Modeling and application of discontinuous slow crack growth behaviors of high-density polyethylene pipe with various geometries and loading conditions

Abstract

A slow crack growth model based on the crack layer theory for various geometries of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is developed to investigate the discontinuous slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of HDPE pipes. Discontinuous SCG patterns, jump lengths, and periods can be accurately simulated using the proposed model. In addition, effects of soil embedding height, internal pressure, and ground pressure on the discontinuous SCG behavior and consequent lifetime are investigated. It is confirmed that the additional ground pressure increased the discontinuous SCG rates of the buried HDPE pipes, thereby reducing the final lifetime considerably.