Patent Publication Number: US-2021164187-A1

Title: Sheet piling filler-corner

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of sheet piling or sheet pile barrier or wall structures, and more particularly to a combination sheet piling filler-corner member. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sheet piling (or sheet piles) are elongate panels or extrusions used to form barrier or wall structures. Typically, sheet pilings include a slotted female coupling channel at one end and a male flange at the other end, so that multiple sheet pilings can be coupled together side-by-side in an array or assembly to form a barrier or wall of any desired span or length. Sheet pilings may be driven to a desired depth into the ground, for example using a crane and mandrel with a vibratory or impact driver, to anchor an above-ground structure such as a seawall or bulkhead, or to form a below-ground barrier wall. The interlocking between male and female coupling elements of adjacent sheet pilings creates an integrated structure lending strength to the assembly and in some instances to form a barrier or seal against the passage of water. Sheet pilings may be constructed of steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other materials. Various sheet piling configurations are known, as shown for example by U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,921 (corrugated), U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,667 (C-channel or box), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,539 (flat panel), all of which patents are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Sheet pilings are typically provided in standard widths, for example 12″-48″. In some instances, however, a desired span is not an even multiple of the standard sheet piling width, which complicates construction and may compromise the integrity of the barrier. In some instances, it may be possible to apply sufficient force to expand or contract the width of a Z-shaped or C-shaped sheet piling to fit an uneven span within a wall, but doing so may risk cracking the piling. And for flat panel pilings, this method is typically not an option. In other instances, confronting locks of two adjacent sheet piling panels may be cut off and the panels bolted to one another to form a non-standard width assembly, but doing so can interfere with the use of installation equipment and also may allow water migration through the bolted joint. 
     It may also be necessary to change the gender of sheet piling locks (i.e., male-to-female or female-to-male locks) at one or more locations along the span of a wall, for example where two spans coming from different directions intersect, or at corners. Typically, this necessitates cutting panels in the field and bolting or otherwise connecting segments of sheet pilings together, potentially weakening the structure and allowing water migration. Also, when forming corners along a span of sheet pilings, the legs or flanges of some sheet piling configurations may interfere with each other, and the interengaging lock or coupling elements of typical sheet pilings do not permit formation of sharp corners. Cutting off interfering flanges may weaken the overall structure, and attempts to form sharp corners may result in decoupling or unzipping of the locks between adjacent sheet pilings. 
     Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved devices and methods for constructing sheet piling walls and structures. It is to the provision of devices and methods meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In example embodiments, the present invention provides a sheet piling filler-corner member that allows construction of walls or other structures having a span that is not an even multiple of a standard sheet piling width dimension (i.e., a filler section that is shorter than a full-width sheet piling). Example embodiments also enable a gender change of sheet piling locks along the span of a wall (i.e., male-to-female or female-to-male lock switching). Example embodiments also provide for construction of sharp corners in a sheet piling wall or other structure, while avoiding interference between flanges or legs of adjacent pilings and maintaining coupling integrity of the locks of the sheet pilings. 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sheet piling filler-corner member. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably includes a main body panel having a first side and a second side and defines a width-wise dimension extending between the first and second sides. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably also includes a first female lock coupling at the first side of the main body panel configured to receive a male sheet piling coupling member, and a male lock member at the second side of the main body panel configured for engagement within a female sheet piling coupling. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably also includes a second female lock coupling offset from the first female lock coupling. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a sheet piling filler-corner member. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably includes a main body panel, a first female lock coupling configured to receive a male sheet piling coupling member of a first sheet piling, and a first male lock coupling and a second male lock coupling. Each of the first and second male lock couplings are preferably configured for engagement within a female sheet piling coupling of a second sheet piling, wherein the second male lock coupling is planarly aligned with the first female lock coupling for use in a filler configuration, and wherein the first male lock coupling is angularly offset from the first female lock coupling for use in a first corner configuration. 
