Buried Concrete Pipe Embankment Installation Analysis

Abstract

The paper first summarizes the conventional approach for determining load on buried concrete pipe for embankment installations. A finite element computer method that provides a more precise and versatile approach to pipe design and analysis is then briefly described. The computer model capabilities are demonstrated by examining cases of embankment installations for which some field experience is available. Comparisons are made between predictions using the conventional method and using the new computer method. In general the conventional method estimated higher load on the pipe than the computer model. An exception was the induced trench installation. The computer method is shown to have advantages over the conventional method in ability to represent a variety of actual installation conditions and provide information on soil pressure distribution needed for pipe design.