Submerged Pipe

[SiPaul]

I am considering bulkheading a submerged pipe (about 5' below low tide) and pumping out the water to allow for inspection. The pipe (42" RCP) passes under a major building (don't ask why - long history). As engineers we try to think of the worst and I am imagining that there are open joints in the pipe and some fines from the soilmay wash into the pipe once it is empty. This would in turn undermine the building slab.

Not a realistic scenario? Any thoughts?

 

[gbam]

Can you send in a remote control camera to inspect it?

 

[cvg]

it's possible when empty, but just as likely to occur when the pipe is flowing. However, this would be a slow process, not likely to occur in a short period while bulkheaded and inspecting.

 

[SiPaul]

We don't have an underwater camera. We were going to send in a camera once the pipe is empty.

I would say that the scenario I described is doubtful but perhaps somebody had a similar experience.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Drill a couple of 4 inch cores out of the floor of the bldg. to see if there has been piping of soils. If there is then you have open joints and can rehab the pipe. Although plugging and draining the pipe shouldn't allow that much soil into the pipe for the short time it will be empty. It takes many events to wash out the support for a bldg.