Dynamic responses of PE pipes directly buried in high saturated clay to blast wave

In order to solve the safety assessment of a buried pipeline nearby blasting operation location, a series of dynamic responses of the polyethylene (PE) pipe in high saturated clay under the action of the explosive wave were carried out. The experimental data of the dynamic strain and dynamic pressure were gotten, and the velocity data of the pipe and the ground were measured at the same time. The experimental results show that the peak strain of the PE pipe has a good power function attenuation relationship with scaled distance. In the scaled distance range of 6−11 m/kg^1/3, the attenuation index of hoop strain (absolute value) is larger than the attenuation index of axial strain. The main vibration frequency of the dynamic response of the pipeline is slightly higher than the main vibration frequency of the soil, both in the same order. The pipeline synthesis velocity attenuation index is roughly the same as the axial strain attenuation index of the pipe. There is a strong correlation between the dynamic pressure signal measured by PZT and the strain rate signal of the same point. Due to the high water content in the high saturated soil, the PE pipe will be locally impacted and the greater circumferential strain will be produced, so this factor should be taken full account of the pipeline safety assessment. The hoop strain level is reduced, and the axial strain level relatively enhances when the scaled distance increases. Because of good and reliable dynamic performance of the PZT, the PZT is worthy of use and promotion as a mean for field detection of pipelines.