Protecting Buried HDPE Pipes Subjected to Ground Subsidence Using Geosynthetics

摘要

High density polyethylene (HDPE) double-wall corrugated pipe is commonly used for drainage purpose. However, this type of pipe can be damaged by ground subsidence due to its relative low stiffness. In this study, physical model tests are conducted to investigate the effectiveness of geosynthetics to protect buried HDPE pipes subjected to ground subsidence. The tests are carried out in a custom-made test box with a dimension of 2 m in length, 2 m in width, and 1.5 m in height. Two model tests with the inclusion of the geotextile and the geogrid and one test without geosynthics reinforcement are conducted. Test results demonstrate that both types of geosynthetics are effective to reinforce the HDPE pipes in the ground subsidence condition, in terms of reducing vertical displacement and circumferential strain of the pipes. The pipe protected by the geotextile performs better than that reinforced by the geogrid.