     In still another aspect, the invention relates to a sheet piling filler-corner member. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably includes at least two female lock couplings, each of the female lock couplings being configured to receive a male sheet piling coupling member. The sheet piling filler-corner member preferably also includes at least two male lock couplings, each of the male lock couplings being configured for engagement within a female sheet piling coupling. The sheet piling filler-corner member is preferably configured for use in a filler configuration between first and second sheet pilings aligned in a generally linear assembly, and for use in a corner configuration between first and second sheet pilings aligned in an angularly offset assembly. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a sheet piling filler-corner member according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the sheet piling filler-corner member of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 1C and 1D  are close-up views of the female and male lock profiles, respectively, of the sheet piling filler-corner member of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings to form a section of a barrier wall structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows two sheet piling filler-corner members according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings to form a section of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with C-channel or box format sheet pilings to form a section of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings to form a corner of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with C-channel or box format sheet pilings to form a corner of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a male-to-female gender changer adapter between male lock couplings of adjacent flat panel sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a male-to-female gender changer adapter between male lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a female-to-male gender changer adapter between female lock couplings of adjacent flat panel sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a female-to-male gender changer adapter between female lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a male-to-female gender changing corner coupling between male lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member used as a female-to-male gender changing corner coupling between female lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13A  shows a previously known corner coupling resulting in interference between leg flanges of adjacent flat panel sheet pilings. 
         FIG. 13B  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to  FIG. 1  used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings to form a corner of a barrier wall structure, and providing sufficient clearance to avoid interference between leg flanges, according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  shows an assembly of multiple flat panel sheet pilings with modified and unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members joining the sheet pilings in various manners, according to example embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  shows an assembly of multiple C-channel or box format sheet pilings with modified and unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members joining the sheet pilings in various manners, according to example embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D  show cut lines for modification of the sheet piling filler-corner member, and modified members formed by cutting the filler-corner member at the cut lines, according to example embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a sheet piling filler-corner member  10  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The filler-corner member  10  comprises an elongate body defining a length L, a width W, and a thickness T. In example embodiments, the filler-corner member  10  is formed by extrusion, and may be cut to various specified nominal lengths L, for example corresponding to the length of sheet pilings the filler-corner member is to be used in connection with, such as 6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 16′, or to be field cut to a desired length. Alternatively, the filler-corner member can be formed by molding or other fabrication processes. The filler-corner member  10  is preferably integrally formed as a single unitary or monolithic piece, but alternatively can be formed as an assembly of multiple pieces attached together, for example by adhesive, solvent bonding or welding. In example embodiments, the filler-corner member  10  is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fiber reinforced polymer, acrylic, vinyl, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyolefin, steel, aluminum, or other metals, plastics, polymers, composites or other materials of construction. In example embodiments, the filler-corner member  10  may be fabricated at least partially from recycled content, for example recycled PVC. For example, in the example embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1B , an outer or exterior front section or cladding of virgin content PVC or other virgin material V is coextruded or otherwise formed in combination with or applied to a base or core of recycled material R forming the remainder of the filler-corner member  10 . In alternate embodiments, the filler-corner member  10  may be formed primarily from recycled content, or at least having a majority content of recycled material, entirely from recycled material; or can be formed from a majority content or entirely of virgin material. 
     In example embodiments, the width W of the filler-corner member  10  is an even divisor or factor of a standard width of a sheet piling the filler-corner member is to be used in connection with. For example, a 4″ wide filler-corner member  10  is an even divisor or factor of a 12″ wide sheet piling (3×4=12) and of a 24″ wide sheet piling (6×4=24). In further examples, the width W may be 1″, 2″, 3″, 6″, or other greater or lesser values, optionally in even increments of imperial (inches) or metric (centimeters) units of length. Similarly, the thickness T may be 1″,  2 ″,  3 ″,  6 ″, or other greater or lesser values, optionally in even increments of imperial (inches) or metric (centimeters) units of length. In example embodiments, the width W is greater than the thickness T, optionally an even multiple thereof. 
     The filler-corner member  10  comprises a main body panel  20  extending generally planarly in a widthwise direction between a first side  12  and a second side  14 , in a lengthwise direction along the length of the filler-corner member  10  between a first end  16  and a second end  18 , and having a front or proximal face  22  and a back or distal face  24 . The first side of the main body panel  20  transitions to an arcuate or curved first side flange  30 , which curves smoothly in a distal direction (i.e., from the front face  22  toward the back face  24 ) at the first side of the filler-corner member  10 . The second side of the main body panel  20  transitions to an arcuate or curved second side flange  32 , which curves smoothly in the distal direction, at a position toward the opposite second side of the filler-corner member  10 . 
