Average Load on Pipe due to Wheel Load Calculator

Average Load on Pipe Formula:

\[ W_{avg} = \frac{I_e \times C_t \times P_{wheel}}{L_{eff}} \]

Impact Factor (I_e):

Load Coefficient (C_t):

Concentrated Wheel Load (P_wheel):

Effective Length of Pipe (L_eff):

Average Load on Pipe (W_avg):

1. What is Average Load on Pipe due to Wheel Load?

Definition: This calculator determines the average load exerted on a buried pipe due to concentrated wheel loads passing above it.

Purpose: It helps engineers design underground pipes that can withstand traffic loads without failure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ W_{avg} = \frac{I_e \times C_t \times P_{wheel}}{L_{eff}} \]

Where:

\( W_{avg} \) — Average load on pipe (N/m)
\( I_e \) — Impact factor (dimensionless)
\( C_t \) — Load coefficient (dimensionless)
\( P_{wheel} \) — Concentrated wheel load (N)
\( L_{eff} \) — Effective length of pipe (m)

Explanation: The formula distributes the concentrated wheel load over the effective pipe length, accounting for impact and load distribution characteristics.

3. Importance of Average Load Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures pipe structural integrity, prevents collapse under traffic loads, and helps select appropriate pipe materials and dimensions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the impact factor (default 2.73), load coefficient (default 10), wheel load in Newtons (default 75.375 N), and effective pipe length in meters (default 50.25 m). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical impact factor for roads?
A: For highways, impact factors typically range from 1.5 to 3.0 depending on vehicle speed and road surface.

Q2: How is the load coefficient determined?
A: The load coefficient depends on pipe diameter, burial depth, and soil characteristics.

Q3: What's a standard wheel load for design?
A: Standard design wheel loads vary from 20 kN (passenger cars) to 100 kN (heavy trucks).

Q4: How is effective length calculated?
A: Effective length depends on pipe diameter, wall thickness, and surrounding soil stiffness.

Q5: Does this account for multiple wheel loads?
A: No, for multiple wheel loads, superposition of individual wheel effects is needed.