Transco Engineering Standards

THIS
Printing Specification
Document Details
Title EXCAVATIONS - PERMANENT AND
Form Number J 1 7 0

PAGE NOT TO BE PRINTED

Revision Date 1 1 9 7
Transco Reference DIS 4.2
Number
Standard/Manual Size A4
Landscape NO Yes/No
Portrait YES Yes/No
Cover (Front and Back)
Material PULPBOARD
Weight 230 Micron
Colour YELLOW
Face Printing YES Yes/No
Reverse Printing NO Yes/No
Spine Scored NO
Yes/No
(Perfect Binding Only)
Content
Paper Weight 90 gsm
Paper Type LASER BOND
Paper Colour WHITE
Finishing Details
Drilled YES Yes/No
Number 4
Pitch 12 mm
Diameter 6 mm
Distance Between Holes 80 mm
Binding
Saddle Stitch YES Yes/No
Wiro NO Yes/No
Perfect NO Yes/No
Continued Over Page.
 Transco Engineering Standards
Printing Specification

THIS
continued

Special Instructions

PAGE NOT TO BE PRINTED

Font Information
This document contains additional font requirements. The following fonts
must be loaded on the printer prior to printing.
Font Face Name
 DIS 4.2

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES

SECTION 4 - EXCAVATIONS
MODULE 4.2 - PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY
ANCHORAGE FOR MAINS AND
LARGE SERVICES

NOVEMBER 1991
J170 ( Rev 11/97 )
.
 DIS 4.2

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD iii

BRIEF HISTORY iv

1. SCOPE 1

2. REFERENCES 1

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1

4. TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT THRUST RESTRAINT 2

5. TEMPORARY THRUST RESTRAINT 2

5.1 General requirements 2

5.2 End cap restraint 3

5.3 Restraint during flow stopping/cut out operations 6

5.4 Selection of steel struts 7

6. PERMANENT THRUST RESTRAINT 7

7. SIZING OF PERMANENT ANCHORAGES (THRUST BLOCKS) FOR MAINS 8

7.1 Design method 8

7.2 Direction of thrust forces 8

7.3 Thrust block size 8

7.4 Thrust block dimensions 8

7.5 Block construction in disturbed ground 9

7.6 Block dimensions for trench corners 9

7.7 Block dimensions for restricted spaces 9

7.8 Block dimensions using double anchor blocks 9

8. FORMING THE ANCHOR BLOCK 9

9. CONCRETE FOR ANCHOR BLOCKS 9

10. BACKFILLING AROUND ANCHOR BLOCKS 10

TABLES

1 Ground reaction area required to restrain thrust 11

2 Selection of transverse beam 12

3 Restraint provided by undisturbed buried pipe during iris stop operations 13

4 Selection of steel struts and props 14

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -i-

DIS 4.2

Page

5 Shape factors 14

FIGURES

1 Use of clips to anchor exposed mains 15

2 Combination of thrust blocks and clip 15

3 Typical application for permanent thrust blocks 16

4 Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 8 in. diameter,

allowing access to trench 17

5 Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 24 in. diameter and medium
pressure systems up to 8 in. diameter, allowing access to trench 18

6 Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 24 in. diameter and medium
pressure systems up to 14 in. diameter, allowing access to trench 19

7 Single- and three-trench system of working 20

8 Design of steel load-bearing frame 21

9 Restraint and support provided during typical flow stopping operations 22

10 Use of steel strut to provide temporary restraint 23

11 Double strut arrangement where distance between restraint and

thrust point is very long 24

12 Typical anchor block and anchor block spacing for various gradients 25

13 Thrusts on the pipework system due to gas pressure 26

14 Basic thrust force versus operating pressure corresponding to low

pressure, medium pressure and intermediate pressure systems 27

15 Dimensions for angled blocks at trench corners 28

16 Anchor block at trench corner 29

17 Tension anchor blocks 30

18 Anchor block sizes for typical two-block arrangements 31

19 Shuttering for concrete in contact with pipework or fitting 32

APPENDICES

A EXAMPLES OF CALCULATIONS 33

- ii - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FOREWORD

This specification has been adopted by Transco and is an editorial revision of the former British Gas
TransCo specification GBE/DIS 4.2. It reflects the identity and organizational structure of Transco - a part
of BG plc.

This Transco specification has been approved for use throughout Transco.

Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this Transco specification should be directed to:

Lead Area Engineer

Non-steel Pipework Systems
Transco
West Area Office
Glevum House
Bristol Road
Gloucester
GL2 6YA

Further copies of this Transco specification can be obtained from Dataform Print Management using the
print requisition form G004 quoting the Form Number of this Transco specification (not the designation) and
your cost code.