     A first transverse flange  40  extends distally and generally perpendicularly from the back face  24  of the main body panel  20  adjacent the first side of the main body panel  20 . A second or intermediate transverse flange  42  extends distally and generally perpendicularly from the back face  24  of the main body panel  20  at a medial portion of the main body panel  20 . And a third transverse flange  44  extends distally from the second side flange  32  at the second side of the main body panel  20 , generally perpendicular to the main body panel. The third transverse flange  44  is generally aligned with and extends substantially continuously from the second side flange  32 . A short transverse rib  46  extends distally and generally perpendicularly from the back face  24  of the main body panel  20  at a medial portion of the main body panel  20  between the second transverse flange  42  and the third transverse flange  44 . The first transverse flange  40 , intermediate transverse flange  42 , third transverse flange  44 , and the transverse rib  46  are generally aligned parallel to one another (i.e., extending along generally parallel planes) in a widthwise spaced apart arrangement. The first transverse flange  40 , intermediate transverse flange  42 , third transverse flange  44 , and the transverse rib  46  extend lengthwise along substantially the entire length of the filler-corner member  10 . The first transverse flange  40  and the intermediate transverse flange  42  are of substantially equal length in the thickness-wise dimension, whereas the third transverse flange  44  is longer and the transverse rib  46  is shorter than the first and intermediate transverse flanges in the thickness-wise dimension. 
     The first transverse flange  40  is attached at its proximal end to the back face  24  of the main body panel  20 , and at its opposite free end transitions to a first distal flange  50  and a second distal flange  52 . The first distal flange  50  comprises an arcuate body that curves smoothly toward the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10  and in a proximal direction (i.e., toward the front face  20 ). The second distal flange  52  comprises an arcuate body that curves smoothly toward the second side  14  of the filler-corner member  10 . The second or intermediate transverse flange  42  is attached at its proximal end to the back face  24  of the main body panel  20 , and at its opposite free end transitions to a third distal flange  54  and a fourth distal flange  56 . The third distal flange  54  comprises an arcuate body that curves smoothly toward the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10 . The fourth distal flange  56  comprises an arcuate body that curves smoothly toward the second side  14  of the filler-corner member  10  and in a proximal direction. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the first side flange  30  and the distal flanges  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  may comprise straight or angled flanges rather than arcuately curved flanges. 
     The first side flange  30  and the first distal flange  50  curve toward one another, each spanning about 180° of curvature between their free ends and their transition from the first transverse flange  40 , so that their free ends define a first slot  60  therebetween, which opens into an internal concavity or chamber that forms a first female receiver or lock coupling  62 , which faces toward the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10 . The second distal flange  52  and the third distal flange  54  curve toward one another, each spanning about 90° of curvature between their free ends and their transitions from the first and second transverse flanges  40 ,  42 , respectively, so that their free ends define a second slot  64  therebetween, which opens into an internal concavity or chamber that forms a second female receiver or lock coupling  66 , which faces the distal direction opposite the front face  22  of the filler-corner member  10 . The fourth distal flange  56  curves toward the transverse rib  46 , spanning about 180° of curvature between its free end and its transition from the second transverse flange  42 , so that the free end of the fourth distal flange and the transverse rib define a third slot  68  therebetween, which opens into an internal concavity or chamber that forms a third female receiver or lock coupling  70 , which faces toward the second side  14  of the filler-corner member  10 . In this manner, the first female lock coupling  62  is oriented generally opposite (i.e., 180° from) and co-planarly aligned with the third female lock coupling  70 , and the second female lock coupling  66  is oriented generally perpendicular to (i.e., 90° from) the first and third female lock couplings  62 ,  70 . The first, second and third slots  60 ,  64 ,  68 , and the first, second and third female lock couplings  62 ,  66 ,  70  preferably have dimensions corresponding to standard sheet piling female lock couplings of sheet pilings with which the filler-corner member  10  is intended to be used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1C , the slots  60 ,  64 ,  68  of the female lock couplings  62 ,  66 ,  70  may have a female lip gap dimension FG of between 0.300″ to 0.900″, and the female inside opening FI may have a dimension of between 0.800″ to 1.800″. 
     The third transverse flange  44  extends distally from its transition or connection with the second side flange  32  to a free end forming a first male coupling flange or lock member  80 . A second male coupling flange or lock member  82  extends laterally from the third transverse flange  44 , at or around its transition or connection with the second side flange  32 , in the direction of the second side  14  of the filler-corner member  10 . A short lateral rib  84  extends laterally from the third transverse flange  44 , generally opposite the second male lock member  82 , in the direction of the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10 . In this manner, the first male lock member  80  is oriented facing generally perpendicular to the main body panel  20  of the filler-corner member  10 , and faces 90° (i.e., planarly transverse) from the first female lock coupling  62 ; and the second male lock member  82  is generally planarly aligned with and oriented facing opposite or away from (180° from) the first female lock coupling. As noted above, the widthwise spacing between the first female lock coupling  62  at the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10  and the second male lock member  82  at the second side  14  of the filler-corner member is optionally an even divisor or factor of a standard sheet piling width. The first male lock member  80  and the second male lock member  82  preferably have dimensions corresponding to standard sheet piling male lock members of sheet pilings with which the filler-corner member  10  is intended to be used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the male lock members  80 ,  82  may have a male flange width MW of between 0.600″ to 1.600″, and a male connecting web or I-beam thickness MT of between 0.170″ to 0.550″. Also, when the filler-corner member  10  is modified as described below by cutting to form a female-to-female coupling adapter with male-male ends, the lateral rib  84  and connecting web of the second male lock member  82  form a third male lock member also preferably having standard sheet piling male lock member dimensions. 
