Structural analysis of profiles PE-HD

pipes acc. to ATV-DVWK-A 127

Written by Frederik Müller (IngSoft GmbH) / Stephan Füllgrabe (PlaspiTec GmbH). Posted in Krah - News

1 Introduction
For the static calculation of buried pipes, there are various regulations available on an
international level. The publications of AWWA, SIA and DWA ([1] – formerly ATV-DVWK) are
important for pipe statics. This article describes the basic procedure for the dimensioning of
profiled pipes using the ATV-DVWK-A 127 (Germany) worksheet, as this set of rules also
enjoys great international recognition.

2 Preface to the 3rd edition A127

"Due to new findings in pipe statics (experiments, comparisons with the finite element
method, European standardization, etc.) and due to new developments in pipe systems (e.g.
pipes with profiled walls), there is a need for regulation in various sections of the worksheet,
which are summarized here in a third edition.

The mathematical limit between rigid and flexible behaviour is redefined with V RB = 1. A new
chapter is inserted for special features in the design of profiled pipes; a relevant data sheet
ATV-M 127 Part 3 is in preparation". [2] p. 7. German edition translated.

3 The ATV-DVWK-A 127 worksheet

The A 127 is a self-contained standard for earth bedded pipes, newly laid in trench or
embankment. DWA-A 161 [3] regulates trenchless installation (jacking) and DWA-A 143-2
handles renovations.

Pipe soil system

When laying new pipes, only the radial cross-section of the pipe wall is considered. The
longitudinal direction remains disregarded. The pipe always carries the loads together with
the surrounding soil. Without the soil, the pipe would not be verifiable, which is why the
worksheet assumes a "pipe soil system". It also contains information on the dimensioning of
perforated pipes for drainage and profiled pipes.

System stiffness and locations for verifications

The concept of the A 127 requires different verifications, which have to be made at the three
prominent points crown, springline, and bottom. The verifications depend on the system
stiffness VRB of the pipe soil system. VRB decides whether a pipe soil system is a) flexible or b)
rigid. The stiffness depends on the pipe’s geometry, material, and soil conditions.
 [2, eq. (6.15)] Where
VRB = System stiffness
S0 = Pipe’s stiffness
SBh = Soil’s horizontal bedding stiffness

From a static point of view, each of the three positions on the inside and outside must be
considered. At pipe’s crown, for example, compressive stresses occur on the outside (top)
under earth and traffic loads, and tensile stresses occur on the inside. It is not possible to
predict which stress would be exceeded first; therefore both sides must be verified.

 Materials
A generalization regarding the material is difficult. Pipes made of concrete, reinforced
concrete, polymer concrete and vitrified clay will generally behave “rigid”. In this case, the
deformation and stability check is not required. Pipes made of most plastics, including GRP,
are usually “flexible”. If pipes made of steel or plastic are very thick-walled, they may well
behave rigidly.

Time dependency
Some materials are time-dependent. This is taken into account in the statics by examining
such pipes for two points in time: a) short-term, b) long-term with a) after one minute and b)
after 50 years. All plastic pipes are time-dependent, and so is polymer concrete and GRP,
while e.g. steel or concrete are not.

Soil groups
What regularly surprises some subsoil experts is common practice in pipeline construction:
The A 127 knows only four soil groups G1...G4. Group G1 stands for non-cohesive soils, G4
for cohesive soils. G2 is for low cohesive soils, G3 for cohesive mixed soils and silt. In
general, it should be noted: The "smaller" the soil group, the "better" the soil – which is
expressed, for example, in the modulus of elasticity according to Table 1 of the A 127,
see Figure 1.

In addition, the degree of compaction DPr must be observed: The higher the "Proctor
density", the more stable the soil will be.

Soil zones
Section 6.2.2 of the regulations contains the Young’s modulus of the soil zones E 1...E4,
see Figure 2. There is: E1 = soil above the pipe, E2 = soil next to (and below) the pipe within
the trench, E3 = grown soil laterally outside the trench, E4 = natural soil below the trench.
Figure 2: deformation modules for the various soil zones (via  [2])

The grown soil on the side of trench E3 is of special importance. According to A 127 the silo
theory is applied, see below: E1 ≤ E3 or in other words: The filling above and next to the pipe
is supported laterally against the natural soil. A supporting effect is only given if the natural
soil has at least the modulus of elasticity of the backfill. Figuratively speaking: Grown soil
from e.g. rock has a good supporting effect; grown soil from mineral wool has a poor
supporting effect.

