The design of buried underground flexible pipes proposed in domestic standards does not properly reflect changes in ground characteristics. Overseas standards suggest that pipe deflection must be considered while designing them. Therefore, in this study, the structural behavior of underground polyvinyl chloride pipes was investigated through experiments and the finite element analysis. In addition, when the pipe deflection occurred at 3% and 5%, the hydraulic characteristics of the polyvinyl chloride pipe showed a slight difference compared to the round pipe.

Seismic fragility curves play a crucial role in assessing potential seismic losses and predicting structural damage caused by earthquakes. This study compares non-sampling-based methods of seismic fragility curve derivation, particularly the probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) and finite element reliability analysis (FERA), both of which require employing sophisticated finite element analysis to evaluate and predict structural damage caused by earthquakes. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of API 5L X65, a buried gas pipeline widely used in Korea, is constructed to derive seismic fragility curves. Its seismic vulnerability is assessed using nonlinear time-history analysis. PSDM and a FERA are employed to derive seismic fragility curves for comparison purposes, and the results are verified through a comparison with those from the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). It is observed that the fragility curves obtained from PSDM are relatively conservative, which is attributed to the assumption introduced to consider the uncertainty factors. In addition, this study provides a comprehensive comparison of seismic fragility curve derivation methods based on sophisticated finite element analysis, which may contribute to developing more accurate and efficient seismic fragility analysis.

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) occurring in underground buried pipes of API 5L X65 steel was investigated. MIC is a corrosion phenomenon caused by microorganisms in soil; it affects steel materials in wet atmosphere. The microstructure and mechanical properties resulting from MIC were analyzed by OM, SEM/EDS, and mapping. Corrosion of pipe cross section was composed of ① surface film, ② iron oxide, and ③ surface/internal microbial corrosive by-product similar to surface corrosion pattern. The surface film is an area where concentrations of C/O components are on average 65 %/ 16 %; the main components of Fe Oxide were measured and found to be 48Fe-42O. The MIC area is divided into surface and inner areas, where high concentrations of N of 6 %/5 % are detected, respectively, in addition to the C/O component. The high concentration of C/O components observed on pipe surfaces and cross sections is considered to be MIC due to the various bacteria present. It is assumed that this is related to the heat-shrinkable sheet, which is a corrosion-resistant coating layer that becomes the MIC by-product component. The MIC generated on the pipe surface and cross section is inferred to have a high concentration of N components. High concentrations of N components occur frequently on surface and inner regions; these regions were investigated and Na/Mg/Ca basic substances were found to have accumulated as well. Therefore, it is presumed that the corrosion of buried pipes is due to the MIC of the NRB (nitrate reducing bacteria) reaction in the soil.

PURPOSES : Since the 1990s, underground utility projects have been conducted to solve the problem of aerial communication cables. The purpose of this study is to derive optimal measures for preventing collisions with existing underground utilities and for future maintenance in the implementation of the utilities undergrounding projects. This study considered the identifier sensor and tested the optimal sensor performance for more accurate and systematic management. METHODS : In this study, three representative technologies were selected from identifier sensors generally used in air and the possibility for their use in soil and asphalt was confirmed by simulating the environment via a test construction. Three identifier sensors were selected: BLE (Bluetooth low energy) beacon, ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF RFID), and a geomagnetic recognizer. The long-term recognition performance of each identifier sensor was tested using the underground depth as a variable and the results were analyzed for comparison. RESULTS : The results of the test under limited conditions and environment demonstrated that the BLE Beacon had advantages in equipment composition, recognition range, and speed but exhibited problems with batteries in winter. The geomagnetic recognizer did not show the exact location and its influence on the surrounding environment was a disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS : Although the performance of UHF RFID has been demonstrated to be relatively suitable under these test conditions, it seems that the impact of the more diverse installation depth or medium should be reviewed for actual commercialization.

