BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

1295-1:1997
Incorporating
corrigenda May 2006 ,
July 2008, February
2010 and March 2010

Structural design of
buried pipelines under
various conditions of
loading —
Part 1: General requirements

ICS 23.040.01

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 1295-1:1997

National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 1295-1:1997.

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical
Committee B/505, Wastewater engineering, to Subcommittee B/504/505/1,
General requirements for pipes and fittings.
A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
The attached National Annex comprises the calculation procedure for the
structural design of buried pipelines as practised in the UK. As the UK
submission has been agreed, the BSI committee has included it to allow
the UK pipe industry an early opportunity to view the calculation
procedure.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

This British Standard was
published under the authority Amd. No. Date Comments
of the Standards Board and
comes into effect on
15 June 1998 16110 31 May 2006 Corrections to National Annex
Corrigendum
No. 1
© BSI 2010
31 July 2008 Corrections to National Annex and
alignment of BSI and CEN publication
dates

28 February 2010 Pcrs changed to Pcra in NA. 6.2.3

31 March 2010 In NA. 6.2.3, Pcra changed back to Pcrs in

ISBN 978 0 580 70689 9 equation 21 and note
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1295-1
NORME EUROPEÂENNE
EUROPAÈISCHE NORM July 1997

ICS 23.040.01

Descriptors: Sanitation, water supply, water removal, water pipelines, buried pipes, pressure pipes, sewage, computation, mechanical
strength, loads: forces

English version

Structural design of buried pipelines under various conditions of

loading Ð
Part 1: General requirements

Calcul de reÂsistance meÂcanique des canalisations Statische Berechnung von erdverlegten

enterreÂes sous diverses conditions de charge Ð Rohrleitungen unter verschiedenen
Partie 1: Prescriptions geÂneÂrales Belastungsbedingungen Ð
Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1997-06-29. CEN members are
bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the
conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard
without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards
may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a
CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite EuropeÂen de Normalisation
EuropaÈisches Komitee fuÈr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

 1997 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national
Members.
Ref. No. EN 1295-1 : 1997 E
Page 2
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

Foreword
6.4 Buckling of pressure pipes 6
This European Standard has been prepared by
Technical Committee CEN/TC 165, Waste water 6.5 Thrusts and longitudinal stresses 6
engineering, the Secretariat of which is held by DIN. 7 Influence of construction procedures 6
This European Standard shall be given the status of a 7.1 General 6
national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement at the latest by January 1998, 7.2 Trenching procedures 6
and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn 7.3 Pipe bedding 6
at the latest by January 1998. 7.4 Filling procedures 7
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations,
the national standards organizations of the following 8 Design philosophies and factors of
countries are bound to implement this European safety 7
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Annexes
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, A (informative) Pipe definition according
Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, to cross-sectional behaviour 7
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
B (informative) Nationally established
This standard is intended for use in conjunction with methods of design 7
the series of product standards covering pipes of
various materials for the water industry. B.1 Identification of methods and
addresses where they are available 8
This standard comprises two Parts:
± Part 1: General requirements, dealing with the B.1.1 Austria 8
requirements for structural design of pipelines and B.1.2 Belgium 8
giving the basic principles of the nationally B.1.3 Denmark 8
established methods of design;
B.1.4 Finland 8
± Part 2: Summary of the nationally established
methods of design, giving an overview of these B.1.5 France 8
methods as prepared by the various countries where B.1.6 Germany 8
they are in use.
B.1.7 Netherlands 9
B.1.8 Norway 9
Contents
B.1.9 Spain 9
Page B.1.10 Sweden 9
Foreword 2 B.1.11 Switzerland 10
Introduction 3 B.1.12 United Kingdom 10
1 Scope 3 B.2 Description of methods 11
2 Normative references 3 B.2.1 Austria 11
3 Definitions 3 B.2.2 Belgium 12
3.1 Installation terms 3 B.2.3 Denmark 12
3.2 Design terms 4 B.2.4 Finland 13
4 Requirements 4 B.2.5 France 14
5 Basis of design procedures 4 B.2.6 Germany 14
5.1 General 4 B.2.7 Netherlands 15
5.2 External loads 5 B.2.8 Norway 15
5.3 Limit states 5 B.2.9 Spain 15
5.4 Longitudinal effects 5 B.2.10 Sweden 16
6 Additional considerations for pressure B.2.11 Switzerland 17
pipelines 5
B.2.12 United Kingdom 17
6.1 General 5
6.2 Stresses and strains resulting from
simultaneous loads 5
6.3 Effect of pressure on deformation 6

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

Introduction This guidance is an important source of design

expertise, but it cannot include all possible special
The structural design of buried pipelines constitutes a
cases, in which extensions or restrictions to the basic
wide ranging and complex field of engineering, which
design methods may apply.
has been the subject of extensive study and research
in many countries over a period of many years. Since in practice precise details of types of soil and
installation conditions are not always available at the
Whilst many common features exist between the design stage, the choice of design assumptions is left
design methods which have been developed and to the judgement of the engineer. In this connection
established in the various member countries of CEN, the guide can only provide general indications and
there are also differences reflecting such matters as advice.
geological and climatic variations, as well as different
installation and working practices. This Part of the standard specifies the requirements for
structural design and indicates the references and the
In view of these differences, and of the time required basic principles of the nationally established methods
to develop a common design method which would of design (see annexes A and B).
fully reflect the various considerations identified in
particular national methods, a two stage approach has
been adopted for the development of this European 2 Normative references
Standard. This European Standard incorporates, by dated or
In accordance with this two stage approach, the joint undated reference, provisions from other publications.
working group, at its initial meeting, resolved `first to These normative references are cited at the
produce an EN giving guidance on the application of appropriate places in the text and the publications are
nationally established methods of structural design of listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent
buried pipelines under various conditions of loading, amendments to or revisions of any of the publications
whilst working towards a common method of apply to this European Standard only when
structural design'. This standard represents the incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For
implementation of the first part of that resolution. undated references, the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies.

1 Scope prEN 1610 Construction of pipelines for drains and

sewers
This standard specifies the requirements for the
structural design of water supply pipelines, drains and
sewers, and other water industry pipelines, whether 3 Definitions
operating at atmospheric, greater or lesser pressure. For the purposes of this standard, the following
In addition, this standard gives guidance on the definitions apply (see also annex A).
application of the nationally established methods of 3.1 Installation terms
design declared by and used in CEN member countries Installation terms are given in figure 1. The same terms
at the time of preparation of this standard. apply for embankment installations and for trenches
with sloping sides.

1 Surface
2 Bottom of road or railway construction, if any
3 Trench walls
4 Main backfill (3.6)
5 Initial backfill (3.5)
6 Sidefill (3.12)
7 Upper bedding
8 Lower bedding
9 Trench bottom
10 Depth of cover (3.3)
11 Depth of bedding (3.1)
12 Depth of embedment (3.4)
13 Trench depth (3.13)
a Depth of lower bedding
b Depth of upper bedding
c Depth of initial backfill

NOTE. The terms in figure 1 are the same as in prEN 1610.

Figure 1. Trench installation

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

3.1.1 compaction 4.2 The future owner of the pipeline is free to specify
Deliberate densification of soil during the construction the appropriate method of design to be adopted.
process. 4.3 The designer shall determine whether or not the
3.1.2 consolidation pipeline comes within the scope of the methods
covered by this standard.
Time-dependent densification of soil by processes
other than those deliberately applied during 4.4 The design adopted shall be such that
construction. construction may be carried out safely and so as to
ensure that the design assumptions regarding the
3.1.3 embedment
influence of construction procedures and soil
Arrangement and type(s) of material(s) around a characteristics will be satisfied.
buried pipeline which contribute to its structural
performance. 4.5 Subject to the other requirements of clause 4,
design should be carried out preferably using in its
3.2 Design terms entirety one of the methods in annex B of this
3.2.1 bedding factor standard.
Ratio of the maximum design load for the pipe, when 4.6 Methods of design, in accordance with annex B,
installed with a particular embedment, to the test load when presented in the form of tables, charts or
which produces the same maximum bending moment. computer programmes, shall be deemed equivalent to a
full calculation, provided that any simplification does
3.2.2 design pressure (DP) not reduce the level of safety to below that which
Maximum operating internal pressure of the system or would be obtained by full design. Outputs from
of the pressure zone fixed by the designer considering computer programmes shall be capable of verification.
future developments but excluding surge.
4.7 Where a design method other than one of those in
3.2.3 load bearing capacity annex B is employed, the designer shall satisfy himself
Load per unit length that a particular combination of that the method constitutes a coherent system and
pipe and embedment can sustain without exceeding a provides the level of safety required.
limit state. 4.8 Account shall be taken of the probable
3.2.4 maximum design pressure (MDP) consequences of pipeline failure in establishing the
Maximum operating internal pressure of the system or acceptable level of safety.
of the pressure zone fixed by the designer considering 4.9 The values adopted for all variables, including
future developments and including surge, where: factors of safety, shall be in accordance with the
± MDP is designated MDPa when there is a fixed method used.
allowance for surge;
± MDP is designated MDPc when the surge is 5 Basis of design procedures
calculated.
5.1 General
3.2.5 silo effect Whilst there are differences between some of the
Effect whereby lateral earth pressure in trench backfill established national design procedures, there are no
causes friction at the trench wall to carry part of the differences in respect of the fundamental basis of
weight of the backfill. design, which is the interactive system consisting of
3.2.6 soil-structure interaction the pipe and the surrounding soil.
Process whereby the deformations of soil and/or pipe The external loadings to be considered shall include
caused by the contact and reaction pressures between that due to the backfill, that due to the most severe
a pipe and the surrounding soil distribute the pressures surface surcharge or traffic loading likely to occur, and
to achieve equilibrium. those due to any other causes, producing a loading of
significant magnitude such as self weight of the pipe
3.2.7 system test pressure (STP) and water weight, as appropriate. The internal pressure
Hydrostatic pressure applied to a newly laid pipeline in in the pipeline, if different from atmospheric, shall also
order to ensure its integrity and tightness. be treated as a loading.
The design of the pipeline, and its embedment, shall
provide an adequate level of safety against the
4 Requirements appropriate ultimate limit state being exceeded. In
4.1 All pipelines shall be designed to withstand the addition, the design loading shall not result in any
various loadings to which they are expected to be appropriate serviceability limit state being exceeded.
subjected, during construction and operation, without
detriment to their function and to the environment.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

