MPM Investigation of the Fluidization Initiation and Postfluidization Mechanism around a Pressurized Leaking Pipe
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 11
Abstract
Pipe leakage can induce soil fluidization resulting in severe consequences to the urban environment where underground buried pipes are extensively used. Soil fluidization is the process of the transition of soil particles from solid-like to liquid-like behavior that can lead to the failure of the supporting ground and buried utilities. This paper applies the advanced two-phase double-point material point method (MPM) technique to investigate the soil fluidization mechanism around a leaking pressurized water pipe embedded in fully saturated soil. In the model, the inflow water velocity leading to the initiation and evolution of soil fluidization around the leaking pipe is identified based on the changes in soil porosity and soil bed expansion ratio. This study shows that the MPM results are consistent with published experimental studies. Parametric analyses are presented to investigate the influence of different parameters, including the orifice size, bed height, and soil porosity on soil fluidization. The results show that the inflow velocity required for the onset and development of fluidization decreases with the increase in orifice size and soil porosity. The bed height increases the resistance of the soil bed against fluidization. The double-point MPM formulation is shown to be an effective and promising way to study soil-water interaction resulting from a leaking pipe. The model developed in this study can be used as a prediction tool to estimate the significance and progress of the fluidization zone and to determine the critical state that leads to ground failure. Such a tool would be of significant value to asset managers that are responsible for the maintenance of buried pipes, their supporting ground, and surface transportation infrastructure.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors extend their appreciation to the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham and the Anura3D Research Community for providing the necessary support to complete this research. The authors wish to extend their gratitude to John Murphy at the University of California, Berkeley, for his kind guidance in terms of DP MPM code.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 11 • November 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 19, 2022
Accepted: Jun 23, 2023
Published online: Aug 28, 2023
Published in print: Nov 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jan 28, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bed materials
- Buried pipes
- Fluid mechanics
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydrologic engineering
- Infrastructure
- Pipe leakage
- Pipeline management
- Pipeline systems
- Pipes
- Pressure pipes
- River and stream beds
- River engineering
- Rivers and streams
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Soil water
- Soil-pipe interaction
- Water and water resources
- Water leakage and water loss
- Water management
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