DefinePK

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the effect of static loading conditions obtained from adjacent foundations on buried pipes. A number of laboratory tests were conducted using a small-scale physical model, in which a PVC pipe was installed in a well-graded sandy soil and subjected to different loads. The numerical analysis was implemented using a finite element simulation. Different variables were examined in the experimental and numerical investigations including: the lateral distance between the pipe and the loading area (X), the soil cover above the pipe (H), the pipe diameter (D), the modulus of backfill soil (E), and the applied footing pressure (P). The results indicate that the lateral displacement strongly depends on the depth ratio of the pipe (X/H). The pipe’s displacement decreases by increasing its depth ratio. The results also show that a higher modulus of backfill soil yields a large soil restraint on the pipe, resulting in trivial lateral movements. Additionally, the results demonstrate that increasing both pipe diameter and footing pressure increases pipe displacements. Displacement charts were developed based on finite element results. The charts provide a quick and reliable method to estimate the lateral displacement of pipes based on several input parameters.