5.2 External loads 6 Additional considerations for pressure

Account shall be taken of the effect of the stiffness of pipelines
the pipe and the stiffness of the surrounding soil.
6.1 General
Where appropriate, account shall be taken of the
effects of trench construction, of groundwater and of Pipelines operating at internal pressures above or
time dependent influences. The design should take into below atmospheric are subjected to loadings in excess
consideration, however, the possible effect on trench of those at atmospheric pressure.
conditions of any further planned works. The application of internal pressure not only
The effective pressure due to the backfill and any introduces additional stresses and strains in the
distributed surface loads shall be calculated on the circumferential direction, but can also modify the
basis of the principles of soil-structure interaction. deformation of flexible and semi-rigid pipes. In
addition, pressure pipelines, containing changes of
The pressure exerted on pipelines by concentrated
direction or other discontinuities, shall be designed for
surface surcharges, such as vehicle wheels, shall be
the longitudinal tensile loading, or the thrusts at the
calculated in accordance with a method based on
discontinuities.
Boussinesq, and account shall be taken of impact.
Special consideration shall be given to pipelines which
5.3 Limit states will be subject to transient surge pressures. Both
The ultimate limit state for all types of pipe is reached positive and negative transient pressures shall be
when the pipe ceases to behave in the manner considered, but it may not be appropriate for these to
intended in the structural design. be taken in combination with the full vehicle surcharge
Serviceability limit states may be dictated by effects load.
either on the performance of pipelines or on their The design shall take account of the design pressure,
durability (for example leakage, deformation or the maximum design pressure, and the system test
cracking beyond allowable limits). pressure (see 3.2).
Additional serviceability limit states may apply to Pressure pipelines shall also satisfy the design criteria
particular pipe materials, and reference shall be made which would apply if they were non-pressure pipelines,
to the relevant standards. in order to ensure their satisfactory structural
The design of the pipeline shall ensure that these performance for the initial period between
above limit states are not reached. This will include construction and the application of the internal water
consideration of one or more of the following factors: pressure, and subsequently when emptied for
maintenance.
± strain, stress, bending moment and normal force or
load bearing capacity, in the ring or longitudinal 6.2 Stresses and strains resulting from
direction as appropriate; simultaneous loads
± instability (e.g. buckling); Internal pressures above or below atmospheric
± annular deformation; produce circumferential stresses and strains which act
simultaneously with bending stresses and strains due
± watertightness. to external loadings.
Where fluctuating loads of significant magnitude and Design cases to be considered depending on pipe
frequency will exist, appropriate consideration should material and/or type and respective load intensities,
be given to their cumulative effects. can be one or more of the following:
5.4 Longitudinal effects ± circumferential stresses resulting from combined
Longitudinal effects include bending moments, shear loads;
forces and tensile forces resulting for example from ± circumferential strains resulting from combined
non-uniform bedding and thermal movements and, in loads;
the case of pressure pipelines (see 6.5), from Poisson's ± separate analysis of circumferential stresses or
contraction and thrust at change of direction or strains.
cross-section.
Similar cases shall be considered for the longitudinal
These effects may be accommodated by the angular direction, when appropriate.
deflection and/or the shear resistance of flexible joints
NOTE. If the cross-section of the pipe is truly circular,
and by the flexural strength of pipes, the serviceability circumferential stresses and strains due to internal pressure will
limits of which should be obtained from the different be purely tensile or compressive, but if the pipe cross-section is
product standards. not truly circular or has been deformed there will also be bending
stresses and strains due to internal pressure.
The designer shall check that these provisions,
together with the embedment design, are sufficient for
the project and, where needed, specify adequate
additional measures.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

6.3 Effect of pressure on deformation 7 Influence of construction procedures

When positive internal pressure is applied to a not
7.1 General
truly circular pipe, it tends to re-round the deformed
pipe, i.e. to reduce the out-of-circle deformations. Of the various factors to be considered in the
structural design process, some, such as pipe diameter
The re-rounding process may have the beneficial effect
and depth of cover, can be regarded as entirely under
of reducing the bending stresses and strains in the pipe
the control of the designer. Other factors, such as the
wall. The extent to which the re-rounding process
methods adopted for trench excavation and for filling
reduces pipe deformation depends on pipe properties
around and above the pipeline, are only under the
and on other various factors, such as the ratio of the
control of the designer to the extent that they are
internal pressure to the external pressure and the
specified in advance, and supervised during
amount of consolidation of the soil which has taken
construction.
place around the pipe. Thus, the beneficial effects of
re-rounding are likely to be greater if the pressure is 7.2 Trenching procedures
applied soon after backfilling, and less if there is a The width of the trench can influence the extent to
longer delay until the first pressurization. which the backfill load may be reduced by the silo
Although the application of internal positive pressure effect, and this effect is taken into account for certain
will always produce some degree of re-rounding, the applications.
magnitude is difficult to predict. Also, although pipe The width of the trench can also influence the quality
ovalization benefits from internal pressure, stresses and of the lateral soil support at the sides of the pipes. This
strains may not benefit to the same extent (e.g. when effect is variously covered in the design procedures,
the deflected shape is not elliptical). via the coefficient of lateral earth pressure, the bedding
6.4 Buckling of pressure pipes factor, the soil modulus, etc.
Positive internal pressure assists pipes which are not The slope of the trench sides can affect the magnitude
rigid to resist any tendency to buckle, but since there of the backfill load, and, if vertical trench sides are
can never be complete certainty that the pressure may employed, consideration shall also be given to the
not be removed at some time during the life of the method of support.
pipeline, it is normal to design pipelines to resist If the trench supports are withdrawn after embedding
buckling without this assistance. and/or backfilling, voids are left which can cause
Pipelines subject to hydraulic transients may loosening of the soil, reducing the quality of the
experience sub-atmospheric pressures, and, although embedment and the friction on which the silo effect
these are usually of very short duration, they tend to relies, and also promote long term settlement.
increase the tendency to buckle. The presence of groundwater, and the use of measures
Proper account shall be taken of this possibility in the such as groundwater lowering to remove it during
design of such pipelines, and it is preferable to rely on construction, can have important effects. The absence
a conservative estimate of the sub-atmospheric of groundwater assists in the compaction of backfill,
pressure. When calculating stability, the but the subsequent return of groundwater after
sub-atmospheric pressure shall be added to the completion of backfilling can cause movements of soil
external pressure caused by sustained loading. particles, possibly leading to increased loads and
reduction of support to the sides of the pipe.
6.5 Thrusts and longitudinal stresses
7.3 Pipe bedding
A further effect of the application of internal pressure
in pipes is the generation of thrusts at bends and other If the nature of the ground at the base of the trench is
discontinuities. Depending on the type of provision such that it will not itself provide adequate support,
made for resisting these thrusts, the pipes and fittings then, for all types of pipe, the thickness of lower
may be subjected to additional longitudinal bending bedding shall be designed to ensure adequate support
and/or tensile stresses, and to excessive movement along the length of the pipeline.
which could cause dislocation of joints. Where pipes are installed in soft ground, the thickness
of the lower bedding may need to be increased in
order to prevent excessive settlement of the pipeline.
The thickness of upper bedding should be such as to
ensure that the bending moments in the pipe
(as calculated directly or covered by the bedding
factor) are acceptable.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

7.4 Filling procedures The factors of safety to be employed with designs

In the vicinity of the pipe, the placing and compaction following philosophy b) will be lower than those used
of the fill material have great influence on structural in a), to achieve the same probability of failure.
performance. They affect the distribution of soil
pressure around the circumference of the pipe, and Annex A (informative)
hence the response of the pipe. The amount of
compaction applied initially during installation also Pipe definition according to
affects the amount of settlement which will take place cross-sectional behaviour
later, as a result of natural consolidation, or The definition according to cross-sectional behaviour
consolidation accelerated by traffic. Usually, the larger of pipes as rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, is essentially
such settlements, the greater the load which will be based on consideration of the structural performance
transferred to the pipe. of the pipe cross-section under external loads.
When the soil around the pipe is being compacted in Some nationally established methods of design
order to improve its structural quality, some of the distinguish between `flexible', `semi-rigid' and `rigid'
energy is diverted into the pipe (as strain energy of pipes on the basis of the relative pipe and surrounding
deformation) and some into the native soil. The extent soil stiffnesses. This distinction is particularly useful in
to which the total compaction energy is so diverted the evaluation of the backfill load for which the
depends upon the pipe-soil stiffness ratio and the type pipeline should be designed.
of native soil. In other nationally established methods of design, the
Prediction of these effects is difficult and is further distinction between `flexible' and `rigid' is based on the
complicated by the sensitivity of some soils to type of material from which the pipe is made, and the
moisture content. The use of soils which are easy to way in which the material is used. Thus pipes whose
compact, and which have low sensitivity to moisture material would fracture at only small deformations of
content, can therefore greatly reduce the magnitude of the pipe cross-section are regarded as `rigid', whilst
strains developed in pipes as a result of installation. pipes whose cross-sections can deform substantially
without fracture are regarded as `flexible'.
8 Design philosophies and factors of Designers should take account of both considerations,
safety and recognize that the definition of a pipe as `rigid' or
`flexible' according to one approach may not invariably
Field and experimental studies of pipelines show be associated with the same definition in the other
variations in observed earth pressures and pipe approach. Having selected the design procedure to be
deformations, stresses and strains. The main cause of employed, designers should use the method of
these variations is the inevitable inconsistency of soil definition incorporated in that procedure.
characteristics and construction practices, already
described in clause 7 of this standard. The magnitude Whilst materials can be defined as flexible or rigid
of the variation can be reduced by good supervision, according to their failure strain, a pipe made from a
control measurement and by the use of fill materials material with a low failure strain will not necessarily
which are easily placed and treated, but some degree be defined as rigid. Materials which fail at low
of variation is inevitable. elongations, if used in thin-walled pipe, may produce
very flexible pipes, because the deformation of the
Variations in pipe characteristics, such as strength or pipe cross-section corresponding to the limiting strain
elasticity, also occur in practice. in the pipe wall is large. This aspect of material and
Appropriate allowance for these variations should be pipe performance is usually dealt with by calculating
made at the design stage and should be in accordance the pipe deformation corresponding to the limiting
with one of the following design philosophies. strain, and using this as a basis for establishing an
a) The design procedure shall aim to predict the absolute limit on permissible pipe deformation.
mean values of loads, and shall compare these with
the load bearing capacity of the pipeline based on Annex B (informative)
mean values of pipe strength or stiffness (for
example as derived by calculation), and on average Nationally established methods of design
earth pressure distribution assumptions. This annex includes the nationally established methods
b) The design procedure shall aim to predict the of design declared, submitted by and used in member
maximum possible (high fractile or upper bound) countries and collated by the joint working group. The
values of loads, and shall compare these with documents listed in B.1 have been submitted to the
estimates of the load bearing capacity of the pipeline joint working group except those in B.1.4, B.1.9
based on lower bound (or low fractile) values of and B.1.11.
pipe strength or stiffness (for example as established
by testing), and on unfavourable earth pressure
distribution assumptions.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.1 Identification of methods and addresses ± Suomen kuntaliitto: Kunnallisteknisten toÈiden