     The filler-corner member  10  may be used and modified according to a number of methods and modes of use, to provide a universal part for different uses, applications, sheet piling formats, and structure designs, including without limitation: (1) extending (or filling) the span of a barrier wall or other structure constructed from sheet pilings; (2) forming a corner coupling between sheet pilings within a structure; and/or (3) providing an adaptor or gender-change coupling for attachment of otherwise incompatible lock elements of adjacent sheet pilings within a structure. Example methods of use, applications, and structures are shown in  FIGS. 2-14 . 
     For example,  FIG. 2  shows an unmodified sheet piling filler-corner member  10  used in combination with a plurality of flat panel sheet pilings F to form a section of a barrier wall structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The standard male lock member of a first flat panel sheet piling F is cooperatively engaged within the first female lock coupling  62  at the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10 , and the second male lock member  82  is cooperatively engaged within the standard female lock member of a second flat panel sheet piling F at the second side  14  of the filler-corner member, to form a generally straight or linear barrier wall or other sheet piling assembly or structure. In similar fashion,  FIG. 3  shows two unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members  10  used in combination with a plurality of flat panel sheet pilings F to form a generally straight section of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment. The use or more or fewer sheet piling filler-corner members  10  in this manner allows the construction of sheet piling walls or other structures in various lengths, not limited to increments of full-width sheet piling dimensions, without the need for cutting and splicing, and maintaining the integrity of the lock couplings between elements of the assembly.  FIG. 4  similarly shows an unmodified sheet piling filler-corner member  10  used in combination with a plurality of C-channel or box format sheet pilings C to form a section of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment. In alternate embodiments, two or more sheet piling filler-corner members may be used to fill gaps and extend the length of the sheet piling wall or other structure as needed. 
       FIG. 5  shows an unmodified sheet piling filler-corner member  10  used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings F to form a corner of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The standard male lock member of a first flat panel sheet piling F is cooperatively engaged within the first female lock coupling  62  at the first side  12  of the filler-corner member  10 , and the first male lock member  80  is cooperatively engaged within the standard female lock member of a second flat panel sheet piling F at the second side  14  of the filler-corner member, to form a corner, for example of about 90°, in a barrier wall or other sheet piling assembly or structure.  FIG. 6  similarly shows an unmodified sheet piling filler-corner member  10  used in combination with a plurality of C-channel or box format sheet pilings C to form a corner section of a barrier wall structure according to another example embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  shows one form of a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  110  used as a male-to-female gender changer adapter between confronting male lock couplings of adjacent flat panel sheet pilings F according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The modified sheet piling filler-corner member  110  has two opposed female lock couplings, formed by the first and third female lock couplings  62 ,  70  of the unmodified sheet piling filler-corner member  10 , with the portion of the member beyond the transverse rib  46  to the second end  14  removed, as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 15  (i.e.,  FIGS. 15A-15D ). In this manner, the standard male lock member of a first flat panel sheet piling F is cooperatively engaged within the first female lock coupling  62 , and the third female lock coupling  70  is open at the opposite end for engagement with the standard male lock member of a second flat panel sheet piling F. As such, the 180° opposed and co-planarly aligned female-female couplings of the modified sheet piling filler-corner member  110  effectively change the gender of the male lock coupling of the first sheet piling F, providing an open female coupling for the male lock coupling of the second sheet piling, thereby enabling male-to-male sheet piling lock engagement.  FIG. 8  similarly shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  110  used as a male-to-female gender changer adapter between male lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings C in a generally linear wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  shows another form of a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  210  used as a female-to-male gender changer adapter between female lock couplings of adjacent flat panel sheet pilings F according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The modified sheet piling filler-corner member  210  has two opposed male lock couplings, formed by the first male lock member  80  and another male lock member formed by the lateral rib  84  and the connecting web of the second male lock member  82 , with the second male lock member and the portion of the member beyond the lateral rib removed as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 15 . In this manner, the standard female lock member of a first flat panel sheet piling F is cooperatively engaged with the first male lock member  80 , and the opposed male lock member formed by the lateral rib  84  and the connecting web of the second male lock member is exposed at the opposite end for engagement with the standard female lock member of a second flat panel sheet piling F. As such, the 180° opposed and co-planarly aligned male-male couplings of the modified sheet piling filler-corner member  210  effectively change the gender of the female lock coupling of the first sheet piling F, providing an exposed male coupling for engagement within the female lock coupling of the second sheet piling, thereby enabling female-to-female sheet piling lock engagement.  