Abstract
A series of 3-D centrifuge model tests on buried pipelines generated detailed data of both distribution of earth pressure along the pipe long axis and non-linear change in the pipeline response (earth pressure and deflection) due to increase in differential ground settlement. The tests also quantified the effects, on the pipeline response, of several critical factors such as ground conditions, burial dimensions of pipelines, and pipe flexibilities. It was found that a pair of 3-D ground arch, produced by the differential ground settlement, generated high earth pressure concentration onto the pipelines. The test results were compared with predictions according to a current Japanese design standard based on beam theory on an elastic foundation, confirming that the design standard involves several basic defects.