where they are available yleinen tyoÈselitys, 1990 (General work specification
for municipal engineering).
B.1.1 Austria
± Suomen rakennusinsinoÈoÈrien Liitto: Maahan ja
The Austrian nationally established methods for veteen asennettavat kestomuoviputket, 1990
structural design of buried pipeline are given in: (Thermoplastic pipes buried in ground and under
± Standards OÈ NORM B 5012-1 and 2. water).
These standards may be obtained from: ± Suomen kunnallisteknillinen yhdistys:
OÈ sterreichisches Normungsinstitut Betoiputkinormit, 1990 (Concrete pipe rules).
Heinestraûe 38 These documents may be obtained from:
A-1021 Wien Suomen Standardisoimisliitto
PO box 116
Phone: +43-222-21-300 FIN-00241 Helsinki
Telefax: +43-222-21-300-818 B.1.5 France
Telex: 115 960 The French nationally established methods are given
in:
B.1.2 Belgium
± General title: Cahier des clauses techniques
The Belgian nationally established method for geÂneÂrales applicables aux marcheÂs publics de
calculation of asbestos-cement pipes is given in: travaux (Book of general technical requirements
± ISO 2785 Directives for selection of asbestos-cement applicable to public procurements).
pipes subject to external loads with or without ± Fascicule 70: Ouvrages d'assainissement
internal pressure, second edition (Sewerage works).
1986-07-01 (Ref. No. ISO 2785 : 1986 (E))
± See chapitre III: ReÁgles de conception et de calcul
This standard may be obtained from: des ouvrages (Design and calculation rules for
International Organization for Standardization sewerage works).
Case Postale 56 ± Fascicule 71: Fourniture et pose de canalisations
S-1211 GeneÁve 20 d'eau, accessoires et branchements (Supply and
installation of water pipelines, accessories and
B.1.3 Denmark fittings).
The Danish nationally established methods for design ± See chapitre II: Prescriptions particulieÁres aux
of buried pipelines are given in: tuyaux, raccords et leurs accessoires (Special
requirements for pipes, fittings and accessories).
± DS 430 Dansk Ingeniùrforenings norm for ± See chapitre IV: MateÂriaux et fournitures d'un
lñgning af fleksible ledninger af plast i type non-courant ou nouveau (Materials and
jord (Dansk Ingeniùrforenings Code of products of a non-traditional or new type).
practice for the laying of underground
These regulations may be obtained from:
flexible pipelines of plastic)
Direction des Journaux Officiels
± DS 437 Dansk Ingeniùrforenings norm for
lñgning af stive ledninger af beton mv i 26, rue Desaix
jord (Dansk Ingeniùrforenings Code of F-75727 Paris cedex 15
practice for the laying of underground B.1.6 Germany
rigid pipelines of concrete, etc.) The German nationally established methods are:
These standards may be obtained from: ± ATV A 161 Statische Berechnung von
Vortriebsrohren (Standard code of practice of the
Dansk Standard ATV-Abwassertechnische Vereinigung, work sheet
Danish Standards Association A 161 Structural design for jacking pipes) first
Baunegaardsvej 73 edition 1990.
DK-2900 Hellerup ± Richtlinie fuÈr die statische Berecnung von
EntwaÈsserrung kanaÈlen un-leitungen Arbertsblatt
Phone: +45-39-77-01-01 A 127 (Standard code of practice of the
Telefax: +45-39-77-02-02 ATV-Abwassertechnische Vereinigung, work sheet
A 127. Guidelines for the statical analysis of sewage
B.1.4 Finland channels and pipelines) second edition 1988.
The Finnish methods are given in: These standards may be obtained from:
± Suomen kuntaliitto: Vesijohtojen ja viemaÈreiden Gesellschaft zur FoÈrderung der Abwassertechnik (GFA)
suunnittelu, 1979 (Design of water supply and Postfach 1165
wastewater pipelines). D-53758 Hennef

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.1.7 Netherlands B.1.9 Spain

The Dutch nationally established method for concrete The Spanish methods for reinforced concrete and
pipes is based on the following documents: prestressed concrete pressure pipes cylinder and
± CUR report no. 122 (a) Pipes in the ground. non-cylinder type are given in:
Design of plain and reinforced concrete pipes. ± InstruccioÂn del Instituto Eduardo Torroja para
CUR, 1985. tubos de hormigoÂn armado o pretensado (Guideline
of the Instituto Eduardo Torroja for reinforced and
± NEN 7126 (b) Circular unreinforced, reinforced
prestressed concrete pipes).
and steel fibre reinforced concrete pipes and
unreinforced pipes with a base. Requirements and This document may be obtained from:
test methods, NNI, first print, September 1991. I.C.C. `Eduardo Torroja'
± NEN 3218 (b) Drainage and sewerage gravity Apdo. Correos 19002
systems outside buildings. Installation and SP-28080 Madrid
Maintenance. NNI, first print, 1984. The Spanish nationally established methods for
A summary of the procedure is given in: Design asbestos-cement and for plastics (uPVC and HDPE)
procedure for plain and reinforced pipes to be laid pipelines are given in:
into the ground, according to CUR report no. 122 (a). ± UNE 88211 Asbestos-cement pipelines. (Guide for
selection of asbestos cement pipes subject to
These standards may be obtained from:
external loads with or without internal pressure).
a) CUR ± UNE 53331 Plasticos. TuberõÂas policloruro de
PO Box 420 vinilo (PVC-U) y polietileno de alta densidad
NL-2800 AK Gouda (PE-HD). Criterio para la comprobacioÂn de los
tubos a utilizar en conducciones con y sin presioÂn
b) Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut (NNI) sometidas a cargas externas (Plastics-uPVC and
Kalfjeslaan, 2 HDPE pipes Ð Guide for selection of gravity and
PO Box 5059 pressure pipelines subjected to external load).
NL-2600 GB Delft
These standards may be obtained from:
B.1.8 Norway AENOR
FernaÂndez de la Hoz, 52
The Norwegian method for concrete pipes is based on
the following documents: SP-28010 Madrid
± Design loads on concrete pipes in road B.1.10 Sweden
construction The Swedish nationally established methods are given
in:
Internal report No. 1521
Norwegian Road Research Laboratory ± VAV P70 MarkavloppsroÈr av plast foÈr
± Earth pressure on concrete pipes sjaÈlvfallsledningar i jord (Buried
gravity sewer plastic pipes)
Internal report No. 1554 Stockholm 1992
Norwegian Road Research Laboratory ± VAV P43 Trafiklast paÊroÈrledning med
These documents may be obtained from: jordoÈverfyllning,
Norwegian Road Research Laboratory September 1982 (Traffic load on buried
Postbox 8142 DEP pipelines)
N-0033 OSLO ± VAV P48 HaÊlfasthetsdimensionering av
roÈrledning av armerad beton med
The Norwegian method for plastics pipes is based on jordoÈverfyllning, July 1986 (Strength
the following document: calculation of buried pipeline of
± VAV P70 MarkavloppsroÈr av plast foÈr reinforced concrete pipes)
sjaÈlvfallsledningar i jord (Buried gravity sewer
± VAV P56 Anvisningar foÈr provning av
plastics pipes) Stockholm 1992.
armerade betonroÈr,
This standard may be obtained from: April 1993 (Instructions for quality
VAV control of reinforced concrete pipes)
Regeringsgatan 86 ± VAV P9 Anvisningar foÈr oarmerade betongroÈr,
S-111 39 Stockholm April 1991 (Instructions for
non-reinforced concrete pipes)
These standards may be obtained from:
VAV
Regeringsgatan 86
S-111 39 Stockholm

© BSI 2009
Page 10
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.1.11 Switzerland 6) Guide to the water industry for the structural

The Swiss nationally established method is given in: design of underground non-pressure uPVC pipelines
± SIA V 190, Kanalisationen (Sewage system), (Document ER201 E).
Edition 3/1993 Published by the Water Research Centre.
± SIA Dokumentation D 01000, Kanalisationen 4 Scope: Provides detailed design procedure for
(Sewage system 4), Edition 25/3/1993. non-pressure PVC pipelines in trench and
These documents may be obtained from: embankment installations.
Schweizerisher Ingenieur-und Architekten-Verein (SIA) 7) Ductile iron pipelines: Embedment design
Selnaustrasse 16, Postfach (Document PJF268 Section 5).
CH-8039 ZURICH Published by Stanton and Staveley.
Telefon: + 41 1 283 15 60 Scope: Provides detailed design procedures for
(Normen-und Drucksachenverkauf) pressure and non-pressure ductile iron pipeline in
Telefax: + 41 1 201 63 35. trench and embankment installations, provides
simplified design procedure for pipes in the range
B.1.12 United Kingdom DN 80 to DN 1600.
The following publications are regarded as the primary 8) The Building Regulations 1985: Drainage and
sources of information regarding the standard UK Waste Disposal: Approved Document H.
procedures:
Published by The Stationery Office.
1) BS 8005 : Part 1 Guide to new sewerage
construction Scope: Provides simplified design procedures for
non-pressure pipelines of DN 150 and smaller sizes.
Published by the British Standards Institution
9) Revised bedding factors for vitrified clay drains
Scope: Recommends that all sewerage design should and sewers
normally use the `computed load method based on
the work of Marston, Spangler and others'. Bedding (Information and Guidance Note No. 04-11-02).
factors are recommended for use in rigid pipe Published by the Water Research Centre.
design, and references to other documents are Scope: Provides guidance relating to bedding factors
provided for details of design procedures for rigid for all rigid pipes at an appropriate time.
and flexible pipe sewers.
10) Directive for selection of asbestos-cement pipes
2) BS 8301 Building drainage subject to external loads with or without internal
Published by the British Standards Institution. pressure (ISO 2785)
Scope: Limited to pipes of DN 300 and smaller sizes. Scope: Detailed design procedures for pressure and
Provides simplified design recommendations for non-pressure asbestos-cement pipelines in trench
rigid and flexible pipes in normal installation and embankment installations.
circumstances. NOTES
3) Simplified tables of external loads on buried i) A review of bedding factors and factors of safety for rigid
pipelines pipes is currently being undertaken by the water industry in the
Published by The Stationery Office. UK. Amendments may be introduced from time to time in the
light of experience, research and development.
Scope: Provides simplified design procedure for rigid ii) The documents listed above make reference to certain
pipes, ranging in diameter from DN 100 to DN 3000, further documents for detailed guidance on design, and these
installed in trench conditions. further documents may themselves be regarded as
4) A guide to design loadings for buried rigid pipes representative of the established methods used in the UK.
iii) Also published in the UK, by various pipe manufacturing
Published by The Stationery Office organizations, are design guides and manuals covering the
Scope: Provides detailed design procedure for rigid application of the established methods to specific types of pipe.
pipes installed in trench and embankment Loads on buried concrete pipelines: Tables of total design
conditions. Pressure and non-pressure pipelines are loads in trench (Concrete Pipe Association).
covered. Design tables for determining the bedding construction of
5) Pipe materials selection manual Ð Water vitrified clay pipelines (Clay Pipe Development Association)
mains : UK Edition
Published by the Water Authorities Association and
the Water Research Centre.
Scope: Provides detailed design procedures for
pressure and non-pressure GRP pipelines, and for
pressure pipelines in PVC and polyethylene. Trench
and embankment installations are covered. Provides
general guidance on the design of pipelines using
other materials, and provides references to other
documents for guidance on their detailed design.

