Pipeline Engineering

External Load Design - Buried PE Pipe (Demo)

This tool has adopted the engineering calculations specified in AWWA M55 to ensure that the selected PE pipe will withstand the external loads. The simple and empirical method offered by AWWA M55 has been proven by experience to provide reliable results for most of the buried PE pipe installations. Please note that this tool is limited to H20 or E80 live loads on pipes buried in trenches. More sophisticated design approaches may be used in certain applications when the live load exceeds H20 or E80 load. In addition, the load and pipe reaction calculations may not apply to pipes installed by directional drilling.

Pipe Input Data

Select "Custom" for manual pipe OD and wall thickness inputs.
Select "Custom" for manual pipe OD and wall thickness inputs.
inch
inch
 
 
Using the short-term modulus is satisfactory for most applications for PE pressure pipes installed in granular or compacted fills. Other design conditions may use long-term modulus to be conservative.
psi

Load Input Data

pcf
ft
inch

Design Parameters

 
Typically, bedding factor is 0.1
 
Typically, the time-lag factor ranges from 1.25 to 1.5. For design purposes, a time-lag factor of 1.5 is generally conservative for flexible pipes including PE pipe.

Output Data

psi
Surcharge may be other distributed loads to create pressure in the soil beneath the loaded area, such as footings, foundations, or other stationary loads. It is assumed to be 0 unless otherwise specified.
%
Deflection limit selected for pressure pipe. For non-pressure applications, deflection limit is 7.5%.