Finite Element Modeling of Buried FRP Pipe Under Traffic Loads and Internal Pressure

In the present study, the buried fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) pipe under traffic loads and internal pressure has been modeled using finite element method. Therefore, first the soil models have been studied. Then, the effective surcharge loads are applied to the model. The traffic loads have been considered based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standards. The results show that the sections of soil model can affect the applied stress in the pipe significantly. In addition, there is an optimum burial depth that should be determined for the buried pipes. At the optimum burial depth, the impact of traffic loads and weight of soil is minimized. Finally, it was found that by increasing the winding angle, the applied tensile hoop and radial stresses increased slowly while the compression stresses decreased especially for the radial stress.