© BSI 2009
 Page 11
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

These documents may be obtained from: B.2.1.4 Loading

British Standards Institution The following load cases can be taken into account:
389 Chiswick High Road ± vertical and horizontal earth pressure;
London W4 4AL ± horizontal bedding reaction pressure;
± traffic loads;
The Stationery Office ± static uniformly distributed surcharge;
PO Box 276 ± partial surcharges;
London SW8 5DT ± self weight of the pipe;
± internal water load;
WRc Publications ± internal pressure of pressure pipes;
PO Box 16 ± external water pressure.
Marlow SI7 2HD The load distribution is assumed to be uniform, except
for the horizontal embedment reaction pressure which
Stanton plc is assumed to be parabolically distributed.
PO Box 72 The distribution range of the vertical and horizontal
pressures can be chosen optionally in correspondence
Nottingham NG10 5AA with the actual embedment conditions. The distribution
of the horizontal reaction pressure is proposed by the
The Concrete Pipe Association OÈ NORM B 5012 as corresponding to an angle of 120Ê.
60 Charles Street For the practical calculation, the forces are
decomposed in their vertical and horizontal
Leicester LE1 1FB
components.

Clay Pipe Development Association Ltd B.2.1.5 Types of pipes

Copsham House As a function of the elastic characteristics of the pipe
in relation to the surrounding soil, the pipes are
53 Broad Street subdivided into three deformation classes:
Chesham ± rigid pipes;
Bucks HP5 3EA ± semi-rigid pipes;
B.2 Description of methods ± flexible pipes.
B.2.1 Austria There are different manners for the calculation of
these types of pipes.
B.2.1.1 Application
The Austrian method enables the calculation of both B.2.1.6 Method of calculation
types of pipes, pressure and non-pressure pipes. The calculation consists of the structural analysis of
the embedded circular ring under the given loading.
B.2.1.2 Basic input data
The vertical earth load for flexible pipes is prescribed
Besides the geometrical data for the structural by the weight of the soil: for semi-rigid and rigid pipes,
calculation, data describing the structural properties of however, this load has to be increased.
the pipe as well as of the soil have to be used, which
are measurable and controllable by standard The horizontal bedding reaction pressure of semi-rigid
measurement techniques. and flexible pipes has to be calculated by the help of
the compatibility of the horizontal displacements of the
The most important data additional to the geometric pipe and the soil.
data are the ultimate stress or strain, the modulus of
The O È NORM suggests certain distribution angles of the
elasticity and the specific weight as input data for the
pipe and the self weight, the stiffness-modulus as a vertical reaction stress which are dependent on the
result of the consolidation test and the friction-angle installation type, the bedding type and the deformation
for the soil. class together with structural calculation according to
first order theory and for flexible pipes under certain
The dependence of the soil stiffness-modulus upon the
conditions according to second order theory.
stress intensity is taken into account.
B.2.1.3 Structural design
The pipe bedding and load distribution are assumed to
be constant in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the
design can be handled as a two-dimensional problem.
The structural model of the pipe consists of an
elastically embedded circular ring.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.2.1.7 Required analysis B.2.2.6 Method of calculation

The required analysis according to the installation type, The structural calculation method derives the
the soil group and the elastic property of the pipe are maximum ring bending moments in the wall of the
as follows: buried pipe. A distinction is made between the crown,
± stress analysis according to first and second order the spring line and the invert of the pipe.
theory; In the equation, the following is taken into account:
± deformation analysis according to first and second ± total vertical pressure on the pipe, composed of
order theory; the earth pressure and the traffic load pressure;
± stability analysis. ± lateral earth pressure;
The stress analysis for pressure pipes has to be ± lateral reaction;
calculated according to first order theory for rigid ± internal water load.
pipes and according to second order theory in
consideration of the re-rounding effect for semi-rigid The influence of each of these pressures on the ring
and flexible pipes. bending moment is determined by means of so-called
ring bending moment factors. These are chosen out of
B.2.2 Belgium a table as a function of the bedding angle, the bedding
type and the pipe-soil stiffness.
B.2.2.1 Application
The ISO 2785 standard covers the calculation of B.2.2.7 Safety factors
pressure and non-pressure asbestos cement pipes, in Three safety factors are determined, the values of
both trench and embankment conditions. which depend upon the diameter and the application
as pressure or non-pressure pipes.
B.2.2.2 Basic input data
The safety factors are:
The calculation method takes into account for the pipe
the geometrical data and the material parameters, such ± a safety factor against crushing when a combined
as modulus of elasticity, bursting strength and crushing internal hydraulic pressure is applied together with a
strength. Besides this, the soil parameters such as type ring-bending moment;
of soil and degree of compaction should be known. ± a safety factor against bursting when a
This is given in the standard for four types of soil. Also ring-bending moment is applied together with an
the trench and foundation conditions should be internal hydraulic pressure;
indicated together with the traffic and other surface ± a safety factor against crushing of a pipe loaded
loads. externally without any internal pressure.
B.2.2.3 Structural design The stress analysis for pressure pipes has to be
The pipe embedment and load distribution is assumed calculated according to first order theory for rigid
to be constant in the longitudinal direction. The pipes and according to second order theory in
structural system of the pipe consists of an elastically consideration of the re-rounding effect for semi-rigid
embedded circular ring. and flexible pipes.
B.2.2.4 Loading B.2.3 Denmark
The following load cases are considered: B.2.3.1 Loads
± a vertical earth pressure, taking into account the ± Types of loads
concentration factor of vertical earth pressure, a Permanent loads:
coefficient of lateral earth pressure and the
distribution of the reaction forces depending on the ± earth load;
pipe-soil system stiffness; ± self weight of pipe.
± a lateral earth pressure, composed of a uniformly Variable loads:
distributed pressure resulting from the vertical earth ± uniformly distributed surface load;
pressure and the lateral soil reaction due to the ± traffic load;
deformation of the pipe;
± load from external and internal water pressure.
± vertical superimposed concentrated and distributed
traffic loads, taking into account the road structure; ± Distribution of load and bedding reactions
± internal water load. The vertical load is assumed uniformly distributed
over a width equal to the external width of the pipe.
B.2.2.5 Type of pipes The bedding reaction is assumed to be a vertical
Asbestos-cement pipes are classified amongst action uniformly distributed over a width depending
semi-rigid pipes. Therefore, as a function of the on the bedding class for circular pipes or the width
pipe-soil system stiffness, different soil pressure of the base for pipes with a base.
distributions are suggested.

© BSI 2009
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BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

In the longitudinal direction of the pipe the bedding B.2.3.3 Partial safety factors
reaction is assumed to be uniformly distributed. If the ± Design loads
length of the pipe is large in relation to its diameter,
due consideration shall be given as to the validity of The design load is determined as the sum of the
this assumption. characteristic permanent load and the characteristic
variable load, both multiplied by the actual partial
± Determination of loads safety factor gf.
The permanent and the variable loads are determined For the serviceability limit state gf is 1,0 for both
as follows. types of loads and for the ultimate limit state gf is
± Earth load 1,0 for the permanent load and 1,3 for the variable
The characteristic vertical load on a pipe is: load.
nj = lghd kN/m2 ± Design material parameters
where l is the earth load coefficient, g is the specific The design value of the load bearing capacity of the
weight of the backfill (kN/m3) and hd is the height of pipe is determined as the characteristic value divided
earth cover (m) with the relieving effect of the by the actual partial safety factor gm.
lateral pressure being included in l. gm is 1,3 to 1,5 depending on the factory production
The standard gives values for l depending on the control, when estimating the load bearing capacity
installation conditions (e.g. l = 1,6 for normal laying on the basis of full scale tests.
class and g = 21 kN/m3) which can be used instead For reinforced pipes which are structurally analysed
of a closer examination according to Marston. solely on the basis of calculations, partial safety
± Self weight of pipe factors for the reinforcement, respectively the
concrete, shall be fixed according to the standard for
The loading effect of the self weight of the pipe shall
design of concrete structures.
be included, either as a reduction in the load bearing
capacity of the pipe or as an equivalent addition to B.2.3.4 Calculations
the vertical load. It shall be proved that the design load bearing capacity
± Uniformly distributed surface load of a pipe is greater than the design effect of actions
The action on the pipe is nq = lq kN/m2 from a considered.
uniformly distributed characteristic surface ± Determination of effects of actions
load q kN/m2. When determining the internal forces with a view to
± Traffic loads evaluating the serviceability limit state, the elasticity
The action from any wheel loads is determined in theory shall be used with the commonly accepted
accordance with Boussinesq's theory. approximations.
For roads, a three-axle load group is assumed in When determining the internal forces with a view to
which each axle load consists of two wheel loads evaluating the ultimate state, the elasticity theory
of 65 kN for normal and 100 kN for heavy road shall be applied in the case of unreinforced pipes,
traffic. These loads include an impact factor which is and either the elasticity theory or the plasticity
independent of the earth cover. theory in the case of reinforced pipes.
± Load from external and internal water pressure ± Determination of load bearing capacity
The effect on a pipe due to its water-filled state shall For unreinforced pipes the load bearing capacity is
normally be included, either as a deduction in the determined by a calculation on the basis of the
load bearing capacity of the pipe or as an equivalent actual laying conditions and the declared design
addition to the vertical load. strength based on the crushing test load.
For reinforced pipes the load bearing capacity may
B.2.3.2 Safety
be determined on the basis of tests or calculations.
The safety shall be evaluated in accordance with the If calculations are applied, the rules of the standard
partial coefficient method. The load bearing capacity of for design of concrete structures shall be applied.
a pipe can either be determined arithmetically or by a
± Determination of laying depths
combination of calculation and testing.
The maximum and possibly minimum acceptable
In the safety analysis both the serviceability limit state
laying depths for a pipe shall be determined by a
and the ultimate limit state shall be considered.
load estimation in such a way that the actual design
loads are equal to the design load bearing capacity
of the pipe.
B.2.4 Finland
No text available.

