Application of Finite Element Modeling for Large-Diameter Steel Pressure Pipes Buried in Any Type of Backfill Materials

This project presents common methods of finite element modeling of large-diameter steel pipes buried in different types of backfill and trench geometries. In addition, a method for compaction simulation based on the theory of elasticity was validated with experimental and field measurements, a manual of practice for finite element simulations of buried flexible pipes was developed, and two detailed examples are provided to demonstrate the application of finite elements in special cases such as a wye and a pipe buried in controlled low strength material. Tailored Collaboration Partner: Tarrant Regional Water District. Published in 2020.