A three-dimensional analysis of the effects of erosion voids on rigid pipes

In this study, elasto-plastic finite element analyses are performed to investigate the three-dimensional effects of erosion voids developing behind the walls of an existing sewer pipe on the earth pressure distribution around the pipe and the stresses in the pipe wall. Initial earth pressures are first calculated and compared with field measurements. Erosion voids of different sizes are then introduced at the springline and invert of the pipe...