© BSI 2009
Page 14
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.2.5 France B.2.6 Germany

The French structural design method for buried pipes The calculation method given in ATV-A 127 standard of
(Fascicule 70), firstly, lists the relevant parameters: the Abwassertechnische Vereinigung (ATV), Guideline
± pipe characteristics; for the structural design of sewerage and drainage
pipelines, applies for the structural calculation of
± geotechnical data on the surrounding soil;
buried pipes of all standardized pipe materials.
± installation conditions: embedment and backfilling
The calculation method can be used for rigid and
materials, degree of compaction, water table
flexible pipes with different pipe stiffnesses and
influence, withdrawal of trench wall support.
installation conditions with a smooth transition from
In a second step, after evaluation of the rigidity trench to embankment, in which the loading of the
criterion of the buried pipe, loads acting on the pipe pipes is dependent on the deformation properties of
are defined: earth loads (vertical and horizontal), pipe and soil and their mutual influence.
surface loads, hydraulic pressure (external and
The spectrum of the existing soils and their
internal), etc. Marston theory is used with, for a
deformation moduli is mostly represented by four
flexible pipe, a lower bound value corresponding to
types of soil, characterized through different friction
the weight of the column of soil above it. For
angles and grades of compaction. Solutions for the
concentrated surface loads Boussinesq's theory,
influence of road, railway and airplane traffic loads are
modified by Froelich, is used.
given, including the effect of fluctuating loads.
In a third step, deflections, bending moments, normal
The material properties of the pipes are determined by
forces and strains are calculated through a model
appropriate DIN standards.
which can be applied in a consistent way from rigid to
flexible pipes. This model is based on a cylindrical Different installation methods on site, trench shapes,
shell placed in an elastic medium, which represents the installation and earth fill condition depending on
surrounding soil, itself modelled by an infinite number trench sheeting or embankment, soil compaction and
of elastic springs normal to the pipe wall. ground water influence are considered.
Results are calculated through second order theory. The load concentration above the pipe is calculated by
This means that equilibrium equations are written for means of the theory of the shear resistant beam,
the displaced position (and not for the initial position). depending on different soil and pipe deformation and
This is important for flexible pipes. Amplification caused by the embedment reaction.
effects due to the external hydrostatic pressure or to For extreme conditions, e.g. very high earth covers or
the compressive mean pressure (also called spherical sloping sides or special conditions, e.g. pipeline
component of initial soil stresses tensor) are taken into supported on piles or high internal pressures for
account. The form of the ovalization equation is similar flexible pipes, additional considerations are necessary.
to Spangler's one, but with a second additive term. Solutions are obtained for the soil pressure distribution
Moreover, the second order approach shows a on rigid and flexible pipes from which bending
non-linear result increasing with pressure, moments, axial forces, pipe deformations, strains and
asymptotically when critical buckling pressure is stresses are calculated. All parameters necessary for
reached. This enables the strains associated with this are given in tables and diagrams.
non-elliptical deformed shapes (e.g. three wave or
squaring effects) to be predicted. The analysis and its verification is made by calculating
bearing capacity, stresses, strains and deformation.
In the case of pressure pipes, the internal pressure in Additional checks are made for fatigue strength under
this model leads to an increase in system stiffness, traffic loads and for buckling.
instead of a decrease as is the case with external
pressure. The global safety factors for certain defined
probabilities of failure are associated with the
Three types of verification are to be performed: calculation model with probabilistic assumptions for
1) against instability due to buckling; the influence of the scatter of each important influence
2) ultimate limit state against failure; factor resulting from soil, installation conditions and
strength properties of the pipes.
3) serviceability limit state for durability during
intended service life. The design service life is at For the design of jacking pipes ATV-standard A161 is
least 50 years. valid.
The limit states considered are in accordance with the
general principles of Eurocode I: thus, for a given level
of safety, all materials are treated equally.
Moreover, for pressure pipes, Fascicule 71 gives the
basis for designing pressure pipes: either it refers to
standards when they exist or it gives the data for
designing those pipes when design is not covered in
standards or regulations.

© BSI 2009
 Page 15
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.2.7 Netherlands B.2.8.1.1 Earth load

The Dutch structural design method for buried The earth load on a rigid pipe is calculated from:
concrete pipes firstly lists the relevant parameters: Q = CgD2 (kN/m)
± pipe characteristics; where:
± geotechnical data on the surrounding soil;
± installation conditions: embedment and backfill C is the earth load coefficient;
materials, degree of compaction, ground water g is the unit weight of the backfill (kN/m3);
conditions, withdrawal of trench wall support. D is the outer diameter of the pipe (m).
In a second step, loads acting on the buried pipe are
defined: earth loads (vertical and horizontal), surface The calculation of the earth load coefficient C is based
loads, traffic load, self weight of pipe, internal load on a theory developed by Vaslestad based on classical
due to weight of water, hydraulic pressures (external soil mechanics.
and internal) and temperature differences. Earth loads This is a theoretically more sound concept than the
are calculated through a model which can be applied Marston theory, but yields similar results. Embankment
in a continuous way from the rigid pipe to the flexible theory is applied and lateral earth pressure is taken
one. This model is based on theories published by into account.
G. Leonhardt.
For the earth loads the rules in CUR report B.2.8.1.2 Traffic load
No. 122 correspond to those in the ATV-standard A 127. The design traffic load is based on an axle load
Different concentration factors are used for surface of 2 3 130 kN which includes a dynamic impact factor.
and earth loads. For concentrated loads due to traffic, The wheel loads are assumed to act on an
Boussinesq's theory is used but modified by a specific area 0,2 m 3 0,6 m and the pressure distribution is
concentration factor to take into account the stiffness calculated according to the theory of Boussinesq.
of the pipe with respect to the surrounding soil. The
traffic load on the pipe is further averaged according B.2.8.2 Design of buried plastic pipes according to
to the theory of Braunstorfinger. VAV P 70 (Swedish standard)
In a third step, bending moments, normal forces and See B.2.10.1.
stresses are calculated by the rules of mechanics. B.2.9 Spain
The following assessment criteria are given.
B.2.9.1 Concrete pipes
± For unreinforced pipes:
The Spanish structural design method for reinforced
Ultimate limit state. The flexural tensile strength is concrete and prestressed concrete pressure pipes
determined from crushing load tests. A reduction considers Marston's theory to evaluate soil actions on
factor of 0,9 is used to take into account the possible the pipe.
long-term nature of some loads.
The theoretical method for calculation of a pipe is
The partial load factors and material parameters to be according to T. Turazza's book on large diameter
used are given in CUR report No. 122. reinforced and prestressed concrete pipes.
± For reinforced pipes: Basic input data includes geometrical characteristics,
The design is based on calculations using basic data concrete and steel characteristics, type of soil, depth
such as concrete grade, steel grade and and overloads, pressure and safety factors to be
reinforcement percentage. One serviceability limit considered.
state (allowable crack width) and three failure
criteria are used. Failure criteria are given for B.2.9.2 Asbestos-cement pipes
bending, shear (diagonal tension) and radial tension. For asbestos-cement pipelines, UNE 88211 is based on
The partial load factors and material parameters to ISO 2785 with some modifications which increase the
be used are given in CUR report No. 122. safety of the method:
± distance between axes for standard vehicles has
B.2.8 Norway been reduced;
B.2.8.1 Design of rigid pipes according to internal ± lateral soil reaction pressure due to deformation of
reports 1521 and 1554 pipe is always disregarded;
± the recommended minimum safety factor for
non-pressure pipes has been increased
from 1,5 to 1,6.

© BSI 2009
Page 16
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

Scope ± a safety factor against bursting when a ring

UNE 88211 covers the calculation of pressure and bending moment is applied together with an internal
non-pressure asbestos-cement pipes, in both trench hydraulic pressure.
and embankment conditions. Minimum values for the safety factors are
Basic input data recommended according to the applications
(non-pressure or pressure) and the diameter of the
The calculation method takes into account the
pipes.
geometrical data and the mechanical parameters for
the pipe such as modulus of elasticity, bursting B.2.9.3 Plastic pipes
pressure and crushing load. Besides this, the soil For plastic pipes, uPVC and HDPE, UNE 53331
parameters such as type of soil and degree of calculates pipes as flexible units, considering passive
compaction should be known. Also the trench co-operation of soil to pipe resistance. Basic input data
dimensions and bedding conditions should be taken includes characteristics of pipe, installation, soil and
into account together with the traffic and other surface surcharges. The calculation also requires vertical and
loads. horizontal soil pressure as well as external and internal
Structural design water pressure.
The pipe embedment and load distribution is assumed Safety coefficients take into account variations in
to be constant in the longitudinal direction. The resistance and dimensions of pipes, loads, soil
structural system consists of an elastic embedded characteristics and pipe laying procedures.
circular ring.
B.2.10 Sweden
Loads
The following loads are considered: B.2.10.1 Design of buried plastics pipes according to
VAV P 70
± a vertical earth pressure, taking into account the
concentration factor of vertical earth pressure B.2.10.1.1 Soil load
depending on the pipe-soil system stiffness; The soil load can be determined according to the
± a lateral earth pressure resulting from the vertical embankment or to the trench theory. In Sweden,
earth pressure; plastics pipes have traditionally been designed
± vertical superimposed concentrated and distributed according to the embankment theory.
traffic loads, taking into account the road structure; B.2.10.1.2 Traffic load
± internal water load. The influence of traffic load is calculated by applying
Load distribution the pressure distribution according to the theory of
Different soil pressure distributions are suggested Boussinesq. The most common design traffic load
depending on the bedding conditions. recommended in Sweden is presently defined as an
axle load of 2 3 130 kN, which includes a dynamic
Method of calculation impact factor.
The structural calculation method derives the
maximum ring bending moments in the wall of the B.2.10.1.3 Short-term deflection
buried pipe. A distinction is made between the crown, According to the Swedish method, the maximum
the spring line and the invert of the pipe. vertical deflection is determined in the following way.
In the equation to calculate the ring bending moment, First, the theoretical deflection is calculated. To this
the following is taken into account: value are added empirical allowances for deformation
effects caused by the installation method used
± total vertical pressure on the pipe composed of the (installation factor) and by the effect of uneven pipe
earth pressure and the traffic load pressure; bed conditions (bedding condition factor).
± lateral earth pressure;
According to experience the average deflection is in
± internal water load. most cases estimated by just excluding the bedding
The influence of each of these pressures on the ring condition factor.
bending moment is determined by means of so-called The theoretical deflection caused by loads is calculated
ring bending moment factors. These are chosen out of according to the Molin equation (modified Spangler
a table as a function of the bedding angle and the type formula). In this equation, consideration is given to the
of bedding. load factor, the load distribution factor and the lateral
Safety factors soil pressure coefficient.
Three safety factors are determined:
± a safety factor against crushing of a pipe loaded
externally without any internal pressure;
± a safety factor against crushing when an internal
hydraulic pressure is applied together with a ring
bending moment;

© BSI 2009
 Page 17
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.2.10.1.4 Long-term deflection B.2.11 Switzerland

