Elastic Analysis of Buried Pipes under Surface Patch Loadings

Abstract

A parametric study was undertaken to assess the behavior of buried pipes under uniformly distributed vertical patch loads applied to the surface of a layer of soil. Predictions of the maximum circumferential and longitudinal bending moments and hoop thrusts acting on the buried pipes are presented in the form of nondimensionalized design charts. Fourier transforms were used to model the three-dimensional behavior under the patch loading, and conventional finite-element analysis was used to approximate the field quantities in the two-dimensional transform plane. The soil has been idealized as a homogeneous linear elastic continuum, and the buried pipe has been represented by a linear elastic plate bending element capable of transmitting axial thrusts. The results of the parametric study are relevant to the design of buried pipes under the action of vertical live loads applied to the surface of a soil layer.