Compaction Equipment and Construction Loads
Construction loads are an important but often overlooked factor in pipe design and installation. Even when construction live loads are considered, the loads that result from the compactive effort are often ignored. Most standard specifications for pipe include minimum cover requirements for construction equipment live loads. To a lesser extent, these specifications also include a note of caution with regards to the use of vibratory or hydrohammer compaction equipment. These type compactors are capable of producing pipe damaging stresses.