pipe expansion and contraction during installation
pipe expansion and contraction during installation
(OP)
A large waterline project involves 1200m of 1676mm diameter (3940 ft of 66 inch) steel pipe. The pipe is to have welded joints and be encased in concrete for long-term corrosion protection. Our concern is the force that will be transferred to the pipe due to expansion and contraction during installation. The pipe will be heated from the sun when it is lying exposed and from the heat of hydration after it is backfilled in concrete. It will then cool down significantly when the soil backfill is placed on the pipe and after the cool water is placed in the pipe. Because the joints are welded the forces that are transferred to the pipe could be significant.
I am looking for guidance in installation controls to mitigate expansion/contraction concerns during construction.
I am looking for guidance in installation controls to mitigate expansion/contraction concerns during construction.





RE: pipe expansion and contraction during installation
RE: pipe expansion and contraction during installation
There are two methods that I know of that are used. One is expansion joints. The other is a bend or two in the pipe to absorb the expansion. The concrete coating presents a problem in that it may crack and drop off from the repeated cycling. Rough estimate is that the pipe will expand 15.4 inches for a 50 deg F temp difference and the concrete will expand 18.7 inches. I am assuming the pipe is above ground?
Regards
Dave
RE: pipe expansion and contraction during installation
RE: pipe expansion and contraction during installation
Regards
Dave