Minimum Cover 2

[afa13]

As per american and most standards, lines from the property line to the collection sewer should be at a minimum depth of 3
feet (1 m) at the property line. How bad would it be if the minimum cover is between 0.8 m to 0.9 m...is it dangerous to accept such interval?

 

[bimr]

There are many considerations that you have not addressed. For example:

Depth
Sewers shall be sufficiently deep to prevent freezing. Sewers should be sufficiently deep to serve basements except where overhead sewers are required by local ordinances or will be
provided.
1) Minimum Cover
The minimum cover of sewers shall be no less than 3 feet unless special structural protection is provided.
2) Buoyancy
Where high ground water conditions are anticipated, buoyancy of sewers shall be considered and, if necessary, adequate provisions should be made for protection.

 

[afa13]

first of all, freezing is not to be considered in this region of the world...second, i know that if the distance is below 3 ft the pipeline has to be protected (encasing it with concrete for instance)... but i'm asking whether or not 2.6 ft would be enough as well without placing the pipeline in the danger zone

 

[bimr]

You provide little information and then expect a detailed answer. How would one that you are not in a temperate climate? This is not a game of twenty questions.

Are you under a highway? What are the soils? What is your sewer pipe material? etc,

 

[afa13]

it is a pvc pipe...it is a branch line connecting two residences to the main line through a manhole.... supposing it is not a highway but rather a residential area....it is only a hypothetical question... will .5 feet have a major effect or not

 

[B.L.Smith]

Generally in warm area minimum depth should be 0.6m(according to some specs) if there is not traffic loads. if traffic load exists then sleeves or culverts shall be provided for the pipe.

 

[chicopee]

Afa,what's the requirement of your local ordinance?

 

[bimr]

Performance of buried pipe depends to a large degree upon good soil. PVC performs satisfactorily when covered with a minimum of 12-Inches of quality aggregate. For only 6-Inches of burial depth or lesser quality backfill, the use of ductile iron pipe is warranted.

http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/27434/02271749.pdf

 

[afa13]

ok thank u guys...i think we can close this topic now and say that 0.8 is the minimum cover for a PVC pipe and below this value the pipe is to be protected...Cheers!