Research studies examining buried pipes cannot rely on computational work alone, and physical experiments are needed for credible evaluation of buried pipe performance at service and ultimate loads. Specialized testing facilities are described which can be used to undertake buried pipe experiments on structures up to 10m span at shallow cover, and pipes of 0.6m diameter or less up to 1000 kPa overburden pressure (about 50m burial). The capabilities include service load testing under real vehicles, and testing to ultimate limit states under simulated axle loads of up to 2000 kN (about 9 times the normal service load for a tandem axle design truck). Use of the facility is briefly illustrated through reference to six different projects on pipes and culverts installed using conventional and trenchless construction techniques.
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