Transco specifications are revised, when necessary, by the issue of amendments or new editions. Users
should ensure that they are in possession of the latest versions by referring to the Transco Register of
Engineering Documents available on the Transco Information Library.

Contractors and other users external to Transco should direct their requests for further copies of Transco
specifications to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of their contract documentation.

Compliance with this specification does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory or
other legal obligations.

DISCLAIMER

This specification is provided for use by Transco and such of its contractors as are obliged by the terms of
their contracts to comply with this specification. Where this specification is used by any other party it is the
responsibility of that party to ensure that the specification is correctly applied.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - iii -

DIS 4.2

BRIEF HISTORY

First published as BGC/PS/DIS 42: Part A* April 1981

First update to BGC/PS/DIS 4.2: Part A published* April 1984
Second update to BGC/PS/DIS 4.2: Part A published* April 1989
New, bound, edition designated GBE/DIS 4.2 published November 1991

* Loose-leaf editions.

© BG plc 1991

This Transco specification is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means
without the approval in writing of BG plc.

- iv - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES
SECTION 4 - EXCAVATIONS
MODULE 4.2 - PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY
ANCHORAGE FOR MAINS AND
LARGE SERVICES

1. SCOPE
This Module 4.2 of the Transco Engineering Procedures* is intended to give guidance for the design of
temporary thrust restraints or permanent anchor blocks for use on new or replacement mains or large
services up to 600 mm diameter operating at pressures up to 7 bar.
* Hereinafter referred to as 'this Module 4.2'.

The general principles outlined apply to mains in all materials, particularly those with mechanically jointed
pipes and with non-end load bearing fittings.

2. REFERENCES
This Module 4.2 makes reference to the documents listed below. Unless otherwise specified the latest
editions of these documents, including all addenda and revisions, shall apply.

British Standards

BS 12 - Specification for ordinary and rapid-hardening Portland cement

BS 882 - Specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete

BS 5930 - Code of practice for site investigations

BS 8110 - Structural use of concrete:

Part 1 - Code of practice for design and construction
Part 2 - Code of practice for special circumstances
Part 3 - Design charts for singly reinforced beams, doubly reinforced
beams and rectangular columns

Transco specifications

ECP1 - Code of practice for cathodic protection of buried steel pipework

Engineering Procedures (formerly Code of Practice for Distribution):

Module 4.1 - Excavations for pipelaying

Module 5.9 - Mains insertion.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Anchorage may be required to prevent movement of pipework and fittings which could cause a
joint to be disturbed or a fitting to be displaced. Welded steel and fusion jointed polyethylene (PE)
pipework may not require anchorage, but all compression jointed pipework may need to be anchored (see
Module 5.9 for anchorage of PE insertion).

3.2 Joints used to connect fusion jointed PE systems to existing cast iron and steel systems need
special consideration as the movement of the PE system could cause a compression joint to be disturbed.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -1-

DIS 4.2

3.3 When permanent anchorage is necessary on ductile iron mains, this may be done by self anchoring
joints in sizes 100 mm to 450 mm. Above this size, permanent anchor blocks shall be used.

Where mechanical self anchoring joints are relied upon to provide thrust restraint, a suitable circlip must be
fitted into a correctly machined circlip groove. If there is any doubt as to whether these conditions can or
have been met, external thrust restraint should be provided.

3.4 When anchorage is necessary for compression joints on steel systems, this may be done by the
use of tie bars or anchor blocks.

3.5 Where it is suspected that flotation of the pipework or significant ground movement could occur,
expert civil engineering advice should be sought to produce a properly designed solution.

3.6 All concrete anchor blocks shall be completely backfilled before pressure testing commences.

3.7 When excavating on to existing installations, including other Utilities, care should be taken to
ensure existing anchor blocks or their supporting ground are not disturbed, unless proper precautions have
been taken to restrain pressure induced thrust.

3.8 It is important to ensure that a proper assessment of the ground condition is carried out as this
affects the ability of a thrust block, or temporary thrust restraint system, to provide the necessary restraint.
The design guidance given in this Module 4.2 assumes that a proper assessment is carried out. If there is
any doubt as to the validity of the assessment carried out, expert advice should be sought.

3.9 Where restraint is being provided by reacting thrust loads against adjacent ground, it should be
recognized that movement of the ground may occur whilst the system is being pressurized. Precautions
should be taken to prevent leakage or displacement of fittings by adjusting the restraining arrangement if
necessary.

3.10 If, whilst excavating on to existing plant, the need for installation or upgrading of thrust restraint
provisions becomes apparent, this work should be carried out. The thrust restraint design should be based
on the guidance given in this Module 4.2.

4. TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT THRUST RESTRAINT

4.1 Both temporary and permanent thrust restraint arrangements should be approved by the Engineer
or Supervisor prior to system pressure testing or commissioning. The inspection should verify that adequate
restraint is provided and should take into account the potential for ground movement.

4.2 Temporary thrust restraint systems shall be inspected on a regular basis by the Engineer or
Supervisor to ensure that the integrity of the restraint is maintained. The frequency of inspection may vary
depending on local circumstances such as pressure, size and location.

4.3 All inspections shall be recorded.

5. TEMPORARY THRUST RESTRAINT

5.1 General requirements
5.1.1 Temporary thrust restraint shall be provided to prevent pipework movement, or fittings being
dislodged, during pressure testing, cut out operations or flow stopping where mechanically jointed systems
are involved.

5.1.2 The thrust to be restrained shall be minimized by reducing the working pressure where possible.

5.1.3 Permanent anchorage can be provided using concrete thrust blocks, external mechanical clips (see
Figure 1) or a combination of these (see Figure 2).

5.1.4 Typical methods of permanent anchorage using thrust blocks are shown in Figure 3.

-2- J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

5.1.5 Where restraint is required during pressure testing, the selected strutting should be designed so as
to restrain the full test pressure thrust.

5.1.6 Where temporary thrust restraint is to be dismantled following a pressure test, care must be taken
to ensure the system is fully depressurized before dismantling commences.

5.1.7 Vertically driven restraint is not permitted other than to provide vertical location of the restraint
system.

5.1.8 The reaction of thrust forces against live PE pipe or fittings is not permitted. At the Engineer's
discretion, fittings may be fused on to pipelines for the purpose of restraining thrust only. Such fittings
should not subsequently be used as part of the gas carrying system.

5.1.9 Where an excavation contains mains under pressure, and a temporary thrust restraint system has
been constructed, consideration should be given to temporarily backfilling the excavation to prevent
unauthorized interference with the thrust restraint system.

5.2 End cap restraint

5.2.1 General requirements
5.2.1.1 All end caps larger than 450 mm diameter must be provided with an external restraint system, the
use of a self locking end cap alone being unacceptable.

5.2.1.2 The use of mechanically self locking end caps of 450 mm diameter and less is acceptable on the
intermediate pressure (IP) (2 bar to 7 bar), medium pressure (MP) (75 mbar to 2 bar) and low pressure (LP)
(up to 75 mbar) systems provided that:

a) The pipe end is properly prepared and cleaned to accept the end cap.
b) The end cap and its mechanical locking mechanism is correctly fitted.
c) Nearby self anchoring joints which may be affected by the end thrust are known to have been
correctly assembled, so that there is no risk of adjacent joints being displaced.
d) Self locking end caps are used only within their designed thrust bearing load capability.

5.2.1.3 Where there is any doubt as to the effectiveness of the self locking mechanism on the end cap or
nearby self anchoring joint, external thrust restraint must be provided.

5.2.1.4 Where external thrust restraint is required on end caps fitted to IP and MP systems, it should be
provided using a steel screw strut. Where there is insufficient space to use a steel screw strut, substantial
wooden blocks may be used.

5.2.1.5 On the LP system, the use of a steel screw strut is preferred, but suitable wooden strut(s) may be
used. Where wooden strut(s) are used, care should be taken to ensure that they are of sufficient
cross-sectional area, and that they are installed such as to minimize any eccentric loading.

5.2.1.6 Temporary thrust restraint using steel screw struts may be made permanent by casting the steel
strut into a concrete block of the size defined in Table 1. It should be ensured that the steel struts are
completely covered in concrete, including the strut footings.

5.2.1.7 All permanently fitted non-mechanically locked or mechanically locked end caps must be
restrained using a concrete thrust block. The face area of the concrete thrust block should be as given in
Table 1, with a minimum face area of 0.1 m 2 . The concrete thrust block serves to ensure.

a) the integrity of the end caps, and

b) the integrity of the adjacent pipework joints which may not be mechanically locked.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -3-

DIS 4.2

5.2.2 Insertion operations

5.2.2.1 General considerations
It may be necessary to temporarily restrain an end cap, whilst allowing access to the other 'cut-off' end of
the pipework, for operations such as insertion.

In most circumstances, a transverse beam can be installed in front of the end cap and supported in lateral
excavations prepared on each side of the trench (see Figures 4 and 5).

If the thrust force to be restrained is too great to allow a transverse beam to be used, the thrust must be
transferred via struts on to the front face of the trench. The position of the struts should be such as to allow
access to the trench (see Figure 6).

