ABSTRACT
The first three steps in the structural design of buried pipes all deal with resistance to loads. Loads on a buried pipe can be complex, especially as the pipe deflects out-of-round. Analysis can be simplified if the cross section (ring) is assumed to be circular. For pipes that are rigid, ring deflection is negligible. For pipes that are flexible, ring deflection is usually limited by specification to some value not greater than five percent. Analysis of a circular ring is reasonable for the structural design of most buried pipes. Analysis is prediction of structural performance. Following are basic principles for analysis and design of the ring such that it can support the three most basic loads: internal pressure, transportation/installation, and external pressure. See Figures 2-1 and 2-2.
