Laboratory Tests of Buried Pipe Installation Procedures

Abstract

Laboratory testing of buried pipe was conducted to evaluate the pipe-soil interactions that take place as pipes are backfilled. The program consisted of 25 tests with metal, plastic, or concrete pipe. In addition to pipe type, test variables included trench conditions, backfill material, compaction method, haunching effort, and bedding condition. The tests were conducted in an indoor test facility designed to allow for the installation of pipe in a realistic manner. Pipe and soil behavior were monitored during installation, and measurements included pipe deflections, pipe strain, pipe-soil interface pressures, soil density, soil strength, and horizontal soil stresses. Backfill was placed to at least 150 mm above the spring line to observe the effects in the important haunch zone. Ten of the tests were continued until the backfill was at least 300 mm over the pipe. The results indicated significant variations in pipe behavior because of installation practices. The wider trench produced greater upward deflections during sidefill compaction. The rammer compactor was the most effective means of achieving high backfill density and stiffness, forcing backfill into the haunch zone, and developing beneficial lateral soil stresses at the sides of the pipe. Installation in trenches with walls of soft materials results in lower lateral pressures and higher invert pressures on the pipe. The coarser-grained backfill material achieved suitable soil unit weight and stiffness with less compactive energy than the finer-grained material. The haunching effort provided improved pipe support in the lower haunch zone.