Where a transverse beam is used, the face area of the lateral excavations and the way in which they are
shored, determines the thrust force which can safely be restrained. The following will apply to transverse
beam restraint:

a) The transverse beam reaction face of the lateral excavations should be close shored using
either steel or wood.
b) Transverse beams should penetrate the trench wall by the specified distance, and the
supporting shoring should extend to 750 mm deep over its full width.
c) Any spaces behind the shoring should be completely filled using structural concrete,
compacted lean concrete or compacted granular material.
d) A potential failure plane exists at 45 0 to the face of the lateral trenches and into the main
trench. At higher thrust forces it will therefore be necessary to shutter the sides of the main
trench forward of the transverse beam. Close shoring should be used having a minimum
depth of 750 mm and extending not less than 800 mm in front of the transverse beam.
e) Where necessary, added stability can be given to the transverse beam by temporarily
backfilling the lateral trenches.
f) Table 2 gives guidance on the selection of transverse beams and includes guidance on the
use of wooden railway sleepers.
Only sleepers in good condition should be used.

The specific guidelines on the design of suitable restraint detailed in 5.2.2.2 to 5.2.2.5 inclusive are based
on the level of thrust forces involved, as given in Table 1.

5.2.2.2 Restraining thrust forces up to 0.4 kN

Restraint of thrust forces up to 0.4 kN can be provided using a suitable transverse beam (see Figure 4),
which should penetrate the lateral trench excavations by 300 mm on each side.

5.2.2.3 Restraining thrust forces of between 0.4 kN and 10 kN

Restraint of thrust forces of between 0.4 kN and 10 kN can be provided using a suitable transverse beam
(see Figure 5), which should penetrate the lateral trench excavations by 500 mm on each side, be close
shored over this width and be 750 mm deep.

The trench should be close shored for a minimum of 800 mm forward of the transverse beam.

-4- J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

5.2.2.4 Restraining thrust forces of between 10 kN and 25 kN

With a thrust force of between 10 kN and 25 kN it is not possible to provide the necessary restraint using
only the faces of laterally excavated trenches, therefore additional restraint should be provided off the front
face of the trench as follows:

a) Select a transverse beam capable of accepting the total expected thrust load.
b) Install the transverse beam 500 mm into the lateral trench excavations with close shoring
over the full 500 mm width and 750 mm depth.
c) The trench should be close shored for a minimum of 800 mm forward of the transverse
beam.
d) Two steel props chosen from Table 4 should be installed between the transverse beam and
the front face of the trench. The front face of the trench should be close shored over its full
width (see Figure 6). The shored dimensions should be at least 1 m wide and 750 mm deep.

5.2.2.5 Restraining thrust forces greater than 25 kN

Where the thrust force to be restrained is greater than 25 kN, the pressurized end cap should, wherever
possible, be restrained in a trench separate from that used for other operations.

If this is not possible, the guidance given in 5.2.2.4 may be applicable for higher levels of thrust force, If a
more detailed assessment of the ground's ability to provide thrust restraint is made.

The procedure defined in 5.2.2.2, 5.2.2.3 and 5.2.2.4 is based on the assumption that restraint is being
provided by weak ground (loose wet granular ground from Table 1).

From Table 1, to restrain 25 kN in loose wet granular ground the anchor block face area required can be
determined as follows:

Anchor block face area required

for an actual thrust of 20 kN = 0.9 m 2

Anchor block face area required

for an actual thrust of 30 kN = 1.4 m 2

therefore, from extrapolation, the face area required for an actual thrust of 25 kN will be:

. − 0.9 ) m 2
(14
. +
09
2

= 1.15 m 2

If it is known that the actual ground condition is firm clay, then, from Table 1, the anchor block face area
required in firm clay to restrain an actual thrust of 25 kN can be determined as follows:

Anchor block face area required

for an actual thrust of 20 kN = 0.3 m 2

Anchor block face area required

for an actual thrust of 30 kN = 0.5 m 2

therefore, for an actual thrust of 25 kN the face area required will be:

( 0.5 − 0.3) m 2
. +
03
2

= 0.4 m 2

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -5-

DIS 4.2

The actual thrust which can be restrained in firm clay using the system shown in Figure 6 is then:

. m2
115
25 kN ×
0.4 m 2

= 71.8 kN

From Figure 14 the thrust of 71.8 kN would approximately relate to that produced by a 400 mm diameter IP
main.

5.3 Restraint during flow stopping/cut out operations

5.3.1 A three-trench system of working should be used during cut out operations whenever possible
(see Figure 7). The advantages of using a three-trench system of working are:

a) The friction resistance of the soil between the trenches provides additional axial restraint.
b) Vertical support is provided to the main, whilst it is being worked upon.
c) Access to the stopping off equipment is remote from the cut out positions.

