Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
(OP)
I have a (suggested) 150 (6")dia steel pipe supported at 6m (20')spacing from the bridge piles across a stream. The water will cover the pipe at flood time by about 1m (say 3'). How do I calculate the loading on the pipe for a structural check of the pipe and its supports. Stream peak flow 3m/s (10'/s)






RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
As you can see we need to know where the pipe is located in order to be able to help.
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
What's in the pipe?
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
Having said that, there are several other issues:
Is it possible to protect the pipe from flotsam?
Will the pipe accumulate debris (grass, weeds, etc.) that will increase the drag?
What does the pipe carry? Anything environmentally unfriendly?
What is the coating system for corrosion? abrasion?
Does it require special markings or colour?
Is it a problem if it breaks?
What authorities are involved?
How is it spliced?
How is it attached at shore? Can the connection flex?
I suspect that with 6" steel that bouyancy is not an issue.
Does it require a barrier to prevent rats or people from using it?
Should it be electrically isolated?
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
Thanks so far but nothing yet usable
RE: Force on Pipe Under Bridge from Water Flow in River
As pipe will be in water during flood time, calculate the horizontal and vertical forces acting on it at peak flow. Procedure as below.
Vertical forces: Self weight of pipe, water load in the pipe and water head above pipe during flood . Add for surge loads or wave forces.
Horizontal forces: For a circular cross section take a factor as 0.95( Ref. ASCE 7/98 page 61, assuning it is immersed in Fluid) ). Work out the pressures at top and bottom elevations of pipe with respect to Max Flood level . Since it is a flood water, take a suitable density value for water ( Assuming with lot of debris and impact value).
With this both vertical and horizontal simaltaneous load applications ,design your pipe section and conections.
Hope this may help you.
Ram