Seismic Evaluation of Hazard-Resistant Lifelines: Fusible PVC Pipe and Fittings
Project Title: Seismic Evaluation of Hazard-Resistant Lifelines: Fusible PVC Pipe and Fittings
Industry Partners: Aegion Corportation - Underground Solutions Inc.
CIEST Personnel: Cory Ihnotic, Jessica Ramos, D.K Anderson, David Balcells
Primary Investigator: Prof. Brad Wham
Year: 2021
Project Summary: The intent of this study is to impose external loading conditions to test specimens that are representative of the significant deformations possible during earthquake-induced ground motions such as landsliding, fault rupture, and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading, characterizing the pipeline system capacity. This testing program seeks to define the seismic response of fusible PVC (fPVC) pipeline systems with both fused connections and external couplings, illustrating procedures and best practices for conducting full-scale tests and interpreting laboratory results. Thirteen large-scale tests were performed on 6-in. diameter DR18 (PC235) fusible PVC pipe (C900) with three different connection types. Test specimens were subjected to tension, compression, cyclic, and four point bending tests, determining the ultimate load capacity for each system in both axial and transverse directions.
Link to report: https://www.colorado.edu/center/ciest/sites/default/files/attached-files/240724_ciest-ugs_fusible_report_to_be_published.pdf