이 연구는 GFRP관을 상수도관으로 사용하기 위해 테스트베드를 설치하여 지중매설된 관의 구조적 거동에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 또한, GFRP관의 역학적 성질을 조사하고 관 강성을 추정하였다. KS규격에서 제시하고 있는 허용드로우와 고압력(사용압력의 1.5∼2.0배), 트럭하중을 적용시켜 관 내부와 외부의 복합하중이 작용할 경우 관 내압의 변화와 관의 거동을 확인하였다. 그 결과, 상수관으로 GFRP관을 장기 사용하여도 충분한 내압을 가지고 있음을 확인하였다.

PURPOSES : This study primarily aims to develop and evaluate a Smart Station - a novel underground pipeline measure system - to overcome the challenges of conventional surveying methods. METHODS : This study built two prototypes of the Smart Station. By reflecting issues revealed through the field tests of the first prototype, this study produced the second Smart Station prototype. The organization of the hardware units in the second prototype was reconfigured to maximize its usability for operators in the field. Furthermore, by developing the ‘Digital Twin X’, an integrated Smart Station management software suite, the second prototype was capable of 1) producing a digital workbook for field operators, 2) managing underground pipeline information, and 3) displaying 3-dimensional maps in and around an underground pipeline. The applicability of the second prototype was examined through three field tests conducted in one open space location, where no urban valley effects were expected, and two locations in a downtown area, with urban valley effects. Given the actual field installation of underground pipelines, this study collected data via both conventional surveying methods and the Smart Station to evaluate the performance of the Smart Station. Analyzing the field data, this study examined the data collection time and position accuracy of an underground pipeline measured by the Smart Station. RESULTS : The field test results revealed that both the conventional surveying method and the Smart Station produced similar performances in data collection time and measurement accuracy in the open space test location. However, in the case of downtown locations affected by urban valley effects, the Smart Station achieved 100 % measurement accuracy while the conventional surveying method achieved 93 % accuracy. It was also observed during the field test that no data were collected due to the constraints of the work schedule and various field conditions (e.g., weather and/or traffic congestion). The data collection times at the open space locations were 10 s for both the conventional surveying method and the Smart Station. However, the data collection times at the downtown locations appeared to be 10 s and 360 s by the Smart Station and the conventional surveying methods, respectively, thereby proving that the Smart Station outperforms the conventional method in its measurement efficiency. CONCLUSIONS : It is envisioned that the Smart Station produces higher work efficiency for field operators as it enables them to collect high accuracy data in a timely and quick manner and not only build a database for the collected data but also vividly visualize it in the field. In the future, it is necessary to conduct additional field tests under various conditions for the in-depth investigation of a Smart Station. In addition, it is expected that the Smart Station will be enhanced by coupling augmented reality (AR) technologies.

