Spherical jacking pipes – articulated pipe connections with optimal transmission of forces
The development of spherical jacking pipes with articulated pipe connections takes a different approach. This innovative project aims to improve both the transmission of forces among the pipes as well as to minimize the wall thickness of the jacking pipes by optimizing the geometry of the pipe joints, in connection with the use of an innovative
high-performance concrete. Towards this end, an innovative pipe design with a so-called spherical joint was developed within the scope of a doctoral thesis at the Department of Construction Operations and Construction Economics of TU Kaiserslautern.
The objective of the innovative joint geometry is to maximize the contact area between two jacking pipes, even when angled, to consolidate the distribution of stress at the joints and at the same time prevent the pipe joint from breaking open during jacking in curves.