Soil–pipe interaction and structural response under static and seismic loading for geopolymer concrete pipes

The evaluation of underground concrete pipe performance demands advanced methodologies for analyzing structural models and identifying key parameters influencing soil–pipe interaction (SPI). In this study, ANSYS is employed, utilizing Solid 185 and Pipe 288 elements to comprehensively investigate the nonlinear behavior of soil and geopolymer concrete (GPC) pipes. Conducting 43 static and dynamic analyses, the research emphasizes sensitivity analysis to assess the pivotal role of SPI parameters. The primary focus is on determining the optimal vertical displacement in the middle span of GPC pipes, offering insights into their structural response under diverse conditions. The analysis identifies soil density as the most influential parameter in both static and dynamic scenarios. Notably, sensitivity analysis uncovers a novel insight that under seismic loading, the impact of soil density is approximately 46% higher compared to static loading. This discovery enhances our understanding of the intricate behavior of underground concrete pipes, especially during seismic events. The comprehensive approach contributes essential knowledge to optimize the design and performance of GPC pipes under various loading conditions, encompassing aspects such as finite element modeling, nonlinear behavior, and performance optimization. This research provides a valuable foundation for enhancing the resilience and efficiency of underground concrete pipe systems.