Laboratory Evaluation of Deformations of Steel-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Pipes under Static Loads

Abstract

A new product, steel-reinforced high-density polyethylene (SRHDPE) pipe, with high-strength steel reinforcing ribs wound helically and covered by corrosion-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin inside and outside has obvious advantages. To investigate the behavior and performance of such a new pipe, three parallel plate tests were conducted in air. The deflection profiles of the pipes and the strains on both steel and polyethylene plastic were measured. No cracking was observed on the plastic during the experiment. The photogrammetry technology was effective in measuring the deflection profiles of the pipes during loading. The light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology could obtain three-dimensional images of the pipes but was suitable for stationary targets. Strain gauge data indicated the occurrence of out of plane buckling of the steel ribs at failure and the strain incompatibility between the steel ribs and the plastic cover during loading.