Performance of Pavements over Flexible Pipes
Abstract
In May 2000 ARRB Transport Research Ltd was commissioned to carry out an independent investigation into the design and use of flexible plastic pipes for culverts and drainage beneath road pavements. This project was initiated on behalf of the major manufacturers of plastic pipe in Australia (RibLoc, Iplex Pipelines and Vinidex tubemakers) and was in response to a requirement from RTA NSW for design and analysis information as part of the approval process in considering the use of flexible (plastic) pipes directly under a pavement structure.
This paper describes the main stages of the project including
- An international literature search
- Enquiries to road authorities and research organisations and pipe manufacturers in Australia, the USA and the United Kingdom
- Pavement deflection testing near Goulburn in NSW
Partly as a result of the Goulburn trials the RTA has amended its Specification for Plastic Flexible Pipes and is continuing to assess the performance of the pipes at the Goulburn site prior to further possible revisions.
Authors
Paul Robinson (ARRB)
Bruce Clayton (SKM)
Peter Nixey (Iplex)