Centrifuge Modelling of Soil Load Transfer to Flexible Sewer Liners

摘要

Experiments have been devised using a geotechnical centrifuge to simulate the loading sequence and possible deterioration mechanisms of a buried rigid sewer pipe and its soil surround, both before and after renovation by lining. The experimental technique allows direct measurement of the deformation and strains induced in a close-fitting model liner pipe due, for example, to the collapse of voids caused by soil erosion prior to renovation, and to the loss of flexural and/or compressive ring stiffness of the host pipe at various stages. Live surface loads can also be applied "on the fly". Principles of the centrifuge modelling technique are described, the overall experimental plan outlined, and preliminary results reported. The relevance of the results to the development of more rational design procedures for flexible, close-fitting sewer liners is also briefly discussed.