Construction Loads on Buried Water Distribution Pipe

[Mazzman]

I am working with a local utility company evaluating the effects of construction loads on buried ductile iron and plastic water distribution pipe. We are considering construction vehicle and vibration loads on 6-inch and 12-inch buried pipe.

I am having difficulty finding literature that addresses practical methods to evaluate the effects of such loadings on water pipe. Does anyone know of any sources of information?

I have some info from DIPRA that uses Spangler's methods to evaluate pipe loads and I am thinking of modifying their method to include a higher Impact Factor to account for vibration and construction loading.

 

[cvg]

This is difficult because - amount of cover is variable, compaction over the top is variable, weight of equipment is highly variable and dynamic or vibration is hard to quantify. Why don't you perform some tests and measure the strains, change in elevation and pipe deformation under various loading conditions

 

[Mazzman]

Thanks cvg. I agree with you and intend to recommend full scale field testing/monitoring. Our first step was to evaluate any available published information, and I've found there is not much out there specifically related to construction vibrations and buried pipe.

 

[pmkPE]

One of the main parameters is the depth that the pipe is buried. most literature indicates that the depths beyond three feet, with adequate bedding and compaction of the backfill, result in very little stress increase from what is happening on the surface beyond what an equivalent surcharge load would equal. I believe that there is some literature published by AASHTO and/or the FHWA as well as various pipe manufacturers that address these issues. The next concern is pipe that is buried very deep, again such pipe would not be affected by what is moving on the surface.

I will look in my office for associated literature and get back to you.

 

[Hookem]

Have you looked up API 1102 for highway and railroad crossings over buried pipelines?

 

[pmkPE]

Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. When I did get back to my office it was for the purpose of packing up my books as I now have a new position in a city 600 miles away from my home and family. The books that I were referring to are in my home and not with me. But I think the books were published by the Concrete Pipe Association which they usually distribute for free. Try a Google and locate a representantive nearby.

Again my apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

pmkPE

 

[nackra]

DIPRA is another source, check the ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50:

http://www.dipra.com/publications/#design

http://www.dipra.com/pdf/truckloads.pdf

Hope this helps.

 

[Mazzman]

Thanks for feedback. I am checking into the API 1102--good suggestion (trying to evaluate applicability to my situation before shelling out the $78!). I have the Concrete Pipe Handbook and will review. I have previously reviewed the DIPRA information and have determined their methods, including their available analysis software, might be my best bet.

 

[gibbycu]

Try this

http://www.americanlifelinesalliance.org/pdf/ASCE_ASME_June update_1062804.pdf

the main site is

http://www.americanlifelinesalliance.org/Products.htm#Guidelines