FIG. 10  similarly shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  210  used as a female-to-male gender changer adapter between female lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings C in a generally linear wall structure according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  110  used as a male-to-female gender changing corner coupling between male lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings C at a corner section of a sheet piling wall according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The standard male lock member of a first sheet piling C is cooperatively engaged within the first female lock coupling  62 , and the standard male lock member of a second sheet piling C is cooperatively engaged within the second female lock coupling  66 , whereby the first and second sheet pilings are positioned generally perpendicular (i.e., 90°) to one another, thus forming a right angle corner of a sheet piling wall structure. The planarly transverse female-female couplings  62 ,  66  effectively change the gender of the male lock coupling of the first sheet piling C, providing a 90° offset female coupling for engagement with the male lock coupling of the second sheet piling, thereby enabling male-to-male corner coupling of sheet pilings. 
       FIG. 12  shows another form of a modified sheet piling filler-corner member  310  used as a female-to-male gender changing corner coupling between female lock couplings of adjacent C-channel or box format sheet pilings C according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The modified sheet piling filler-corner member  310  has two planarly transverse male lock couplings, formed by the first male lock member  80  and the second male lock member  82 , with the portion of the member from the second side flange  32  to the first side  12  removed as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 15 . In this manner, the first male lock member  80  is cooperatively engaged with standard female lock coupling of the first sheet piling C, thereby providing an exposed second male lock member  82  for cooperative engagement with the standard female lock coupling of the second sheet piling C, to form a 90° corner between the sheet pilings. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  demonstrate a particular problem addressed by the sheet piling filler-corner member  10  according to example embodiments and applications of the invention. When constructing an inside corner using a previously known corner coupling X, the leg flanges of flat panel sheet pilings F adjacent the corner may interfere with one another as shown in  FIG. 13A . This undesirably necessitates cutting the flanges or otherwise altering the components, which may adversely affect the structural strength of the assembly and require additional time and expense for construction.  FIG. 13B , by contrast, shows the sheet piling filler-corner member  10  according an example embodiment of the present invention used in combination with flat panel sheet pilings F to form an inside corner of a barrier wall structure, and providing sufficient clearance to avoid interference the adjacent between leg flanges, thereby avoiding the need for alteration of the components. 
       FIG. 14A  shows an assembly of multiple flat panel sheet pilings F with modified and unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members  10 ,  110 ,  210  and  310  joining the sheet pilings in various manners, according to example embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 14B  similarly shows an assembly of multiple C-channel or box format sheet pilings C with modified and unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members  10 ,  110 ,  210  and  310  joining the sheet pilings in various manners, according to further example embodiments of the present invention. As will be recognized by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, various other sheet piling assembly configurations may be formed using modified and unmodified sheet piling filler-corner members according to example embodiments in combination with these and other sheet piling formats. 
       FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D  show cut lines (indicated in broken or dashed lines) for use in connection with methods of modification of a sheet piling filler-corner member  510  and resulting modified members  110 ,  210  and  310  which may be formed by cutting the filler-corner member at the cut lines, according to example embodiments of the present invention. The sheet piling filler-corner member  510  optionally includes one or more field cutting guide marks  590 , such as small ribs or recesses extending along the length of the member, printed markings, or other indicators, to indicate cut line locations used to form the modified members  110 ,  210  and  310 . Installation personnel may cut the sheet piling filler-corner member  510  using a circular saw or other cutting tool to form the desired configuration of modified members  110 ,  210  and  310 . In this manner, the sheet piling filler-corner member  510  provides a universal component that may be adapted for the various uses and applications disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 16  shows a sheet piling filler-corner member  610  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the above described embodiments but includes an obliquely angled offset of the second male lock member  685 , relative to the main body panel  620  and the third transverse flange  644 . The offset angle may be 45°, 30°, or other angles of offset. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.