Reliability of a pipeline with distressed prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) was assessed by structural analysis. The objective of the structural analysis was to evaluate serviceability and strength of the pipe, assuming loss of prestress in the core concrete due to wire fracture and corrosion. The study included analyses to evaluate the capacity of the pipe core to continue to resist internal pressure, external soil loads, and live loads through arch action, utilizing passive lateral soil pressure to provide support for strength and stability. Phased soil/structure interaction analyses and stability analyses were conducted to estimate probable overload factors (safety factors) present in the distressed pipe to resist internal and external loads. Overload factors were calculated at load levels corresponding to core cracking, cylinder yielding, and core crushing.
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