The calculated pipe deflection gives the short-term The 3/1993 edition of the SIA Empfehlung V 190,
value immediately after completed installation and Kanalisationen, contains amongst other things the
backfilling. requirements valid in Switzerland for the planning,
A simplified calculation of the long-term pipe structural design, construction, approval and work
deflection is used which, based on comprehensive field safety of buried sewerage pipes made of all
studies, has been verified to correspond to the standardized materials.
short-term value multplied by a factor of 1,5 to 2,0. In the structural design of sewerage constructions, a
distinction is made between proof of load bearing
B.2.10.1.5 Strain capacity and safety against buckling, on the one hand,
When bending strain in the pipe wall has to be and proof of serviceability, on the other.
calculated, a coefficient Df = 6 is used according to Proof of the load bearing capacity and safety against
Molin.
buckling of a buried sewerage pipe is obtained on the
B.2.10.1.6 Buckling basis of most critical conditions during its construction
The permissible external pressure due to the risk of and operation. For this, the partial safety factors for
buckling is calculated according to classical formulae. load and reaction are superimposed accordingly with
the usual safety coefficients from the old Swiss
The risk of buckling gives the ultimate lower limit for standard SIA 190 (1977). Compared with the previous
the ring stiffness of the pipe. standard, the new SIA Empfehlung V 190 has higher
B.2.10.1.7 Nomographs for simplified design degrees of safety.
In order to illustrate how situations of load, ring The proof of serviceability of a buried sewerage pipe is
stiffness, side fill type, compaction, etc. will influence obtained on the basis of the stress and deformation
the pipe deflection, simplified design nomographs are proof for the limit states under carefully selected
given. In practice, routine design is usually carried out conditions. Using three critical calculation models
with the aid of these graphs. taken from ATV Arbeitsblatt A 127 (1988), the
maximum circumferential bending stresses are
B.2.10.2 Design of rigid pipes according to VAV P 48 determined in the pipe cross-section with a distinction
Minimum crushing strengths for reinforced concrete being made between the long-term and short-term
pipes are stipulated in the Swedish Code VAV 56. effects. In this way, it is intended to limit crack
The safety factor used in the Swedish Code with development in the pipes and to ensure the allowable
respect to the ultimate strength is 1,5. pipe deformation is adhered to.
B.2.10.2.1 The vertical loads considered are: B.2.12 United Kingdom
Soil weight B.2.12.1 General description
The calculation of the soil load has long been based on B.2.12.1.1 Classification of pipes
Marston's formulas for trench and embankment
conditions. The present National Code recommends Pipes of different materials are classified in the UK
empirical formulae obtained from extensive field according to the strength criterion required to be
investigations performed in Sweden, but basically proven in testing, or otherwise established for use in
developed from the Marston theory. They are design.
considered to give an upper limit of the loads obtained Thus, pipes whose strength is established in crushing
under the worst installation conditions accepted by the tests are classified as `rigid'. Clay, concrete and
authorities. Normally embankment theory is applied. reinforced concrete pipes are thus invariably classed as
Traffic rigid, whilst asbestos cement pipes, which also have
specified minimum crushing strengths, are normally
The traffic load is specified as a number of regarded as rigid. It is, however, also permissible to
concentrated wheel loads, which may be assumed to design asbestos cement pipes as `semi-rigid', in
act on an area 0,2 m in the road direction and 0,6 m in accordance with ISO 2785.
the lateral direction (see B.2.10.1.2).
The normal procedure for ductile iron pipes treats
B.2.10.2.2 Horizontal loads them as semi-rigid (see below).
The ratio between horizontal and vertical earth Thermoplastic, glass reinforced plastic, and thin walled
pressures is assumed to be for an uncracked concrete steel pipes are treated as `flexible' for structural design
pipe k = 0,3 and in cracked condition k = 0,5. In a purposes.
trench, with a width B < 4dy, no horizontal earth
pressure is considered.

© BSI 2009
Page 18
BS EN 1295-1:1997
EN 1295-1:1997

B.2.12.1.2 Design aids B.2.12.1.6 Rigid pipe response

In practice, routine design is usually carried out with Pipelines of clay, concrete, reinforced concrete and
the aid of tables or charts, which have themselves small diameter asbestos-cement pipes are designed
been compiled in accordance with the principles using the `bedding factor' method. This method is
described above, using the procedures and formulae favoured not only because it is convenient and quick
set out below. to use, but also because the bedding factor can readily
be investigated experimentally. Because of this,
B.2.12.1.3 Calculation of loads
extensive research programmes have established
Soil loads are effectively calculated from the geostatic recommended bedding factor values for various
earth pressure. Concentration factors increasing the standard types of installation.
value are applied in the case of rigid and semi-rigid
pipes, but reduction factors are not used in the case of B.2.12.1.7 Factors of safety
flexible pipes. Load reductions due to the silo effect in The procedures used for calculating the design loads
trenches, and other favourable installations, are only on all types of pipes predict values close to the upper
considered in the cases of rigid and semi-rigid pipes, bound.
and the reduction factors are conservatively calculated, Because of the crushing test compliance requirements,
using Rankine's active lateral earth pressure coefficient. design strengths for rigid pipes are close to the lower
Consequently, for both trench and embankment bound. Bedding factor values are also regarded as
conditions, the soil load on flexible pipes is taken as conservative in the light of experimental data. For
the geostatic earth pressure, and on rigid and these reasons, a factor of 1,25 is normally used in rigid
semi-rigid pipes as greater than the geostatic pressure. pipe design, though designers are recommended to
Surcharge loads are calculated using Boussinesq's consider whether there are any particular
theory, for various vehicle wheel loading patterns, circumstances warranting the use of a higher value.
representing the most severe loadings which might In the design procedures for flexible and semi-rigid
apply in various locations. pipes, conservative design is primarily ensured by the
External loads on flexible and semi-rigid pipes are use of soil modulus values regarded as close to the
normally expressed as vertical pressures, and for rigid lower bound. The allowable stress and strain values
pipes as loads per unit length of pipeline. used in design incorporate various specified safety
factors.
B.2.12.1.4 Flexible pipe response
B.2.12.2 Calculation procedures
Pipe deflection and buckling stability are calculated in
all cases. In the case of thermoplastic pipes, the Three basic calculation procedures are used, covering
bending stress is only calculated for pressure pipelines, rigid, semi-rigid and flexible pipes. These three
where it is added to the hoop tensile stress. categories normally include the following pipe
materials:
Pipe deflection is calculated using Spangler's equation,
but using values of the soil modulus and deflection lag
rigid: asbestos cement, clay, concrete and
factor derived from UK research and experience.
reinforced concrete.
Leonhardt's procedure is used for adjusting the soil
modulus to take account of the influence of the native semi-rigid: ductile iron.
soil. flexible: steel, thermoplastics, reinforced
The bending strain in the walls of GRP pipes is thermosetting plastics (GRP).
calculated using Molin's equation, but with values of
the strain factor which are varied to take account not It is also permissible to treat pipelines of
only of pipe and soil stiffnesses, but also of the energy asbestos-cement pipes as semi-rigid, and to design
applied in compacting the soil. according to ISO 2785.
B.2.12.1.5 Semi-rigid pipe response
Pipe wall bending stress is calculated for pressure and
non-pressure ductile iron pipes but it is not added to
the hoop tensile stress in pressure pipes. Deflection is
checked using similar procedures to those for flexible
pipes. Bending stress in the walls of ductile iron pipes
is calculated using the Spangler stress equation. Large
diameter asbestos-cement pipes are regarded as
semi-flexible and may be designed according to
ISO 2785.

© BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

National annex A (informative) He Height of plane of equal settlement above top

of pipe
Calculation procedure for UK
I Second moment of area of unit length of pipe
established method wall
NA.1 General K Coefficient of active lateral earth pressure
The three basic calculation procedures cover rigid, Kx Deflection coefficient
semi-rigid and flexible pipes. These three categories Mp Modified Proctor density
normally include the following pipe materials:
m Poisson's ratio
rigid: asbestos cement, clay, concrete and n Pipe-soil stiffness factor
reinforced concrete; P Vertical pressure due to soil and surcharge
semi-rigid: ductile iron; Pcr Critical pressure for buckling of flexible
pipes
flexible: steel, thermoplastics, reinforced
thermosetting plastics (GRP). Pcra Short term critical pressure in air
Pcrl Long term critical pressure
This annex gives the design formulae, identified by Pcrs Short term critical pressure
equation numbers which are referred to in the Pe Vertical soil pressure
flowcharts setting out design procedures for rigid,
semi-rigid and flexible pipes (figures NA.1 to NA.5). Pi Internal water pressure
Also included here are tables listing the recommended Ps Surcharge pressure
design values for the appropriate variables in the Pu Ultimate bursting pressure
design formulae, figures providing graphical
Pv Transient vacuum pressure from surge
information on vehicle surcharge loadings and tables of
analysis
rigid pipe bedding factors.
Pw Working pressure
NA.2 Symbols p Projection ratio
rsd Settlement deflection ratio
Bc Outside diameter of pipe
t Pipe wall thickness
Bd Effective width of trench
Wc Soil load per unit length of pipe in narrow
Cc Soil load coefficient in embankment
trench conditions
conditions
W9c Soil load per unit length of pipe in
Cd Soil load coefficient in trench conditions
embankment or wide trench conditions
CL Soil modulus adjustment factor
Wcsu Concentrated surcharge load per unit length
Cw Water load coefficient of pipe
D Mean diameter of pipe We Total design external load per unit length of
Df Strain factor pipe
DL Deflection lag factor Wp Proof crushing strength
DLsr Lag deflection factor for semi rigid pipes Wt Crushing strength of rigid pipes (maximum
E Flexural modulus of elasticity of pipe load for concrete pipes)
material W9t Crushing strength of rigid pipes with internal
Eh Hoop tensile modulus of elasticity of pipe pressure per unit length of pipe
material Ww Equivalent external load due to weight of
E9 Overall modulus of soil reaction water in unit length of pipe
E92 Embedment soil modulus g Unit weight of soil
E93 Native soil modulus gw Unit weight of water
Fm Bedding factor D Pipe diameter change
Fs Factor of safety eb Bending strain in pipe wall
Fse Factor of safety for rigid pipe material ec Combined strain in pipe wall
(external load design) m Coefficient of friction within soil mass
Fsi Factor of safety for rigid pipe (internal m9 Coefficient of friction at trench wall
pressure design) sbs Bending stress in pipe wall
H Depth of cover to top of pipe sc Combined stress

© BSI 2009 19
BS EN 1295-1:1997

NA.3 Native soil Table NA.2 Load coefficients for incomplete

The stiffness of the native soil in which a pipeline projection condition
trench is excavated can be particularly important for rsdp Equation for Cc
the design of pipelines using flexible pipes, and also 0 Cc = H/Bc
influences the settlement deflection ratio for rigid
pipes. Guide values are given in table NA.1. +0.1 Cc = 1.23 (H/Bc) 2 0.02
+0.3 Cc = 1.39 (H/Bc) 2 0.05
NA.4 Rigid pipes
+0.5 Cc = 1.50 (H/Bc) 2 0.07
NA.4.1 Design loads for rigid pipes
+0.7 Cc = 1.59 (H/Bc) 2 0.09
NA.4.1.1 Soil load W9c in wide trench and +1.0 Cc = 1.69 (H/Bc) 2 0.12
embankment installation:
+2.0 Cc = 1.93 (H/Bc) 2 0.17
W9c = CcgBc2 (1)
+3.0 Cc = 2.08 (H/Bc) 2 0.20
The value of Cc is taken as the lower of the values
derived from equations (2) and (3). If the lower value +4.0 Cc = 2.19 (H/Bc) 2 0.21
is given by equation (2), then complete projection +5.0 Cc = 2.28 (H/Bc) 2 0.22
conditions exist, whilst if the lower value is given by
equation (3), then incomplete projection conditions NOTE. See NA.4.3 for guidance on values of rsd and p.
apply.
e2KmH/Bc 21 NA.4.1.2 Soil load Wc in narrow trench installations:
Cc = (2) Wc = CdgBd2 (4)
2Km
where
e2KmHe/Bc 21  H H 
Cc =  +  2 e e2KmHe/Bc (3) 1 2 e22Km9H/Bd
 2Km Bc Bc   Cd =
2Km9
In which He is the height of the plane of equal For pipelines in trenches, the backfill load is calculated
settlement above the top of the pipe. With Km set according to equation 1 and equation 4 and the lower
at 0.19, the values in table NA.2 are obtained for Cc. value is used for the pipeline design.
NA.4.1.3 For details of soil load in negative
projection conditions, see B.1.12.
NA.4.1.4 Concentrated surcharge load, Wcsu:
Wcsu = PsBc (5)
where the value of the surcharge pressure, Ps, is
obtained from figure NA.6, NA.7, NA.8 or NA.9.

