Clay Pipe Installation Handbook

Chapter 6, Backfilling Around the Pipe

Bedding and Initial Backfill

After laying the pipe, the specified bedding material placed to a height required by the designated ba factor. (Figures 10-13) The initial backfill is the carefully placed to a height of about 12" above the to of the pipe. This is done to maintain pipe alignmei and to protect the pipe from damage during final backfilling.

The bedding or initial backfill should be sliced under the "haunches" of the pipe to fill the voids and consolidate the material in this area. This assures uniform support of the pipe barrel and achieves the required load factor. Slicing should be done when the bedding material is no higher than about one-fourth of the pipe diameter if it is to be effective. (Figure 22)

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The backfill should be free from large lumps or stones.

Fittings should be positioned and supported by carefully tamping the bedding around and under the haunches of the fitting. (Chapter 8)

Care should be taken to prevent rocks or lumps from damaging the pipe or disturbing the alignment of the newly installed line. (Figure 23)

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NCPI - Clay Pipe Installation Handbook

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