This paper will present a multi-year project which has developed a testing procedure and methodology for predicting realistic pipe-soil response curves for differing soil types, ditch configurations, backfill age and pipeline construction seasons. Such curves will help to reduce overall pipeline costs and increase the reliability of the pipe soil interaction analyses. Reduced conservatism in definition of springs for pipe-soil interaction should result in use of thinner walled pipelines.

Pipe-soil spring response is now generally determined by geotechnical engineering estimation of the soil properties which are used as inputs to pipe-soil interaction models such as ALA (2001) or PRCI (2004).  A new dual axis field test procedure, including equipment and interpretative methodology has been developed over the past 4 years for predicting more realistic soil response curves for bearing and shear intertactions. The objective is to advance a new simple field testing protocol from which a direct assessment can be made of pipe-soil spring response, rather than relying on simplified guidelines.

This paper will include the field & laboratory testing and associated numerical modelling used in this development, and initial results of trials with the new dual axis test system. The future of this initiative will be a database of generic field test data, from which significant advancements can be made to improving pipe spring recommendations.

This paper will present a multi-year project which has developed a testing procedure and methodology for predicting realistic pipe-soil response curves for differing soil types, ditch configurations, backfill age and pipeline construction seasons. Such curves will help to reduce overall pipeline costs and increase the reliability of the pipe soil interaction analyses. Reduced conservatism in definition of springs for pipe-soil interaction should result in use of thinner walled pipelines.

Pipe-soil spring response is now generally determined by geotechnical engineering estimation of the soil properties which are used as inputs to pipe-soil interaction models such as ALA (2001) or PRCI (2004).  A new dual axis field test procedure, including equipment and interpretative methodology has been developed over the past 4 years for predicting more realistic soil response curves for bearing and shear intertactions. The objective is to advance a new simple field testing protocol from which a direct assessment can be made of pipe-soil spring response, rather than relying on simplified guidelines.

This paper will include the field & laboratory testing and associated numerical modelling used in this development, and initial results of trials with the new dual axis test system. The future of this initiative will be a database of generic field test data, from which significant advancements can be made to improving pipe spring recommendations.


Developing a Representative Soil Response Model

Division / Sponsors: 
Pipeline Systems Division

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IPC/IPC2020/volume/84447

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