Abstract:
Finite element analysis is performed in this study to investigate the long-term pipeline-soil interaction of a pipe buried in sand trench embedded in soft clay. This situation is often encountered for pipes used for irrigation purpose. The effects of trench dimensions, the importance of modelling interface between sand backfill and clay trench, and the importance of modelling construction sequences on the pipeline-soil interaction are investigated. The investigation also includes assessment of suitable numerical simulation techniques and procedures for this kind of problem. The ultimate aim is to propose a better pipeline design method for long-term condition.