5.3.2 Whether a single- or three-trench system of operation is used, there are alternative methods of
restraining the pipework, e.g.:

a) A suitably designed steel restraining frame and jacking arrangement may be installed (see
Figure 8).
b) Concrete thrust blocks may be constructed to support and restrain the flow stopping
equipment and pipework (see Figure 9).
c) Suitably designed temporary restraint using substantial wooden railway sleepers, steel trench
plates and steel screw props may be used.
d) A suitable clamping system can be used to allow reaction on to the barrel of the pipe.

5.3.3 When preparing for 'cut out' operations, due regard should be taken of the likely position of pipe
joints adjacent to the cut out to minimize the potential for failure or leakage.

5.3.4 Restraint applied to pipe during the use of iris stop equipment should not be reacted on to the
equipment itself.

Table 3 gives guidance where restraint is to be provided during iris stop operations using the resistance to
movement of undisturbed buried pipe. If this technique is used during cut-out operations, thrust blocks will
not be required. Support to the main shall, however, be maintained.

See Appendix A for examples of calculations.

When iris stop equipment is used, care should be taken to ensure that the main is properly supported and, if
necessary, concrete base supports should be installed.

5.3.5 Where a steel restraining frame is used, care should be taken to ensure that the main is properly
supported against the weight of the frame and flow stopping equipment.

5.3.6 Where concrete thrust blocks are constructed to provide temporary restraint, their size and design
should be based on the guidelines given for permanent thrust blocks. When concrete blocks are used to
provide support and restraint, care should be taken to ensure that they do not form long term hard spots in
the pipe bed.

5.4 Selection of steel struts

-6- J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

5.4.1 The correct size of steel strut may be selected using Figure 14 to determine the force to be
restrained, and then reading off from Table 4 the size of strut required.

5.4.2 Where struts are to be reacted against adjacent ground, the load should be spread using steel
trench plates or wooden railway sleepers (see Figure 10). The reaction area required should be based on the
face areas given in Table 1.

5.4.3 Where the length of the strut obtained from Table 4 is insufficient, a double strut arrangement may
be used as shown in Figure 11.

5.4.4 Steel props are only to be used and fitted so as to resist loading which is in line with the direction
of the thrust. If offset load reaction is required, expert engineering advice must be obtained.

6. PERMANENT THRUST RESTRAINT

6.1 Permanent thrust restraint is required wherever the forces on bends, tees, and end caps etc., may
be sufficient to cause movement and possible failure of the pipe system.

6.2 There is no requirement to anchor straight runs of LP mains except where they are laid on a steep
gradient (1 in 6 or steeper) or in ground which is liable to move.

6.3 Mechanically jointed MP mains and IP mains require to be restrained against pressure induced
thrust.

6.4 All mechanically jointed mains greater than 450 mm diameter should be restrained using
permanent external thrust blocks.

6.5 The use of mechanically self locking joints on mains of 450 mm diameter or less (to provide the
necessary thrust restraint) is acceptable on IP, MP and LP systems provided that:

a) The joint locking mechanisms and pipe system is used only at its design rating.
b) The pipe ends are properly prepared and cleaned to ensure correct assembly, and that the
mechanical joint locking mechanism is correctly fitted.

6.6 Concrete blocks are not necessary when the thrust block face area, calculated in accordance
with 7.3, is equal to or less than 0.1 m 2 .

6.7 Anchor blocks and anchorages shall not be attached to or built round existing apparatus.

6.8 The concrete of anchor blocks and anchorages shall not encase the joint area. Sufficient clearance
shall be allowed for bolt removal whilst re-making such joints, and for access during resealing.

6.9 A clearance of not less than 200 mm from the top of the anchor block to the underside of any road
foundation shall be maintained in all cases.

6.10 Where anchorage is required for soft or unstable ground conditions, consideration should be given
to using reinforced concrete anchor chairs purposely designed for the site conditions.

6.11 Care should be taken to ensure that anchor blocks are constructed on stable ground, able to
support the mass of the block. Expert advice should be sought where any doubt exists.

6.12 Where pipework is laid on a gradient of 1 in 6 or steeper, anchor blocks shall be constructed in
accordance with Figure 12.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -7-

DIS 4.2

7. SIZING OF PERMANENT ANCHORAGES (THRUST BLOCKS) FOR MAINS

7.1 Design method
The design method allows permanent anchor blocks to be sized for the LP, MP and IP systems. The
procedure assumes that the main is laid at 600 mm deep or greater, and that all pipework is approximately
horizontal.

7.2 Direction of thrust forces

The positioning of the anchor block depends on the direction of the thrust force on bends, tees, ends, etc.,
due to gas pressure.

The direction of the thrusts on a typical pipework system is shown in Figure 13.

