Numerical Simulation of Ground Subsidence Factors Resulting from Unpressurized Pipeline Rupture Below the Water Table

Abstract

The rupture of an unpressurized pipeline below the water table can lead to the leakage of groundwater along with soil particles into the pipeline. This not only causes blockages in the pipeline but, more critically, can result in ground subsidence. Understanding the factors influencing this phenomenon is a subject of great interest. To delve into this matter, this study employs the DEM-CFD methodology to synergistically encompass particle dynamics and interactions within the flow domain. It introduces an innovative framework for simulating water and soil erosion subsequent to the rupture of subaqueous unpressurized pipelines. This pioneering approach introduces a novel modeling and simulation paradigm catering to the analysis of intricate phenomena of this nature. Upon validating the flow field, our investigation specifically focused on three key factors: particle friction coefficient, groundwater level, and particle size distribution. We conducted a thorough examination of the process and mechanism of water and soil loss at the pipeline leakage point and the subsequent development of stratum subsidence. Our results indicate that particles with a friction coefficient of 0.6 had a reduced maximum displacement by 8.9%, compared to particles with a friction coefficient of 0.3. Similarly, a groundwater depth of 2 m resulted in a 29.6% decrease in maximum displacement compared to a 4 m depth, with a corresponding 160.9% increase in maximum force chain strength. Discontinuous particle gradation, in contrast to continuous gradation, yielded a notable 40.3% reduction in maximum displacement and a substantial 495.1% increase in maximum force chain strength. This underscores the noteworthy influence of particle friction coefficient, groundwater table elevation, and soil particle diameter on the stability of the overlying soil strata in the vicinity of a compromised unpressurized conduit.