SEDL / STP / STP1222-EB / STP12670S

Laboratory Test of Buried Pipe in Hoop Compression

Selig, ET
Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

DiFrancesco, LC
Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

McGrath, TJ
Senior AssociateDoctoral Student, Simpson, Gumpertz and Heger, Inc.University of Massachusetts, ArlingtonAmherst, MAMA

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1994

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Abstract

A new test has been developed to study the behavior of buried pipe under hoop compression loading. The apparatus consists of a cylindrical steel vessel lined with an inflatable bladder. A length of pipe is installed at the center of the vessel and the annulus between the pipe and the bladder is filled with tamped sand. The test is conducted by incrementally increasing the bladder pressure while monitoring the pipe performance. Radial pressures of 380 kPa (55 psi) and diametral displacement of 37 mm (1.5 in.) have been obtained with corrugated pipes of 610 mm (24 in.) diameter. The technique is believed applicable to any size pipe with any pressure level. The test has demonstrated the significant circumferential shortening that can occur for plastic pipe sections with corrugated cross-sections. This produces beneficial positive arching in service. The test also provides a basis for determining plastic pipe wall design limits in compression.