Experimental assessment of soil effects on the leakage discharge from polyethylene pipes

Leaking water from pipes depends on several factors such as pressure, pipe material, types of cracks and holes and also regime of flow through cracks. The effects of these factors on the leakage have been investigated by several researchers. However, few studies have been found considering the effects of soil around the pipes on the leakage discharge. Here, the leakage from polyethylene pipes is simulated in the laboratory, selecting several soils with different specifications. The leak discharge equation is adjusted to evaluate the effects of soil characteristics. Accordingly, grain diameter greater than 10% and 50% passing, coefficient of uniformity, coefficient of curvature, liquidity limit, plastic limit, plasticity index and hydraulic permeability have been considered to represent the soil properties. It is observed that the leakage is changed in accordance with most of the above parameters. The effects of grain diameter greater than 50% passing, plastic limit and hydraulic permeability are higher on the leakage, comparing to those of other parameters. However, no meaningful relationship is observed between the leakage and some parameters. The effects of significant characteristics are shown by the equations presented in this study.