Numerical simulation on response of buried pipeline induced by rock-fall transverse impaction

Key words:  btiried pipeline  rock-fall impaction  geological hazard  3DEC software

Abstract:

The 3 DEC software was used to simulate the dynamic response of buried pipeline induced by rock-fall impaction, in order to investigate the main factors which influenced the soil pressure acted on the pipe surface and the deformation of pipe. The results indicate that the earth pressure at the pipe surface is extremely nonuniform, and the main influence range of impaction on the surface earth pressure is near the top of the pipe. The main influence range is determined by the real contact area in impaction. The mass and velocity of rock-fall are the primary factors influencing the maximal soil pressure on pipe surface. The influence range of impaction is approximate twice as large as the radius of impact area. If the rock-fall has the same impacting velocity, the mass of block has more influence on the damage of pipeline than the contact area, and the thicker covering soil could give pipe better protection under impacting loads. In comparison with using stiff clay as backfill soil, the pipe could produce more deformation than with sand backfilling under impact loading.