Original scientific paper

LOADING OF PIPELINE SUPPORTS IN A MICRO-TUNNEL

Nenad Kranjčević ; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Milneko Stegić ; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Mario Vukšić ; Končar Generators and Motors inc., Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Micro-tunnelling is a trenchless method for the application of underground utilities. If a tunnel is built as a shallow arc beneath obstacles, the insertion of steel pipeline presents a particular difficulty. A computational model has been developed in order to investigate the loading of pipeline wheel supports and the stresses in pipes during the insertion. The model is based on beam elements and includes the unilateral contact problem, which is solved by the iteration procedure presented in the paper. The results of simulations for four different paths are discussed and the improved path of the micro-tunnel is proposed.

Keywords

micro-tunnel; steel pipeline; insertion process; support load; beam elements

Hrčak ID:

99723

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/99723

Publication date:

22.4.2013.

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