Loads (influences)
The regulations distinguish between short-term and long-term loads. Short-term are usually
traffic loads and short-term internal pressure, if any. All other loads are regarded as long-
term, i.e. the pipe's dead weight, earth loads, groundwater, long-term internal pressure.

The A 127 states the following as traffic loads: SLW (HGV) 60, SLW (HGV) 30, truck (CV) 12.
Under railway tracks the load model UIC 71 has to be considered. Aircraft traffic loads are
the so-called “Bemessungsflugzeug BFZ” (Dimensioning Aircraft DAC) 90/180/350/550/750.
In the long run the SLW 60 will die out and be replaced by the Load Model 1, LM 1. A
comparison of SLW 60 and LM 1 can be found under [5]. Whether the currently largest
passenger aircraft, the Airbus A 380, can be assigned to a BFZ 750 can be found under [8].

Groundwater
If groundwater is present, the number of necessary calculations is usually doubled. On the
one hand, groundwater has a favourable effect because it reduces the earth load above the
pipe by buoyancy; on the other hand, it is unfavourable because it worsens the bedding
properties of the soil under the pipe. In addition, proof of safety against floating/uplift is
recommended.

Verifications
For a flexible pipe soil system in groundwater, the number of required calculations is
maximized. Verifications are necessary in each case at crown, springline, and bottom level
as well as in each case inside and outside the cross-section:
 Proof short-term, without groundwater
 Proof short-term, with groundwater
 Proofs long-term, without groundwater
 Proof long-term, with groundwater

This results in: 3x2x4=24 calculations per pipe – and per verification. A manual calculation is
very inconvenient and it is recommended to use a powerful calculation program [4].

A stress analysis is always necessary for all pipes. Under road, railway and air traffic loads
the so-called “Safety against Failure with Loading that is not Predominantly Permanent” –
simplified: dynamic proof – can be required. Rigid pipe soil systems require further
considerations depending on the material, such as the verification of the crack width and
compliance with the exposure classes and minimum concrete cover for reinforced concrete
pipes. Flexible pipe soil systems must also be verified for deformation and stability/buckling
(from earth and traffic loads as well as water pressure, if applicable). The number of
required calculations must be multiplied by the number of checks.

Silo theory and embankment condition

The frequently encountered trench installation assumes that the trench walls remain intact
in operational state and over the service life of the pipe. If suitable soil types are used, a
vault can then form above the pipe. The silo theory "hangs" the soil above the pipe by
friction in the trench walls and thereby reduces the vertical load on the pipe. This is
expressed in the coefficient k. k depends on the cover height, trench width and soil friction
angle.

[2, eq. (5.04)] where

k = Reduction factor for trench load saying the Silo Theory
h = cover depth
b = trench width
d = Soil’s inner friction angle
K1 = Earth pressure ratio = constant = 0.5

In the worst case k = 1, i.e. no Silo Theory. If the trench width b exceeds four times the outer
diameter of the pipe da, the effect of the trench walls (too far away from the pipe) has
subsided. The pipe thus receives the full load, similar to b/d a > 4 – which is embankment.

Foundation angle
In the bottom area of the pipe, the contractor must ensure an even subgrade of suitable
material. Very coarse-grained material such as boulders as a bedding layer is harmful for
any pipeline. Graded sands are better suited. Many pipe manufacturers provide information
on this in their installation instructions.
The bedding angle 2α determines the width over which the effects are derived from the pipe
into the load-bearing subsoil. With the same load, a larger angle has a more favourable
effect. According to the rules, four bedding angles can be considered: 60°, 90°, 120°, 180°.
For plastics 120° are usual. 180° can only be achieved in exceptional cases.

Bedding reaction pressure

Flexible pipe soil systems can withstand smaller deformations relatively well. The A 127
permits 6%, in exceptional cases up to 9%, but only 2% under Deutsche Bahn tracks. Under
a vertical load, the pipe deforms, i.e. it becomes flatter and wider and ovalizes horizontally.
Due to the horizontal widening, the pipe presses laterally against the ground and causes the
so-called bedding reaction pressure qh*. It depends largely on the system stiffness VRB and
the soil properties. qh* helps the pipe with load transfer.

Shuttering
Trench walls – also for space reasons in urban areas – are often not inclined but vertical.
Very few soils remain stable, so that shuttering is usually provided. A suitable type of
shuttering depends on the soil conditions and any water retention during the construction
phase. Depending on the type of shuttering and the time of pulling (before/during/after
filling the pipe zone and the overfill), the A 127 names the conditions A1...A4, which should
correctly be named A0...A3 – where A0 is best and A3 is worst.

