Modeling Burst Head Advance during Static Pipe Bursting

Two dimensional finite element analyses can successfully estimate ground movements and stresses associated with static pipe bursting in the plane perpendicular to the pipe axis. However, they provide no information about the ground movements parallel to the pipe axis or the magnitude of pulling force needed to advance the burst head. Axisymmetric finite element analysis has therefore been developed to explore the axial progression of the burst head, the ground resistance to that advance, the magnitude of axial ground movements, and the effect of soil characteristics on the response of the burst head and the surrounding ground. Calculated response is compared to laboratory measurements of ground movement and pulling force to evaluate the effectiveness of the finite element modeling.