Experimental Study of the Stress–strain State of Underground Rigid Plastic Pipes Under Trench Conditions

Polymer pipes buried underground are widely used in many engineering sectors. However, accurately assessing the stress–strain processes that occur in the pipe wall under trench conditions still remains a complex problem. In this article, HDPE pipes with a diameter of 200 mm were investigated in laboratory conditions based on a trench model. The burial depth was 1.2 m, and the soil had a mixed composition. The variation of radial displacement and ovalization parameters depending on loading was studied. The results showed that the deformation has a nonlinear character and that burial conditions significantly affect the ring stiffness. The obtained data can be used for calibrating numerical models and improving design standards.