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U.S. Pipe – Ductile Iron Pipe Testing

    This study involved a series of pipeline experiments, encompassing tension tests, bi-axial tension tests, and 4-point bending tests, to investigate the failure mechanisms of an 8-inch TR-XTREME ductile iron pipe manufactured by US Pipe. These experiments were equipped with distributed fiber optic sensors, continuously capturing strain profiles along the pipeline. Additionally, the study involved the meticulous construction and rigorous validation of finite element models using the wealth of experimental data at its disposal. This seamless integration of empirical insights and numerical modeling facilitated a comprehensive inquiry into the failure mechanisms associated with the 8-inch TR-XTREME ductile iron pipe from US Pipe. The results of this investigation not only enhance our comprehension of innovative joint systems but also offer indispensable insights for propelling the design and implementation of earthquake-resistant water pipelines to new heights.

    Figure: Testing apparatus
    Figure: Finite element model stress countor

    Collaborators: East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), US Pipe

    Researchers: Shih-Hung Chiu, Qinglai Zhang, Kenichi Soga (UC Berkeley)

    Domains: Laboratory Testing

    Capabilities: Underground Lifeline Infrastructure/ Water Infrastructure

    Publications:

    • Shih-Hung Chiu, Qinglai Zhang, Shakhzod Takhirov, Kenichi Soga (2023): Direct Tension Testing of 8-in. (200-mm) Diameter TR-XTREME Ductile Iron Pipe. Center for Smart Infrastructure, University of California, Berkeley. Report. https://doi.org/10.25350/B58G64
    • Shih-Hung Chiu, Qinglai Zhang, Shakhzod Takhirov, Kenichi Soga (2023): Biaxial Tension Testing of 8-in. (200-mm) Diameter TR-XTREME Ductile Iron Pipe. Center for Smart Infrastructure, University of California, Berkeley. Report. https://doi.org/10.25350/B54S3V
    • Shih-Hung Chiu, Qinglai Zhang, Shakhzod Takhirov, Kenichi Soga (2023): Four-point Bending Testing of 8-in. (200-mm) Diameter TR-XTREME Ductile Iron Pipe. Center for Smart Infrastructure, University of California, Berkeley. Report. https://doi.org/10.25350/B51017