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Z-Profiles (PZC and PZ)
Z-Profiles, with their optimum distribution of material, are the most efficient sheet piling sections available for bending strength. With the interlocks located on the outer fibers of the wall -- rather than at the center line, as is the case with Arch or U-Profile sheet piling sections – the wall designer is assured of the published section modulus. The Z-Profile is the optimal section for both weight and strength.
PZ Sheet Piling Properties
PZC Sheet Piling Properties
Ball-And-Socket
The Ball-and-Socket Interlock was introduced in the United States in the late 1930’s and continues to be the preferred interlock by piling contractors and engineers.
Chaparral produces Z-Profiles with the ball and socket interlock at our mill in Petersburg, Virginia.
The advantages of the ball and socket interlock over Larssen and other interlocks are:
- Most rugged, durable, and flexible interlock available
- Ideal for reuse in multiple projects
- Higher “buy back/resale” value
- Easier setting, driving, and extraction
- Highest interlock strength relative to other Z-Profiles
- Setting or swing – allows adjustment to wall length by swinging (rotating) sheets
Ball-And-Socket Interlock
  
Chaparral Z-Profile Additional Advantages:
Only Chaparral sections incorporate geometry based upon the testing and research findings of Dr. Richard Hartman regarding transverse bending stresses. Dr. Hartman, in the 1990s, demonstrated that both longitudinal stresses and transverse stresses act within sheet piling sections. Longitudinal stresses are oriented in a vertical direction and are familiar to all engineers who design sheet piling structures. Transverse stresses are oriented in a horizontal direction and are dependent upon section geometry. In fact, transverse stresses can exceed longitudinal stresses in poorly proportioned sheet piling sections. Chaparral sections are designed to minimize the effects of transverse stresses and maintain the structural integrity of the section.
PZ and PZC Profiles and Properties
PZ Traditional North American Sections with ball and socket interlocks.
PZC Newest generation of wider, lighter and stronger sheet piling
PZ vs. PZC
Chaparral Ball & Socket Interlocks
Because ball and socket dimensions are the same for all Chaparral Z-Piling sections, all Chaparral Z-piling sections can interlock with each other. Also, because of the shape of the interlock, they can be joined in either of two arrangements: Normal, Reverse:
he reversed interlock arrangement can be utilized to bypass obstructions when they are encountered along the driving line or to shift the driving line.
 
Another variation using reversed interlocks is shown below. It is useful when reduced section modulus is acceptable and the engineer wishes to reduce the weight per square feet of wall. In addition to the weight reduction, the laying width is increased, resulting in fewer interlocks and reduced installation time. Fewer interlocks per length of wall is important in a cutoff wall.
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