the shell parts 215.3 project slightly with respect to one side of the wall parts 211 and 213. The side of the wall parts 211 and 213 which is referred to here is the side which is located on the same side of the wall parts as the shell parts 215.3

themselves. Nevertheless, a channel-like recess, and in particular the outermost point of the arc of a circle 215.1, projects further with respect to the other side of the wall parts 211 and 213. The fact that the shell parts 215.3 project contributes to increasing the strength of the profiled section.

A third difference is that the point of the reinforcing profiled section 218 faces towards the waterside. This too provides the sheet pile with a greater strength. The points of the reinforcing profiled sections 218 lie in one plane with the outermost boundary of the shell parts 215.3, a plane which, moreover, is not intercepted by the pile 202, which is favourable, for example, for fitting a waling.

On account of the shape of the profiled-section part 215 and the reinforcing part 218, this sheet pile is so strong that in situations which are subject to relatively low loads, it can even be used without piles.

It can be seen from Fig. 9 that a series of sheet piles 201 can be coupled to one another to form a revetment, and that the revetment can form various angles. This is achieved by heating the plastic of the sheet piles at the location of the reinforcing profiled sections 218 and then adapting the shape of the reinforcing profiled sections 218 to a greater or lesser extent until the desired angle is reached.

Fig. 10, detail X from Fig. 9, shows an enlarged view of an insert 230. An insert of this type can be introduced into the top part of the profiled-section part 215 and then rests on the top of the pile 202 by means of a centre part 234. This centre part 234 is partly triangular when seen transversely. It provides the insert with a resilient action in its transverse direction and strength in its longitudinal direction, in the same way as the reinforcing profiled sections of the wall parts.

The insert 230 comprises two u-shaped guides 235 which engage around the corresponding free ends 215.4 of the shell parts 215.3. An insert of this type has practical advantages as well as aesthetic ones. For example, in the event of ice being

formed, it ensures that the ice inside and outside the profiled- section part 215 remain separate areas. Without the insert 230, the ice would form a single area and the ice outside the profiled-section part 215, in the event of the water level dropping, could act as a lever tilting the ice inside the profiled-section part 215, thereby damaging the shell parts 215.3.

In addition to the preferred embodiments which have been shown and described above, numerous further embodiments and variants are possible. The cross section through the free space which is enclosed by the channel-like recess and the shell part may adopt numerous forms. As a result, it is possible for piles of different shapes and dimensions to be surrounded by the channel- like recess and the shell part of the profiled-section part. For example, it is quite conceivable to use a square or polygonal pile with a corresponding cross section of the profiled-section part. If piles made, for example, from plastic or metal are used, even more cross-sectional shapes are possible. In this case, it is not strictly necessary for the open space between the channel-like recess and the shell part to be of exactly the same cross-sectional shape as the pile. For example, a metal H- shaped or I-shaped pile can be successfully surrounded by a rectangular cross section of the free space in the profiled- section part.

Furthermore, there is a possible embodiment in which the sleeve- like space which is formed in the profiled-section part is substantially completely closed, with the exception of the top and bottom sides and if appropriate small through-flow openings.

These through-flow openings are useful in particular in combination with the use of a wooden pile and are therefore preferably provided on the waterside of the profiled-section part. This may therefore also be the channel-like recess if the shell part is located on the land side.

Numerous variations to the position of the profiled-section part or of the plurality of profiled-section parts on the sheet pile are also possible. For example, it is possible to use more than

two profiled-section parts and for the profiled-section parts to be provided further to the left or to the right along the sheet pile. The profiled-section part may even extend along the edge of the sheet pile, where it can be integrated with the coupling rail.

Finally, various embodiments of the shell part are possible. For example, it is possible to use shell parts which have a relatively short length in relation to the length of the channel-like recess. If two or more short shell parts of this type are arranged at a certain distance from one another along the channel-like recess, the sheeting pile is guided in the longitudinal direction in the same way as described above. It is possible to design the shell parts in such a manner that they can be secured to the profiled-section part of the sheet pile as separate components. In that case, it is possible for the shell parts to be made from a different material and/or in a different way from the remainder of the sheet piles. Also, shell parts which can be designed separately in this way make it possible to use various dimensions or types of sheeting piles in a single embodiment of a sheet pile.

It is also possible to use a shell part which extends only over a bottom section of the channel-like recess, for example over that part of the recess in which the pile is still located after the pile has been introduced into the ground.

To summarize, the invention provides a bank sheet-piling profiled section which allows a revetment which successfully separates ground and water from one another along a bank. The bank sheet-piling profiled section is simple to put in place without first having to excavate the bank. The sheet piles may be made from plastic in combination with inexpensive, unpreserved pinewood sheeting piles. The bank sheet-piling profiled section is shaped in such a manner that it suitably guides the sheeting piles, so that they do not tilt or slide away as they are being introduced into the ground. The invention enables the sheeting piles to be introduced into the ground to below the water level. This results in a very durable yet environmentally friendly combination. The sheet piles can be shaped in such a manner that they can be produced by means of extrusion, which is a relatively inexpensive production method.