Gerdau produces Z-Profiles with the ball and socket interlock at our mill in Petersburg, Virginia.
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 designer is assured of the published section modulus.
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. 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” value
- Easier driving and extraction
- Highest interlock strength
- Setting or swing – allows adjustment to wall length by swinging (rotating) sheets