7.3 Thrust block size

The ground reaction provided by the thrust block shall be equal and opposite to the maximum thrust force.

The maximum thrust force generated depends upon the system design pressure or test pressure and the area
of the internal face of the fitting reacting to this gas pressure. The reaction force supplied by the thrust block
is related to its face area and to the type of ground. When designing thrust blocks it is also necessary to
ensure that they are thick enough to withstand the applied thrust without failing structurally.

Because undisturbed ground is better able to restrain applied thrust, the size of the required anchor blocks
can be minimized by constructing the thrust face of the blocks against undisturbed excavation faces. This
may require additional excavations to be made outside the normal confines of the trench.

The required face area (in square metres) may be determined using the following procedure:

a) Using the pipe material, diameter and maximum system test pressure, determine the basic
force to be restrained using Figure 14.
b) Multiply the basic thrust force to be restrained by a shape factor, selected from Table 5, to
determine the actual thrust force to be restrained.
c) Use this value of the actual thrust force to be restrained, together with a selected soil type in
Table 1 to determine the thrust block face area required. The compaction/strength
classification of the ground generally follows that of BS 5930 (c.f. Table 6 and Section Eight
41.2.5). It is essential to ensure that an accurate assessment of ground conditions is made if
the procedure defined in this Module 4.2 is to result in an acceptable thrust restraint system.
Where the thrust block is to be built entirely within previously excavated ground, the soil
type should be considered as being 'made ground and trench backfill'.

The required thickness of the thrust block is defined in 7.4.

7.4 Thrust block dimensions

The thrust face may be rectangular provided that the horizontal dimension A is greater than the vertical
dimension B (see Figures 15, 16 and 17). Otherwise it should be square.

The thrust block thickness, dimension C, shall be a minimum of 50% of the length of the vertical dimension
B, with an absolute minimum thickness of 300 mm.

The defined thickness of the block may be reduced if a suitable metal thrust plate is incorporated

If the required thrust block sizes are found to be operationally unacceptable, it will be necessary to provide
suitable mechanical restraint by welding, fitting circlips or an external mechanical clamp arrangement.
Alternatively, the use of reinforced anchor blocks can be considered, and expert civil engineering advice
should be sought.

-8- J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

The width/depth ratio for the block should be selected to suit the site conditions. The thrust block centre
lines should approximately coincide with the centre lines of the fittings or pipe to prevent rotation of the
anchor block.

See Appendix A for an example of a calculation

7.5 Block construction in disturbed ground

Free-standing anchor blocks in made-up ground shall be cast into shuttering (see clauses 8 and 9).

7.6 Block dimensions for trench corners

Where the thrust face is formed into the corner of a trench, the thrust face area, determined from 7.3, shall
be applied as shown in Figure 15.

7.7 Block dimensions for restricted spaces

Where anchorage space is limited on the outer radius of the bend, a tension block may be used (see
Figure 17). The thrust face area determined from 7.3 shall be applied as shown in Figure 17. The thrust
faces should be considered to be operating against 'made up' ground.

The steel tie bar should have a minimum cross-sectional area, expressed in mm 2 , calculated using the
following formula:

Minimum area = Thrust (from Table 1) x Shape factor (from Table 5) x 40.

The end of the bar in the anchor block should be split and spread for good keying into the anchor block as
shown in Figure 17 and should be protected against corrosion in accordance with ECP1.

7.8 Block dimensions using double anchor blocks

Where space is very limited or in soft ground, two anchor blocks may be used (a typical arrangement is
shown in Figure 18). The thrust face area determined from 7.3 shall be applied as shown in Figure 18.

The steel tie bar should have a cross-sectional area, expressed in mm 2 , calculated using the following
formula:

Minimum area = Thrust (from Table 1) x Shape factor (from Table 5) x 40.

8. FORMING THE ANCHOR BLOCK

8.1 The anchor block should be located according to the design conditions observing the restrictions
in clause 3.

8.2 Excavations for anchor blocks should be square cut to the prescribed shape, taking care to
minimize disturbance to adjacent ground.

8.3 Any shuttering should be of plywood or sheet metal and firmly located to withstand poured
concrete. The shuttering should be shaped to fit the pipe as shown in Figure 19.

8.4 It is important that the shuttering provides a rough surface on the thrust face to ensure that the
anchor blocks and adjacent soil are keyed together, allowing full restraining strength to be developed.

9. CONCRETE FOR ANCHOR BLOCKS

9.1 Where concrete thrust blocks are constructed, care should be taken to ensure that sufficient time
is allowed for adequate strength to develop in the concrete before thrust loads are applied. Consideration
should be given to the use of rapid hardening cement.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) -9-

DIS 4.2

9.2 The concrete shall comply with the recommendations of the relevant Parts of BS 8110. A normal
1 : 2 : 4 mix of cement: sand : aggregate shall be used to give a minimum crushing strength of 20 MN/m 2
after 28 days.

