Pipe Stiffness Prediction of Buried Gfrp Flexible Pipe

Abstract

In this paper, we present the result of investigations pertaining to the pipe stiffness (PS) of glass fiber reinforced polymer plastic (GFRP) flexible pipes buried underground. PS formula for the parallel plate loading condition is derived based on the elasticity theory. Vertical and horizontal displacements are also derived. In the study, the mechanical properties and structural behavior of GFRP flexible pipes are investigated experimentally and the results are used in the analysis and design of these flexible pipes. Pipe stiffness of GFRP flexible pipe is investigated by the parallel plate loading test, the finite element analysis, and theoretical analysis. The results of pipe stiffness of the GFRP flexible pipe obtained by the experiment, theory, and the finite element analysis are compared and close agreements are observed.