Table NA.1 Guide values of Spangler modulus for native soils

Soil type Spangler modulus for soils in various conditions (MN/m2)
Very dense Dense Medium dense Loose Very loose
Gravel Over 40 15 to 40 9 to 15 5 to 9 3 to 5
Sand 15 to 20 9 to 15 4 to 9 2 to 4 1 to 2
Clayey, silty sand 10 to 15 6 to 10 2.5 to 6 1.5 to 2.5 0.5 to 1.5
Clay Very hard 11 to 14
Hard 10 to 11
Very stiff 6 to 10
Stiff 4 to 6
Firm 3 to 4
Soft 1.5 to 3
Very soft 0 to 1.5

20 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

NA.4.1.5 Equivalent load due to weight of water in The value of Km9 is taken as the lower of the values
pipe, Ww: for the backfill material, and the native soil in the
Ww = Cw¾w;(D – t)2/4 (6) trench sides.
in which the value of Cw is normally taken as 0.75. NA.4.3.2 Settlement deflection ratio
NA.4.1.6 Total design external load, We: The recommended values of the settlement deflection
We = Wc + Wcsu + Ww (7) ratio rsd and ranges for the native soil modulus E93
NOTE. Substitute W 9c for Wc for wide trench or embankment are given in table NA.4.
installations.
NA.4.2 Supporting strength of rigid pipes
The supporting strength of rigid pipes is the product Table NA.4 Recommended values for rsd
of the pipe strength and the bedding factor, and must and E93
be at least equal to the total design load calculated Foundation rsd E93
from equation 7. MN/m2
Minimum recommended bedding factor, Fm: Unyielding (e.g. rock) 1.0 >14
Fm $ WeFse/Wt (or W9t) (8)
Normal 0.5 to 0.8 3 to 14
Recommended design values of the bedding factor can
Yielding (e.g. soft ground) 0 to 0.5 <3
be obtained from table NA.7. Refer to product
standards for design values of crushing strength (Wt). NOTE. Guidance on the relationship between native soil moduli
and soil types is given in table NA.1.
NOTE 1. For pressure pipelines a reduction factor has to be
applied to the crushing strength to take account of the effect of
the internal water pressure. NA.4.3.3 Projection ratio
NOTE 2. Refer to table NA.5 for recommended values of factor of The projection ratio, p, is calculated as the proportion
safety.
of the pipe external diameter that is above firm
Crushing strength adjustment W9t for reinforced bedding level or the natural ground level. For class D,
concrete pressure pipes: F and N beddings (see table NA.7) the value of p is
W9t = Wt(1 2 Pw/Pu) (9) unity, and for other granular and concrete beddings
The working pressure Pw should not exceed: p is 0.7.
Pu(1 2 Wc/WtFm)/Fsi NOTE. In calculation, the settlement deflection and projection
ratios are used in combination, and design values of their product
Crushing strength adjustment W9t for asbestos cement (rsdp) are often taken as 0.7 for class D, N or F beddings
pressure pipes: (see table NA.7) and 0.5 for classes B and S.
W9t = Wt (1 2 Pw/Pu)0.5 (10) NA.4.3.4 Factors of safety
NOTE. The working pressure Pw should not exceed The recommended minimum values of safety factors
Pu(1 2 (Wc/WtFm)2)/Fsi. Fse and Fsi are given in table NA.5.
NA.4.3 Design data for rigid pipes
NA.4.3.1 Soil properties Table NA.5 Minimum values of Fse and Fsi
In the absence of specific data supporting the use of Pipe Fse Fsi
material
other values, it is normal practice to assume the
Non-pressure Pressure Pressure
following:
Km = 0.19 Clay 1.25 Ð Ð
Km9 = 0.13 Concrete 1.25 1.60 2.0
g = 19.6 kN/m3 DN Fsi
Where soils are more precisely identified, the values Asbestos 1.30 1.50 175 to 225 3.5
given in table NA.3 may be used. cement 250 to 500 3.0
Table NA.3 Values of Km and Km9 for specific 600 to 1000 2.5
soil types NOTE. For reinforced concrete pipes, Fse should not be less
than Wt/Wp.
Type of soil Km or Km9
Granular soils without cohesion 0.190
Maximum for sand and gravel 0.165
Saturated top soil 0.150
Maximum for ordinary clay 0.130
Maximum for saturated clay 0.110

© BSI 2009 21
BS EN 1295-1:1997

NA.5 Semi-rigid pipes NA.5.2.2 Overall modulus of soil reaction, E9:

NA.5.1 Design pressures for semi-rigid pipes E9 = E29 CL (16)
NA.5.1.1 The pipe surround material, and its degree where
of compaction, must first be selected to permit
0.985 + (0.544Bd/Bc)
calculation of the relative pipe-soil stiffness factor, n: CL =
{1.985 2 0.456(Bd/Bc)}(E92/E93) 2 {1 2 (Bd/Bc)}
E9/DL
n= 3
(11) (17)
(105EI /D ) + (0.8 E9/DL)
NOTE. If the trench width is more than 4.3 times the external
Design values of E9 are obtained using tables NA.1 pipe diameter, the value of E9 is equal to the value of E92.
and NA.6, and equations 16 and 17. Design values of
DL are obtained using table NA.6. NA.5.2.3 Ovalization D/D:
NA.5.1.2 Soil pressure Pe in embankment D Kx (DLsr Pe + Ps)
installations: = (18)
D 8EI/D3 + 0.061E9
Pe = CcgBc (12) NOTE. The initial deflection is obtained with the value of DLsr set
at 1, and the long-term deflection with DLsr = 1 + 0.8n(DL – 1);
where Cc has the lower of the values derived from where DL is the value obtained from table NA.6. If the working
equations 2 and 3. Equation 3 is solved using table pressure is 3 bar1) or more, and if the depth of cover does not
exceed 2.5 m, the long term deflection can be reduced by the
NA.2, with the settlement deflection ratio rsd evaluated factor DR = 1 – (Pi/40), where Pi is the internal pressure in bars.
as follows:
NA.5.2.4 Bending stress sbs:
rsd = 0.7 (1 2 n) (13)
sbs = EDf(D/D) (t/D) (19)
NA.5.1.3 Soil pressure Pe in trench installations:
NA.5.3 Design data for semi-rigid pipes
CdgBd2
Pe = (14) It is normal practice to assume the following:
nBd + (1 2 n)Bc
Km = 0.19
with the value of Cd obtained from equation 4.
Km9 = 0.13
The design value of soil pressure Pe is the lower of
the values obtained from equations 12 and 14. Values of the deflection coefficient (Kx), deflection lag
factor (DL) and strain factor (Df) for use in
NA.5.1.4 Total vertical external pressure, P:
equations 18 and 19 can be obtained from table NA.6.
P = Pe + Ps (15)
The allowable ovalizations for ductile iron pipes given
NOTE. The value of the surcharge pressure Ps can be obtained
directly from figure NA.6, NA.7, NA.8, or NA.9. in EN 545 and EN 598 are intended to ensure that the
allowable bending stress is not exceeded.
NA.5.2 Supporting strength of semi-rigid pipes
NA.6 Flexible pipes
NA.5.2.1 The modulus of soil reaction (E92) for the
selected pipe surround material, at the chosen level of NA.6.1 Design pressures for flexible pipes
compaction, is obtained from table NA.6. Guidance on Vertical soil pressure Pe:
evaluation of the corresponding modulus for the Pe = gH (20)
native soil (E93) can be found in table NA.1, taking
The total external pressure for design purposes, P, is
account of site investigation data. The effective overall
obtained from equation 15, with the value of surcharge
modulus (E9) may then be obtained using equation 16,
pressure Ps being obtained directly from figure NA.6,
for a particular trench width.
NA.7, NA.8 or NA.9.

1) 1 bar = 100 kPa.

22 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

Table NA.6 Flexible and semi-rigid pipe embedment properties

Embedment Compaction MP Modulus Deflection Strain factor Df for various pipe stiffnesses1)
class as (See NOTE 3) of soil lag factor
table reaction DL2)
NA.8 and E92
deflection
coefficient
Kx
% MN/m2 kN/m2
1.25 2.5 5.0 10 15 30 or
more
Class S1 Uncompacted 5 1.5 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.0
Kx = 0.083 80 7 1.25 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.0
85 7 1.0 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.25
90 10 1.0 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.5
95 14 1.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 3.75 3.5
Class S2 Uncompacted 3 1.5 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.0
Kx = 0.083 80 5 1.25 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.0
85 7 1.0 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.25
90 10 1.0 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.75 3.5
95 20 1.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 3.75 3.5
Class S3 85 5 1.5 6.2 5.5 4.75 4.25 4.0 3.25
Kx = 0.100 90 7 1.25 7.75 6.6 5.5 4.7 4.25 3.5
95 14 1.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 4.75 3.5
Class S4 85 3 1.5 6.2 5.5 4.75 4.25 4.0 3.5
Kx = 0.100 90 5 1.25 7.75 6.6 5.5 4.7 4.25 3.5
95 10 1.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 4.75 3.5
Class S5 85 1 3.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 4.0 3.5
Kx = 0.100 90 3 2.0 Ð Ð Ð Ð 4.25 3.5
95 7 1.25 Ð Ð Ð Ð 4.5 3.5
Class B1 85 5 1.5 Ð Ð Ð 5.0 4.0 3.5
Kx = 0.083 90 7 1.25 Ð Ð Ð 5.5 4.25 3.5
Class B2 85 3 2.0 Ð Ð Ð 5.5 4.25 3.5
Kx = 0.083 90 5 1.75 Ð Ð Ð 6.0 5.0 3.5
1) Pipe stiffnesses referred to in this table are initial values.
2)
Where the designer can be certain that initial pressurization of at least 3 bar will take place within one year of backfilling and the
depth of cover does not exceed 2.5 m, a value of 1.0 may be taken for the deflection lag factor.
NOTE 1. For construction details of embedment classes see table NA.8.
NOTE 2. Quoted values of E92 assume pipeline will be installed below groundwater.
NOTE 3. MP indicates modified Proctor density and corresponds to the heavy compaction test in BS 1377.