9.3 The cement shall be ordinary Portland cement complying with BS 12 and shall be stored in dry
conditions. Any cement that becomes contaminated or has deteriorated shall not be used.

9.4 Aggregate shall comply with the requirements of BS 882.

9.5 A cure time of at least two days should be allowed before backfilling a concrete anchor block
(see clause 10) except where rapid hardening cement has been used.

9.6 In hot weather the newly cast concrete anchor block should be protected with wet sacking or
straw.

9.7 During frosty weather the newly cast concrete anchor block should be protected with dry sacking
or straw.

10. BACKFILLING AROUND ANCHOR BLOCKS

10.1 It is essential that any backfilled ground against the thrust face of any anchor block shall be
replaced in 100 mm layers, each compacted by at least three passes of a mechanical rammer or compactor
before the next layer is placed.

10.2 All anchor blocks shall be completely backfilled before any pressure testing commences.

10.3 Where backfilling is to be carried out around thrust blocks, suitable reinstatement materials shall
be used as defined in Module 4.1.

- 10 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

TABLE 1 - Ground reaction area required to restrain thrust

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 11 -

DIS 4.2

TABLE 2 - Selection of transverse beam

TABLE 3 - Restraint provided by undisturbed buried pipe during iris stop operations

- 12 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 13 -

DIS 4.2

TABLE 4 - Selection of steel struts and props

TABLE 5 - Shape factors

- 14 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE 1 - Use of clips to anchor exposed mains

FIGURE 2 - Combination of thrust blocks and clip

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 15 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 3 - Typical applications for permanent thrust blocks

- 16 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE 4 - Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 8 in. diameter, allowing
access to trench

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 17 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 5 - Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 24 in. diameter and medium
pressure systems up to 8 in. diameter, allowing access to trench

- 18 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE 6 - Restraint arrangement for low pressure systems up to 24 in. diameter and medium
pressure systems up to 14 in. diameter, allowing access to trench

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 19 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 7 - Single and three-trench system of working

- 20 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

NOTE - This illustration shows a load bearing frame fitted to gas main and angled to avoid adjacent
services.

FIGURE 8 - Design of steel load-bearing frame

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 21 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 9 - Restraint and support provided during typical flow stopping operations

- 22 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE 10 - Use of steel strut to provide temporary restraint

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 23 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 11 - Double strut arrangement where distance between restraint and thrust point is
very long

- 24 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

Gradient thrusts (1 in 6 or steeper)

Buried or exposed mains

NOTES

1. For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

2. The earth on either side of the block shall be consolidated.

FIGURE 12 - Typical anchor block and anchor block spacing for various gradients

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 25 -

DIS 4.2

FIGURE 13 - Thrusts on the pipework system due to gas pressure

- 26 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE 14 - Basic thrust force versus operating pressure corresponding to low pressure,
medium pressure and intermediate pressure systems

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 27 -

DIS 4.2

NOTE - For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

FIGURE 15 - Dimensions for angled blocks at trench corners

- 28 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

NOTES

1. For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

2. The required thrust area from 6.3 is provided by the projected thrust face areas,
i.e. Thrust face area = BC.

FIGURE 16 - Anchor block at trench corner

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 29 -

DIS 4.2

NOTES

1. For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

2. The required thrust area from 6.3 is provided by the projected thrust face areas,
i.e. Thrust face area = BC.

FIGURE 17 - Tension anchor blocks

- 30 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

NOTES

1. For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

2. The required thrust area from 6.3 is provided by the two projected thrust faces,
i.e. Thrust face area = B 1 C 1 + B 2 C 2 .

FIGURE 18 - Anchor block sizes for typical two-block arrangements

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 31 -

DIS 4.2

NOTE - For clarity, PE sleeving is not shown.

FIGURE 19 - Shuttering for concrete in contact with pipework or fitting

- 32 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

APPENDIX A
EXAMPLES OF CALCULATIONS
A.1 EXAMPLE 1
A.1.1 Problem
A 4 m long cut out is to be carried out on a 6 in. MP ductile iron main which does not have self anchoring
joints. The ground type is soft clay.

Initially temporary restraint is required between the end caps, using a steel strut, which is to be converted to
a permanent restraint by casting concrete around the strut.

A.1.2 Solution for temporary restraint

A.1.2.1 From Figure 14 the basic thrust force to be restrained at a mains operating pressure of 2 bar is 7
kN and from Table 5 the shape factor for an end cap is 1; thus the actual force to be restrained is:

7x1 = 7kN.