GRP관은 연성관으로 분류되며, 지중에서 지반과 함께 외부하중에 저항하는 상호거동을 한다. 또한 국내 설계기준에서는 GRP관의 설계에 대한 명확한 규정을 제시하지 못하고 있으나, AWWA M 45 및 ASTM D 2412에서는 지중매설 GRP관의 관변형에 대한 주요설계변수를 관강성, 지반반력계수, 기초각 등으로 규정하고 있다. 이 연구에서는 지중매설된 연성관의 구조적 거동을 파악하기 위하여 기존 연구에서 수행한 연구결과와 AWWA M 45에서 제시하고 있는 설계식을 이용하여, 관강성, 지 반반력계수, 기초각계수를 변수로 지반-관 상호작용 특성을 검토하였다. 검토결과 지중매설 GRP관의 구조적 거동에 가장 큰 영향을 미치는 설계변수는 지반반력계수이고, 기초각은 180°로 시공하여야 하며, 특히 대구경관에서는 지반의 영향이 더욱 중요한 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 GRP의 안전성을 확보하기 위해서는 시공과정에서 되메움토에 대한 다짐도, 상대밀도, 흙의 종류에 대한 세부적인 규정과 관리가 필요하며, 특히, 헌치부에 대한 시공관리가 이루어져야 할 것으로 판단된다.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the corrosion damage of large diameter metallic pipes buried in reclaimed land due to the corrosion effect by soil, and to propose a method of installing metal pipes in the reclaimed land. The results are as follow. First, the soil of the reclaimed land was gray clay, the soil specific resistance indicating soil corrosiveness was at least 120 Ω-cm, the pH was weakly acidic(5.04 to 5.60), the redox potential was at least 62 mV, the moisture content was at most 48.8%, and chlorine ions and sulfate ions were up to 4,706.1 mg/kg and 420 mg/kg. Therefore, the overall soil corrosivity score was up to 19, and the external corrosion effect seems to be very large. Second, the condition of straight part of pipes was in good condition, but most of KP joints were affected by corrosion at a severe level. The reason for this seems to be that KP joints accelerated corrosion due to stress and crevice corrosion in addition to galvanic corrosion in the same environment. Third, as a result of evaluating correlations of each item that affects the corrosion on the external part, the lower the soil resistivity and redox potential, the greater the effect on the KP joints corrosion, and the moisture content, chloride ion, and sulfate ion, the higher the value, the greater the effect on the corrosion of KP joints. In addition, among soil corrosion items, the coefficient of determination of soil resistivity with corrosion of KP joints was the highest with 0.6439~0.7672. Fourth, when installing metal pipes or other accessories because the soil of the reclaimed land is highly corrosive, it is necessary to apply a corrosion preventive method to extend the life of pipes and prevent leakage accidents caused by corrosion damage to the joint.

PURPOSES : This study aims to evaluate the applicability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) for surveying utility pipes under sidewalks made of concrete brick and plate-stone block pavements. METHODS : GPR tests were conducted at two test sections to detect layer boundary and utility pipes under the pavements. The central frequency of the single-channel GPR was 800, 500, 250, and 100 MHz, and the central frequency of multi-channel (8) GPR was 450 MHz. GPR signals were analyzed in terms of 1-D (A-scan) and 2-D (B-scan) profiles. RESULTS: From the A-scan data analysis, the vertical resolution of the GPR ranged from 7.3 cm for 800 MHz to 133.1 cm for 100 MHz in the concrete brick block pavement and 13.9 cm for 800 MHz to 144.2 cm for 100 MHz in plate stone block pavement. From the B-scan data analysis, 250 MHz to 500 MHz GPR was sufficient to differentiate the layer boundary at a depth of 1.0~1.5 m to detect utility pipes at a depth of 0.5~2.0 m in both block pavements. In the plate-stone block pavement, GPR signal attenuation was greater because of the wire mesh in the concrete layer. Thus, the penetration depth was approximately 80% of the concrete brick-block pavement. CONCLUSIONS : The penetration depth and vertical resolution of GPR in the sidewalk paved with blocks were comparable to those of roadway pavement. Among the GPR evaluated, the 250 MHz GPR was the most desirable, and the 500 MHz GPR was affordable for the investigation of underground pipes situated up to 2.0~3.0 m under sidewalks.

콘크리트관은 하수관으로 널리 쓰이지만, 중량이 무거워 취급이 곤란한 단점이 있다. 또한 하수 및 해수 지역에 매설될 경우 황산수소(H2S)와 염화물에 의한 화학적 침식 등으로 인해 균열, 단면 감소 등 각종 열화현상이 발생하게 되어 파형강관을 대신하여 사용하지만 시공특성상 파손이 생기거나 매설지역에 부등침하가 존재하거나 과도한 외부압력이 작용할 경우 누수 또는 파손이 발생하여 관거로서의 기능이 저하될 우려가 있다. 이에 본 논문에서는 3겹으로 코팅된 수지파형강관(CCSP)을 파형강관 대신 하수관에 적용하기 위한 연구를 수행하였으며 우선 CCSP를 화학약품에 침지한 후 마모율 및 중량감소 등을 통해 화학저항성을 알아보았다. 특히 해안가에 시공될 경우 장기재령 내구성능을 확인하기 위해 부산 감만항 인근에 수지파형강관을 매설한 후 재령 10년 및 15년이 경과한 시점에 피복부착력을 확인하기 위해 염수분무, 핀홀, 음극박리시험을 실시하였으며 외압에 대한 저항성을 알아보기 위해 재하시험을 실시하였으며 그 결과 모든 항목에서 KS품질 기준을 만족하고 관거로서의 소요성능을 확보하고 있어 장기재령 내구성을 확보하고 있음을 확인하였다.

