Researchers at the Center for Smart Infrastructure (CSI) testing lab conducted an assessment of a jointed pipe system, simulating the extreme conditions found in landslides or earthquake fault rupture zones. The test subject was a 42-foot long, 8-inch diameter earthquake-resistant ductile iron pipe system, equipped with advanced distributed fiber optic sensors to collect detailed data. The pipe system was pressurized with water, buried in soil, and then subjected to soil movement using a specially designed split-basin interaction testing apparatus, which was reconstructed from Cornell University’s original apparatus. The test simulated a jointed pipe system crossing a right lateral strike-slip fault, similar to the Hayward Fault. By replicating the stresses and strains that could occur during a landslide or earthquake, engineering researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the forces and limitations of the pipe’s joints and overall structure, shedding light on its performance and potential vulnerabilities under extreme conditions. The test was conducted in collaboration with the East Bay Municipal Utility District and U.S. Pipe.
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