A.1.2.2 From Table 4 obtain the size of prop. A single No. 4 prop could, perhaps, be used, but expert
advice would be required. Alternatively, a double span arrangement as shown in Figure 11, with two No.1
props, could be used.

A.1.2.3 Refer to Table 2 to determine the size of transverse beam required. In this Example 1 a pair of
railway sleepers or a single 150 x 100 x 5 mm RHS is acceptable up to a maximum trench width of 1.5 m.

A.1.2.4 To determine the surface area of the railway sleeper reaction faces that must be in the trench wall,
Table 1 should be used. In undisturbed soft clay a total face area of 0.3 m 2 is required. Thus each end of
the railway sleeper should have a bearing area of 0.15 m 2 .

A.1.2.5 The outer 200 mm of the lateral excavation should not be used to provide support. If the lateral
excavations are 400 mm into the trench wall, only the inner 200 mm can be used for support (see Figure
A.1). Therefore, if the useful width of the shoring is 200 mm, the depth must be 750 mm.

The effective bearing area required per end is thus:

200 mm x 750 mm =0.15m 2 .

A.1.3 To convert to permanent restraint

A.1.3.1 From the calculations in A.1.2, the actual force to be restrained is 7 kN.

A.1.3.2 Refer to Table 1 to find the area of the concrete anchor block. Assuming that the anchor block
will rest against the trench backfill, it will be seen from Table 1 that the required anchor block face area is
0.3 m 2 .

A.1.3.3 Calculate the anchor block dimensions as follows:

Width = A, Depth = B and Length = L

For a square section anchor block A = B, thus

A 2 = 0.3, thus

A = 550 mm.

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 33 -

DIS 4.2

According to 7.4, the minimum required anchor block dimensions should be B/2 or 300 mm, whichever is
the greater; the required anchor block dimensions are therefore:

550 x 550 x 300 mm.

The anchor block should be constructed immediately in front of the end cap and around the steel prop. The
ground in front of the anchor block must be fully compacted prior to the second prop being removed.

A.2 EXAMPLE 2
A.2.1 Problem
An 8 in. diameter IP ductile iron main is laid in soft clay and does not have self anchoring joints. To
determine the size of permanent anchor block required at a 90 0 bend, see A.2.2.

A.2.2 Solution
A.2.2.1 From Figure 14 the basic force to be restrained at a mains operating pressure of 7 bar is 33 kN,
and from Table 5 the shape factor for a 90 0 bend is 1.5; thus the actual force to be restrained is:

33 x 1.5 = 49.5 kN

A.2.2.2 From Table 1 obtain the required ground reaction area of the restraining anchor block. The actual
force is 49.5 kN, therefore, using the line for 50 kN for soft clay gives a face area of 2 m 2 .

Referring to Figure 15 and clause A.2, the face area of an angled anchor block is A x B, and for a square
faced anchor block A = B. Thus A 2 = 2 giving A = 1410 mm.

The anchor block thickness C = 50% of dimension A, thus C = 705 mm.

The actual anchor block dimensions are therefore:

1410 x 1410 x 710 mm (see Figure A.2).

A.2.3 Alternative solution to A.2.2

A.2.3.1 As an alternative to the solution detailed in A.2.2, the anchor block can be constructed as shown
in Figure 16 and detailed in clause A.3 where the thrust area in this case is B x C.

A.2.3.2 Assuming that the pipe centre line is 800 mm below ground level, 6.6 requires that the top of the
anchor block must be 200 mm below the underside of any road foundation. Therefore, assuming the road
foundation to be 200 mm thick, the maximum anchor block height above the pipe is:

800 - (200 + 200) = 400 mm.

The anchor block must be so constructed as to be the same depth below the pipe centre line, therefore the
depth of the anchor block, B, is:

B = 2 x 400 = 800 mm.

The required face area= 2 m2 = B x C

2 = 800 mm x C
therefore C = 2500 mm.

Also, A = C 2 /2, therefore A = 1770 mm and A/2 = 885 mm.

Each anchor block face must, therefore, be 1770 mm wide x 800 mm deep and the minimum anchor block
thickness should be 885 mm (see Figure A.3).

- 34 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

FIGURE A.1 - Double strut arrangement

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 35 -

DIS 4.2

KEY TO DIMENSIONS

A = l4l0 mm.

B = l4l0 mm.

C = 7l0 mm.

FIGURE A.2 - Angled anchor block at trench corner

- 36 - J170 ( Rev 11/97 )

 DIS 4.2

KEY TO DIMENSIONS

A = 1770 mm.

A/2 = 885 mm.

B = 800mm.

C = 2500 mm.

FIGURE A.3 - Anchor block at trench corner

J170 ( Rev 11/97 ) - 37 -