Numerical Evaluation of Buried Medium Density Polyethylene Pipelines Subjected to Axial Ground Movement

Buried pipeline network forms an indispensable infrastructure that is extensively used for transporting and distributing natural gas and liquid. One of the major problems associated with the performance of this network is related to the deformation of pipelines in areas prone to ground movement. The maximum axial force on the pipeline subjected to axial ground movement is commonly calculated using a design equation developed without proper consideration of soil-pipe interaction. The authors’ recent work revealed that soil-pipe interaction significantly contributes to the axial pullout load, particularly for flexible pipes. This paper presents the results of numerical study conducted to explore the mechanics of soil-pipe interaction that could not be measured during tests. Particularly, the effect of rate-dependent interface behavior of the polyethylene pipe material on pulling resistance could not be measured during the tests. The FE model is developed through validation with full-scale laboratory test results performed at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The study reveals that FE analysis with interface friction angles of 75% to 90% of the peak friction angle of surrounding soil can successfully simulate ground movements of various rates. Based on the results obtained, a simplified equation is proposed to estimate the mobilized frictional lengths for pipeline performance assessment.

• Record URL:
  https://annualmeeting.mytrb.org/OnlineProgram/Details/15700
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AKB70 Standing Committee on Culverts, Buried Bridges and Soil Structure Interaction.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Reza, Auchib
  • Dhar, Ashutosh Sutra
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 100th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2021-1-5 to 2021-1-29
• Date: 2021

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 12p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axial loads; Finite element method; Laboratory tests; Pipelines; Plastic pipe; Prototype tests; Seismicity; Soil structure interaction
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Materials; Pipelines;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01763651
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TRBAM-21-00705
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 4 2021 10:57AM