Experimental and Numerical Study of Precast Concrete Pipe with Single Elliptical Steel Cage Reinforcement

Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) with single elliptical (SE) reinforcement offers cost savings and is permitted by Canadian and American standards. Yet, its use has not yet gained momentum primarily due to limited knowledge of its structural performance. This study explores the structural behaviour of full-scale 1050 mm and 1200 mm diameter RCP reinforced with SE cold drawn steel wire cage under the Three-Edge Bearing Test. Results indicate that RCP with SE reinforcement designed per current standards did not meet the specified 0.3-mm crack and ultimate load capacity. Hence, pertinent provisions in CSA A257.2 and ASTM C76 for RCP need to be updated with specific and more suitable guidance for SE cage RCP. The study also investigates the effect of the SE cage rotation on the structural capacity of the pipe through finite element modelling. The model indicates a significant reduction in ultimate load capacity from the cage rotation