A sheet pile wall shoring, for example, which is pulled after backfilling, loosens the soil
between backfilling and the grown soil. This has a negative effect on load transfer and may
lead to subsidence.

Backfilling and compaction should be carried out carefully and in layers; ideally, this process
is recorded on the construction site. Poor backfilling and/or unsuitable material are often
the cause of later damage. Quality monitoring of the material and foresighted planning,
including static calculations, are ineffective in the event of improper execution.

4 Solid wall and profiled pipes

Forces and stresses

Until now, it was tacitly assumed that solid wall pipes were used where the wall thickness
was the decisive parameter. In the case of steel, concrete and many plastic pipes, it is often
the only criterion that can be changed during the planning phase. Its advantage lies in its
ease of manufacture and standardization of wall thicknesses. A solid wall pipe can be
manufactured as axial extruded pipe (e.g. Polyethylene: DIN 8074/75) or as spiral wound
pipe (e.g. Polyethylene: DIN 16961). Solid wall pipes provide a smooth inner and outer
surface. The cross-section must bear stresses as elegantly as possible. In the design case, a
combination of stresses is usually decisive, namely: normal stresses superimposed with
bending stresses.
 Figure 3: Normal and pure bending stress + interaction (via [8])

In Figure 3, we use:
FN = Normal force
sz = Stress due to normal force
M = Bending moment
sB = Stress due to bending
sres = Resulting stress

Normal stresses act perpendicular to the surface under consideration. For example, pure
internal pressure alone produces a positive normal stress in the entire cross-section, the
pipe wall is completely under tension. Material is required for load transfer; the location of
the material is almost insignificant. A solid wall pipe is well suited to carry normal stresses.

In reality, pure normal forces are rarely encountered: Earth and traffic loads generate
additional bending moments. It can be assumed that normal and bending stresses
are always present in an underground pipe. For the distribution of the bending moments it
is very important where the material is located.

Solid wall pipes

If the planner wants to increase the stiffness of the desired pipe – for example, because the
deformation check in the software fails – he usually increases the wall thickness of solid wall
pipes. The static relationship is determined by the moment of inertia I (capital letter “i”). A
typical rectangular cross section for a wooden beam is:

Where
b = width
h = height of the cross-section
I is measured in mm4
The width b = 1 is set for solid wall pipes.

The height h corresponds to the wall thickness s, so a simplified equation I = s³/12 applies.
This shows that the height or wall thickness of the profile has a decisive influence on the
moment of inertia and therefore the stiffness of the pipe. Wall thickness s enters in the third
power. Two examples:

 s = 10 mm à I = 1,000 mm4
 s = 25 mm à I = 15,625 mm4

A 2.5-fold magnification of the wall thickness increases I by a factor of 15 here.

Profiled pipes
Mostly profiled pipes will be manufactured as corrugated pipes or spiral wound pipes.
Especially the spiral winding allows a tailor-made design of the wall structure for required
stiffness, occurring pressure load and all other internal and external loads. Profiled pipes
are also national and international standardized (e.g. DIN 16961, ASTM F894, EN13476).

For the flow characteristic it is notable that spiral wound pipes provide a fix inner diameter,
even if stiffness classes or pressure classes change.

Figure 4: Profiled pipes

Geometries deviating from the rectangular shape are known from structural steel
engineering. Here, the bending moments are absorbed by the flanges, which are connected
to each other by a shear-resistant fillet. A clear advantage lies in the weight and material
savings compared to an equivalent rectangular cross-section.

But it has to be considered that the profile itself has to provide sufficient stability, a slender
fillets must be stiffened or verified against buckling.

  
Figure 5: Pipe installation (New Mena Plast, Egypt) and manhole installation (UGPM, Oman)

The kQ coefficient
The coefficient kQ is frequently queried. In general: kQ ≅ A/AQ where A = total area and AQ =
transverse force area (~ fillet area for profiled pipes). kQ becomes 6/5 = 1.2 for rectangular
sections, or solid wall pipes.
 Figure 6: κQ for different profiles. A = total area, Afillet = fillet area

It is relatively insignificant. Common CAD programs are able to determine this factor from
the profile geometry. Alternatively, a qualified engineering office like [10] can determine
kQ exactly.

Dimensioning of profiled pipes

From a structural point of view, pipes are dimensioned similar to solid wall pipes. Software
usually runs all required approvals automatically, taking into consideration the “equivalent
wall thickness”, if applicable.

