Abstract
A testing procedure and methodology has been developed to provide more realistic pipe-soil response curves which account for differing soil types, pipe and trench geometries and backfill conditions. Such curves increase the reliability of the pipe-soil interaction analyses, and help to reduce overall conservatism in definition of springs for pipe-soil interaction.
Pipe-soil spring response is now generally determined by geotechnical engineering estimation of the soil properties which are used as inputs to simple pipe-soil interaction guidelines. A new dual axis field test procedure, including equipment and interpretative methodology has been developed to directly measure soil response curves for bearing and shear interactions. A numerical modelling protocol interprets these measurements to directly assess pipe-soil spring responses, rather than relying on simplified guidelines.
This paper includes the field and laboratory testing and associated numerical modelling used in the development of the pipe-soil spring response process, as well as the initial results of trials with the new dual axis testing system. The next step for this initiative will be the development of a database of field test data, from which significant advancements can be made to further improve pipe spring recommendations.
Field test and numerical modelling of RC slabs at different scaled distances with two types of external reinforcement