© BSI 2009 23
BS EN 1295-1:1997

NA.6.2 Supporting strength of flexible pipes NA.6.2.6 Combined stress in thermoplastics, sc:
NA.6.2.1 The modulus of soil reaction (E92) for the sc = (Pi 2 Pe) D/2t (25)
selected pipe surround material, at the chosen level of NOTE 1. The value of Pe is obtained from equation 20.
compaction, is obtained from table NA.6. Guidance on NOTE 2. Equation 25 applies to pipes buried with not less
evaluation of the corresponding modulus for the than 0.75 m cover.
native soil (E93) can be found in table NA.1, taking NA.6.2.7 Strain in GRP pipes.
account of site investigation data.
a) Bending strain in non-pressure pipes, eb:
NA.6.2.2 The effective overall modulus of soil
eb = Df(D/D) (t/D) (26)
reaction (E9) is obtained from equations 16 and 17.
NOTE. If the trench width is more than 4.3 times the external where
pipe diameter, the value of E9 is equal to the value of E92. (D/D) is obtained from equation 23.
NA.6.2.3 Factor of safety against buckling, Fs: b) Combined strain in pressure pipes, ec:
a) With soil support (applies in all cases): ec = Df(D/D)R(t/D) + PiD/2Eht (27)
Fs = 1/{(Pe/Pcrl) +(Ps + Pv)/Pcrs} (21) NOTE. In equation 27, the long term value of Eh should be used.

where NA.6.3 Design data for flexible pipes

Pcr = 0.6 (EI/D3)0.33 (E9)0.67 (21a) In the absence of specific data supporting the use of
NOTE. In equation 21a, the long and short term values of the other values, it is normal to assume a value for the
modulus (E) are used to calculate Pcrl and Pcrs respectively. unit weight of soil, g, of 19.6 kN/m3.
(For metal pipes, the long and short term moduli are identical.)
Values of the deflection coefficient (Kx), deflection lag
b) Without soil support: factor (DL) and strain factor (Df) for use in
This case need only be considered when H < 1.5 m equations 23, 26 and 27 can be obtained from
to cover the possible temporary situation of table NA.6.
adjacent excavations:
Fs = Pcra/(Pe + Pv) (22)
where
Pcra = 24EI/D3 (22a)
NOTE. In equation 22a, the short term value of the modulus (E)
is used to calculate Pcra.
NA.6.2.4 Ovalization D/D:
Kx{(DL Pe) + Ps}
D/D = (23)
8EI/D3 + 0.061E9
NOTE. The initial deflection is obtained with the value of DL set
at 1.0, and the long term deflection with the value of DL from
table NA.6. The pipe stiffness (EI/D3) should be calculated using
the long or short term value of the modulus (E) as appropriate.
NA.6.2.5 Re-rounding of pressure pipes reduces the
initial deflection (D/D) to a lower value (D/D)R, given
by equation 24:
(D/D)R = (1 2 Pi/40)(D/D) (24)
where
Pi is the internal pressure in bars.
NOTE. It is recommended that re-rounding is only included in the
design if water pressure is not less than 3 bar1) and will be
applied within one year of back-filling, and if the depth of cover
does not exceed 2.5 m.

1) 1 bar = 100 kPa.

24 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

Assemble basic data (diameter, Assemble basic data (diameter,

depth, location, working pressure depth, location and working
and construction case) pressure)

Select pipe surround material

Embankment Trench and compaction and evaluate
E' from table 6 and CL

Calculate soil load Wc' Calculate soil load Wc or

from equation 1 Wc' as lower of values
from equations 1 & 4 Calculate stiffness factor from
equation 11

Identify construction case

Obtain surcharge load Wcsu

from figure NA.6,NA.7,NA.8, or
NA.9 and equation 5. Obtain Embankment Trench
water load from equation 6

Calculate soil pressure Pe Calculate soil pressure Pe

from equation 12 as lower of values from
equations 12 & 14
Total design external load from
equation 7

Obtain surcharge pressure P s

from figure NA.6, NA.7, NA.8
Select pipe strength class or NA.9

Total external design pressure

Yes from equation 15
Is there internal water pressure?
Apply factor to strength
No to allow for internal
pressure using
equation 9 or 10
Obtain required bedding factor Is ovalization calculated from No
from equation 8 equation 18 acceptable?

Yes
No Can required bedding factor be
obtained from standard values
(table NA.7)? Is pipe wall bending stress No
calculated from equation 19
acceptable?
Yes
Yes

Design acceptable Design acceptable

Figure NA.1 Flowchart for pipeline design Figure NA.2 Flowchart for pipeline
with rigid pipes design with ductile iron pipes

© BSI 2009 25
BS EN 1295-1:1997

Assemble basic data (diameter, depth,

location, native soil properties and
working pressure)

Calculate soil pressure from equation 20

Calculate surcharge pressure from

figures NA.6, NA,7, NA.8 or NA.9

Total external design pressure from

equation 15

Select pipe stiffness class and establish

design limits for ovalization, stress and
strain

Select pipe surround material, compaction

and trench width, and obtain modulus of
soil reaction using table NA.6 and
equation 16
No
No Yes
Check buckling stability from Is cover depth ‡ 1,5m? Check buckling stability from No
equation 22. Is factor of equation 21. Is factor of
safety ‡ 1,5? safety ‡ 2,0?
Yes

Yes

Yes Does pipeline carry water Yes Is ovalization calculated No

Is cover depth > 2,5 m? from equation 23
under pressure?
acceptable?

Yes No No

Recalculate ovalization Is strain calculated from No

from equation 23 equation 26 acceptable?

Yes

No
Yes
Is strain calculated from Design acceptable
equation 27 acceptable?

NOTE. The solid line represents the preferred route.

Figure NA.3 Flowchart for pipeline design with GRP pipes

26 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

NOTE. The solid line represents the preferred route. NOTE. The solid line represents the preferred route.
Figure NA.4 Flowchart for pipeline design Figure NA.5 Flowchart for pipeline design
with steel pipes with thermoplastic pipes

© BSI 2009 27
BS EN 1295-1:1997

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30

Ma
2

20
Ps , kN/m

in
ro
ad
s
10 Lig
9
8
ht

7
roa

6
ds

5
4
Fie

3
lds

2
Inclusive of relevant
impact factors

1
0,5 0,7 0,9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910
0,6 0,8 1,0
Cover depth, m
Figure NA.6 Surcharge pressure Ps due to vehicle wheels

28 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

500
2
HP: 700 kN/m tyre pressure
LP: 300 kN/m 2 tyre pressure

200

100
2
Ps , kN/m

50

30
20

20
10 10
Wheel load (tonnes)
including impact
factor
5
0,5 1 2 5 10

Cover depth, m

Figure NA.7 Surcharge pressure Ps due to construction vehicles

© BSI 2009 29
BS EN 1295-1:1997

200

100

M
ai
50

n
lin
e
ra
ilw
Li

ay
gh
tr
ai
20

lw
2

ay
Ps , kN/m

10

2
0,5 1
2 5 10
Cover depth, m
Figure NA.8 Surcharge pressure Ps due to single track railway

30 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

10

k
k
rac
rac
ack
2 track

5t
4t
5 3 tr
Cover depth, m

Multiplication factor for

1 determining loads from
single track loadings
(inclusive of dynamic
factor of 2,0 due to
impact)
0,5
2 1 3 4 5
Factor
Figure NA.9 Factor for calculating
multi-track railway loadings

© BSI 2009 31
BS EN 1295-1:1997

Table NA.7 Rigid pipe embedments

Dimensions in millimetres
Bedding detail Bedding class Bedding factors

,,
Y = 1/6 Bc Narrow Wide trench and embankment
trench

,,
300 Wide trench
1.1 (See ref 4, B.1.12)
D 1.1
Embankment
N
D

1.1 to 1.3 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,
,,
300

,,,,
Wide trench
1.1 (See ref 4, B.1.12)
N 1.1
Embankment
1.1 to 1.3 (See ref 4, B.1.12)
Y

,,
Bc

,,
300
Wide trench
1.5 (See ref 4, B.1.12)
45° F 1.5 1.9 (See ref 9. B.1.12)

,,,,,,
DN/20
Embankment

,,
,,,,,,
approx.
1.5 to 1.9 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,,,, Y

,,
Bc

300 Wide trench

1.9 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,,,, 180° B 1.9 2.5 (See ref 9, B.1.12)

,,,,,,
Embankment

,,,,,,
1.9 to 2.3 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,,,, Y

32 © BSI 2009
 BS EN 1295-1:1997

Table NA.7 Rigid pipe embedments (continued)

,,
Dimensions in millimetres
Bedding detail Bedding class Bedding factors
Y = 1/6 Bc Narrow Wide trench and embankment
trench

,,
Bc

,,,,,,
,,,,,, Y
300 Wide trench

,,,,,, 2.2 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,,,, S 2.2 2.5 (See ref 9, B.1.12)

,,,,,,
Embankment

,,,,,,
2.2 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,,,, Y

,,

,,,
11/4 B c Wide trench
Bc+ 200 min. 2.6 (See ref 4, B.1.12)
Unreinforced 2.6

,
Embankment
300 min.
2.6 to 3.7 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

120° A
Wide trench

,
3.4 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,
1/4 Bc Reinforced 3.4


Embankment
1/4 DN min. 3.4 to 5.7 (See ref 4, B.1.12)

,,,
In situ
concrete ,,, Granular bedding
material
Selected backfill
material
All-in granular
material

NOTE. Ref 4 provides additional information on:

± guidance on use of embankment bedding factors;
± details of Class A bedding reinforcement;
± information on Class A Arch.

© BSI 2009 33
BS EN 1295-1:1997

Table NA.8 Semi-rigid and flexible pipe embedments

Embedment class Embedment configuration Bed and sidefill materials Notes

S1 and S2 Class S1: Gravel (single size) Normally processed granular

Class S2: Gravel (graded) materials

S3 - S5 Class S3: Sand and coarse These represent `as dug'

grained soil with less than soils, and require
12 % fines particularly close control
Class S4: Coarse grained soil when used with low
with more than 12 % fines stiffness pipes.
OR
Fine grained soil, liquid limit
less than 50 %, medium to
no plasticity and more than
25 % coarse grained
material.
Class S5: Fine grained soil, Class S5 only recommended
liquid limit less than 50 %, for use with semi-rigid
medium to no plasticity and pipes.
less than 25 % coarse
grained material
B1 and B2 Class B1: Class B embedments not
Upper surround as for recommended for use with
S3 or S4 pipes of less than 10 kN/m2
Lower surround as for stiffness.
0,7 D S1 or S2
Class B2:
Upper surround as for S5
Lower surround as for S1 or
S2
D Classes S1 to S5 Only suitable for semi-rigid
pipes with high beam
strength.
Soil properties from table
NA.6, except Kx = 0.110

NOTE 1. See Table NA.6 for design parameters for embedment classes.

34 © BSI 2009
blank
 BS EN
1295-1:1997
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