Spatial soil variability and influence of seismicaction on the analysis and resorption of buried pipes

Abstract

Dysfunctions and failures of buried pipe networks like sewernetworks are studied from the point of view of the heterogeneityof geotechnical conditions in the longitudinal direction and ofthe applied action (seismic action). Combined soil defects andpeak ground acceleration (PGA) induce stresses anddisplacements. A model has been developed which includes adescription of the soil spatial variability, within the frame ofgeostatistics and a mechanical description of the soil–structureinteraction of a set of buried pipes with connections resting onthe soil by a two parameter model (Pasternak model). Reliabilityanalysis is performed for two limit states: Serviceability limitstate, corresponding to a too large “counterslope” in a givenpipe, and Ultimate limit state, corresponding to a too largebending moment.