Further Improvements to ASME Section XI Code Case N-806 in a Proposed Second Revision
Abstract ASME Section XI Code Case N-806, for evaluation of metal loss in Class 2 and 3 metallic piping buried in a backfilled trench, was first published in 2012. This Code Case has been prepared by the ASME Section XI Task Group on Evaluation Procedures for Degraded Buried Pipe. The Code Case addresses the nuclear industry need for evaluation procedures and acceptance criteria for the disposition of metal loss that is discovered during the inspection of metallic piping buried in a back-filled trench. In a second revision of the Code Case, several changes are proposed. First, guidance is provided for analytical evaluation of greater detail including finite element analysis methods. A new nonmandatory appendix is included to provide procedures for the evaluation of soil and surcharge loads using finite element analysis. Next, a second new nonmandatory appendix is provided giving detailed guidance on the evaluation of seismic loads. Finally, the need to evaluate the fatigue life of buried piping subjected to cyclic surface loading is now included and a design factor applied to the modulus of soil reaction is introduced. This paper presents details of the proposed changes to Code Case N-806-1 and their technical basis where applicable.