Timeliness of the A 127

The ATV-DVWK-A 127 from the year 2000 is partly outdated. For example, the materials
mentioned therein (PE80 instead of PE100, concrete B25 instead of concrete C25/30) or the
load model are no longer state of the art and are considered obsolete. Regularly updated
software [4] reliably maintains the state of the art.

A new edition of the regulations is in progress: The DWA is currently preparing a data sheet
for material properties A 127-10 as well as the 4th edition of the A 127, which is to be called
DWA-A 127-2 Solid  wall pipes in trench installation in future [6]. Additionally, the DWA
schedules the worksheet DWA-A 127-3 Profiled  plastic pipes in trench installation.

The future DWA-A 127-2 will contain:

 Semi-probabilistic partial safety concept replaces global safety concept. Required so

far: Safety against failure > 2. Demanded in the future: Utilisation ≤ 1, saying utilisation
< 100%. This concept is based on European standardization (EuroCodes, EC)
 Road traffic load LM 1 instead of SLW/HGV 60
 Adaptation factor α according to EuroCode 1-2 [7] section 6.3.2 must be taken into account
 Railway traffic load LM 71 instead of UIC 71 with
o 1x108 instead of 2x106 load cycles
(status: 2019-02-21; experts in Germany have been discussing for three years now whether
the cycles can be reduced from 1x108 to 5x107, final decision pending)
o Permissible stress using steel as an example: For 1x108 load cycles, only 40.5% of the stress
of 2x106 cycles may be used. 140 N/mm² (at 2x106) x 0.405 = 56.7 N/mm² (at 1x108). Source:
[3], Table 22
o Cover depths from 1.10 m instead of 1.50 m deposited
o Impact factor max. 1.67 instead of 1.40
 Temporarily flowable, self-compacting backfilling materials (Zeitweise fließfähige,
selbstverdichtende Verfüllbaustoffe ZFSV also known as "liquid soil") shall be contained
 Cover and embedding conditions A1...A4 and B1...B4 are renamed A0...A3 and B0...B3
respectively

6 Conclusion
The ATV-DVWK-A 127 worksheet is a self-contained set of rules that permits the design of
circular (and wall-reinforced) pipes made of any (!) material. It uses formulas, tables and
diagrams. In comparison to M55, which handles compressive stresses only, and in one point
only, the A127 checks all the critical sections in a pipe (top, springline, bottom). This is, from
a civil engineer’s point of view, the more precise approach.

Structural engineers and consultants around the globe use and accept this standard work of
pipe statics. It is established, tested and proven. Of course, it is subject to an ageing process
in sections; nevertheless, it is valid and applicable as an overall concept until the DWA
publishes the 4th edition in white print.

7 Sources

1. DWA: German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste. https://en.dwa.de/en/

2. STANDARD ATV-DVWK-A 127E Static Calculation of Drains and Sewers, August 2000 (3rd
edition). English edition withdrawn. German version + correction sheet 2008-04:
ARBEITSBLATT ATV-DVWK-A 127 Statische Berechnung von Abwasserkanlen und -leitungen,
3. Auflage, Hennef, August 2000
3. DWA-A 161: Structural design of jacking pipes – Statische Berechnung von Vortriebsrohren
2014-03, correction sheet 2017-10
4. IngSoft EasyPipe Website: https://statik.ingsoft.de/en/products-and-services/software-
ingsoft-easypipe.html
5. Soil pressures and load distribution under tandem vehicle LM 1 (published in German)
PDF download via https://statik.ingsoft.de/en/service-support/downloads.html
6. https://statik.ingsoft.de/en/newsroom/news/details/development-of-worksheet-dwa-a-127-
1.html
7. DIN EN 1991-2 Eurocode 1: Einwirkungen auf Tragwerke – Teil 2: Verkehrslasten auf
Brücken; Deutsche Fassung EN 1991-2:2003 + AC:2010 (2010-12)
8. Dimensioning Aircrafts, Boeing 747, A340 and A380: Aircraft live loads in comparison
(published in German)
PDF download via https://statik.ingsoft.de/en/service-support/downloads.html
9. http://me-lrt.de/img/me-01-11-resultierende-normalspannung.png
10. https://statik.ingsoft.de/en/products-and-services/engineering-services-structural-design-
fem.html
8 Software for structural calculations according ATV 127
A reliable software receives updates regularly and reflects state of the art regarding
standards, installation-procedures, product and material properties. Especially the
participation in standardization committees and continuous exchange of experiences with
other experts is an important element to guarantee the state of the art.

The software IngSoft EasyPipe, developed and maintained by IngSoft company since 1997, is
a positive example for a successful software solution for buried pipes and manholes, up-to-
date and well established worldwide.