Reinforced Concrete PIpe 2

[JackTrades]

I find myself in the position of needing to assess the load carrying capacity of an existing 132" diameter RCP that will have an additional 10 feet of compacted fill placed over it to serve as a levee.

The 1972 record drawings indicate only that it falls under the requirements of ASTM C76, but no Class designation is given.

Any suggestions as to how to go about determining whether I can get away with the additional fill loading would be greatly appreciated.

-Jack

 

[cvg]

Given that 132 inch diameter pipe is definitely a special order product - it was properly designed for the estimated D-Load. However, unless the designer had a crystal ball, properly not for an additional 10 feet of fill. And no way to know what kind of compaction was obtained under the haunches, bedding condition or trench condition.

Maybe you could conduct a load test? Otherwise you might want to assume that additional capacity is minimal and reinforce it somehow.

Ask your local RCP supplier to give his opinion.

Contact American Concrete Pipe Association

http://www.concrete-pipe.org

Maybe they have the old shop drawings?

 

[JedClampett]

I agree with cvg. We run into this occasionally (road over pipe; building over pipe; etc.) and we resolve it by building a structural concrete cap over the pipe for the length in question. Don't try to be a hero.