In the sewer pipes, reinforced concrete pipes and concrete pipes are mostly used. However, it is difficult to ensure the long-term durability of the pipe due to the corrosion of the rebar which is used for the reinforcement of the concrete. Also, reinforced concrete pipes are difficult to secure watertightness due to deterioration and corrosion by hydrogen sulfide. In order to solve such problems, research on using sewer pipes made of plastic materials is being actively conducted. When soil pressure and live load act on the buried flexible pipe, the load acting on the pipe is transferred to the surrounding soil. So, the flexible pipe will support the load with the surrounding soil together. It is difficult to predict these behaviors theoretically and clearly. Therefore, the design equation for the buried flexible pipe is analyzed by adopting theoretically idealized assumptions and it is estimated through experimental studies that it is similar to the actual structural behavior. In this paper, the mechanical properties of the soil and the polyethylene pipe were considered in application of the method proposed in ASTM D 2412 to design the buried polyethylene pipe. Also, structural behavior of the pipe resisting external loads such as soil pressure was investigated to use a polyethylene pipe as the buried pipe and the long-term behavior of the polyethylene pipe was predicted by the compaction rate of surrounding backfill soil through the field test.

Most of existing buried pipes are composed of reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete pipes have many problems such as aging, corrosion, leaking, etc. The polyethylene (PE) pipes have advantages to solve these problems. The plastic pipes buried underground are classified into a flexible pipe. National standard that has limited the long-term vertical deformation of the pipe to 5% for flexible pipes including PE pipe. This study presents a prediction for the long-term behavior of the polyethylene pipe based on ASTM D 5365. This prediction method is presented to estimate by using the statistical method from the initial deflection measurement data. We predict the behavior of long-term performance on the double-wall pipe and multi-wall pipe. As a result, it was found that the PE pipe will be sound enough more than 50 years if the compaction of soil around the pipe is more than 95% of the standard soil compaction density.

In general, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ductile cast iron pipes are widely used in the water supply pipeline system. However, they have some disadvantages such as reduced durability due to material degradation, defects in connections, breakage of pipelines, and difficulties in continuous maintenance. To mitigate such problems, recently, research on durable and outstanding corrosion resistant glass fiber reinforced polymer plastic (GFRP) pipe is being actively conducted. GFRP is classified into the flexible pipe and when soil pressure and live load act on buried GFRP pipe, the load acting on the pipe is transferred to the surrounding soil. So, it should review the structural behavior and interaction between buried pipe and its surrounding soil because pipe will support the load with the surrounding soil together at the same time. To apply GFRP pipe for the water supply pipeline system, the structural reliability of GFRP water supply pipe buried underground should be investigated by examining the mechanical properties of GFRP pipe as well as the soundness of the pipe under buried state. The field test of buried pipe is conducted and the results are analyzed and discussed.

In the water supply pipeline system polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ductile cast iron pipe are mostly used. However, they have some problems such as reduced durability due to material degradation, defects in connections, the pipelines breakage, and lack of continuous maintenance. Recently, research on durable and outstanding corrosion resistance glass fiber reinforced polymer plastic (GFRP) pipe is being actively conducted. GFRP is classified into the flexible pipe and when soil pressure and live load act on buried GFRP pipe, the load acting on the pipe is transferred to the surrounding soil. So, pipe will support the load with the surrounding soil. In this paper, to apply GFRP pipe for the water supply pipeline system, the structural reliability of GFRP water supply pipe buried underground should be investigated by examining the mechanical properties of GFRP pipe as well as the soundness of the pipe under buried state. The field test of buried pipe is conducted and the results are analyzed and discussed.