0.7 OD Embedment Compaction
Publication: Pipelines 2023
ABSTRACT
Some agencies, standards, and manuals recommend compacting embedment soil for a buried flexible pipe to a level of 6 to 12 in. above the top of the pipe. This practice is often unnecessary, a waste of resources and invites damage to the pipe. It is unnecessary because side support is only needed up to about 70% of the outside diameter (0.7 OD) of the pipe to limit pipe deflection. Compacting unnecessary embedment is a waste of resources and money. Furthermore, compacting on top of a pipe risks damage to the pipe. This paper discusses the recommended 0.7 OD limit for embedment compaction about a buried flexible pipe. Reasoning, numerical analyses, and laboratory experimentation are presented that support this limit.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Pipelines 2023
Pages: 119 - 128
History
Published online: Aug 10, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Buried pipes
- Compacted soils
- Continuum mechanics
- Displacement (mechanics)
- Embedment
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Flexible pipes
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Infrastructure
- Joints
- Pipe bedding
- Pipe sizes
- Pipeline systems
- Pipes
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil-pipe interaction
- Soils (by type)
- Solid mechanics
- Structural engineering
- Structural mechanics
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Waste management
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