Semianalytical Solution for Buried Pipeline Subjected to Horizontal Transverse Ground Deformation

Abstract

For buried pipelines, it is not always possible to avoid active zones where there is a possibility of ground deformation either due to earthquake or topographical reasons, and hence it is necessary to understand the impact of ground deformation on buried pipelines. The present study derives a semianalytical solution for the case of a buried pipeline subjected to spatially distributed horizontal transverse ground deformation (HTGD). Governing differential equations are developed considering the pipe as a Timoshenko beam and surrounding soil as a two-parameter foundation. Firstly, the proposed semianalytical solution is validated with prior studies on the influence of HTGD on buried pipelines, and then a comprehensive parametric variation with various influential parameters such as peak ground deformation, pipe diameter, wall thickness of pipe, burial depth, backfill soil, width of HTGD zone, and type of HTGD pattern is studied to understand the effect on the behavior of buried pipelines. It is observed that the pipe stability increases with increasing the width of the HTGD zone and with decreasing peak ground deformation. Pipe responses significantly vary with the pattern of HTGD. Further, pipe failure against HTGD can be reduced by reducing pipe diameter or by increasing the pipe wall thickness and by providing loose backfill material. The present methodology will help to evaluate the displacement patterns of pipes and the qualitative behavior of an overall soil–pipe system subjected to spatially distributed HTGD without performing numerical analysis.