Investigating Dynamic Response of a Buried Pipeline in Sandy Soil Layer by 1G Shaking Table Test

Investigating the parameters influencing the behavior of buried pipelines under dynamic loading is of great importance. In this study the soil structure interaction of the pipelines with the surrounding soil was addressed using shaking table tests. Wave propagation along the soil layers was also included in the study. The semi infinite nature of the field was simulated using a laminar shear box. The soil used in the experiments was Babolsar coastal sand (Iran). PVC pipes were used due to their analogy with the field. Eight models were constructed with the first four models having uniform base. In the next models, the non uniformities of real ground were simulated using a concrete pedestal installed at the very bottom of the shear box. Pipe deformations under dynamic loading, acceleration distribution in height, soil settlement and horizontal displacements were measured by strain gauges, acceleratometers and displacement meters. Analyzing the obtained data, influence of different parameters of dynamic loading such as acceleration, frequency, soil density, base conditions and shaking direction to pipe axis on the acceleration lification ratio and pipe deformation were investigated. Also in order to study the effect of dynamic loading on two different materials, soil and pipe, the horizontal strains were compared.