The load bearing capacity of an installed pipeline relates directly to the construction of the

bedding which is intended to level out any irregularities in the formation, and provide uniform
support around and along the length of the pipe barrel. The strength of an installed pipeline
depends on a combination of the strength of pipe and the class of bedding. The selection of the
bedding class is influenced by many factors, which include the nature of the ground, the loads
acting on the pipeline in the trench, the strength of the pipe, and the local cost and availability of
the bedding material.
Types of bedding:
1- Type A Bedding
2- Type B Bedding
3- Type C Bedding

Thickness of bedding shall be as per IRC SP 13-2004

Type of Bedding Details of Bedding Depth of Fill
Type A Encasing 0 m to 0.6m
Type B First Class Bedding 0.6m to 4m
Type C Concrete cradle Bedding 4m and above

Type A Bedding: Type A bedding shall consist of a continuous concrete cradle confirming to the plan
drawings. Type A bedding will depends on height of fill which various from 0m to 0.6m.
Type B Bedding: Type B bedding shall consist of bedding the Pipe to a depth of not less than 30% of the
vertical outside diameter of the Pipe. Bedding materials shall be sand or selected sandy soil all of which
passes to a 9.5mm sieve and not more than 10% of which passes to a 0.075 mm sieve. Minimum
thickness of bedding material beneath the pipe shall be 100 mm. The layers of the bedding materials shall
be shaped to fit the pipe for at least 15% of its total height. Type B bedding will depends on height of fill
which various from 0.6m to 4m.
Type C Bedding: Type C bedding shall consist of bedding the pipe to a depth of not less than 10% of its
total height. Type C bedding will depends on height of fill more than 4m.