analytical studies with observations and

measurements on prototype pipe in

both three-edge bearing tests and field
installations.
Since the early These research results provide the
1920’s, designers basis for a more advanced design
Indirect Design practice for pipe-soil installations based
Comparison of the of buried pipe have
specified embedment on direct design of the pipe for its
structural strength installed conditions. They also provide
of the pipe (Three- details based on
Class A, B, C and D the basis for recommending standardized
Edge-Bearing installation types that differ significantly
Test) to the field beddings developed
by Marston & from those originally developed by
supporting Marston and Spangler and currently used
strength of a Spangler at Iowa State
University. Many of in indirect design practice.
buried pipe. Essentially, the same installation
the design practices in
current use are based types are defined for both trench and
Direct Design embankment installations. These
The design of pipe on this research.
By the 1970’s, Standard Installations have several
in the installed advantages over Class A, B, C and
condition. The ACPA members
realized that new D beddings because of the following
magnitude and considerations of practical construction:
distribution analytical knowledge
and field experience • A flat foundation and bedding
of loads are simplifies construction.
determined and were available
that could lead to • Bedding cannot be shaped within
the physical sufficient tolerance to provide uniform
properties improvements in
understanding the support to the outside of the pipe over
necessary to a shaped bedding angle.
support those structural behavior
of buried pipe in its • Embedment soil cannot be compacted
loads are in the lower haunch area up to about
calculated. For installed condition
and thus, lead to 40 degrees from the invert.
more information • Standard Installations should permit
regarding improvements in
design practice for the use of a range of embedment soils
concrete pipe from the best quality granular soils
design refer to the buried concrete pipe.
In view of this, ACPA that are easily compacted to various
ACPA’s Concrete lesser quality soils that may be readily
Pipe Design instituted a long-range
research program available at a site. They should also
Manual. include the option to use many native
with the overall
objective of evaluating soils without compaction around the
the performance of pipe for bedding, embedment and
concrete pipe-soil backfill.
installations and improving design practice for • Requirements for compaction with,
pipe-soil installations. The structural behavior or without, the use of high-quality
of these installations was examined using embedment soils should be limited to
state-of-the-art analytical tools of structural those zones around the pipe where
and geotechnical engineering and computer the embedment provides beneficial
2 science and by comparing the results of vertical or lateral support to the pipe.