Assessment the Role of Expanded-Polysterene Block and Grogrid Layer on Behavior of Buried Pipeline

Abstract

Geogrid layers and expanded polystyrene blocks have widely been implemented in geotechnical projects, recently. This paper investigates the behaviour of buried pipelines through experimental and numerical analyses by implementing an expanded polystyrene (EPS or geofoam) block and a geogrid layer over the buried pipe rested in a trench and imposed by trench surface loading. In this regard, a 3-D finite element model was created using ABAQUS software which verification and material characteristics have been derived from experimental results. The results indicate that the behaviour of buried pipelines can be ameliorated by employing EPS geofoam blocks; however, the compressible inclusion character of EPS blocks has a side effect of more surface subsidence of buried pipe trenches. In addition, reinforced soil covers with geogrid and geofoam has a considerable impression on amending the maximum surface settlement and maximum pipe crown displacement values.