Numerical evaluation of buried composite and steel pipe structures under the effects of gravity

In this paper, the response of an underground fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) composite pipe system subjected to realistic loading scenarios that may be experienced by an actual buried pipeline is investigated. The model replicates an arbitrary site with a length of buried pipeline, passing through a 90 bend and into a valve pit. Various loading conditions, which include effects of pipe pressurization, differences in response between stainless steel and fibreglass composite pipes and severe loss of bed-soil support are studied. In addition to pipe response, the resulting soil stresses and ground settlement are also analysed. Furthermore, the locations of potential leakage and burst have also been identified by evaluating the contact pressures at the joints and by comparing stresses to the pipe hoop and axial failure strengths.