Wethersfield, CT
StormTech, Inc., Stormwater Chambers
Scope/Solutions
StormTech manufactures underground molded polypropylene chambers for stormwater retention systems. With no design standards available for these structures, StormTech asked SGH to assess the structural performance of the chambers and develop design procedures.
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic with excellent durability, but with time-dependent strength and stiffness properties. Highlights of our evaluation and analyses of the polypropylene chambers include the following:
- Adapted AASHTO design procedures for thermoplastic pipe to the evaluate of the chambers
- Conducted computer simulations under earth and live loading conditions
- Monitored full-scale field tests to evaluate performance under live loads and earth loads in excess of those anticipated during service
Based on our work for this project, SGH authored ASTM F2418 standardizing design criteria and laboratory test methods.
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Project Summary
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Advanced Analysis | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Infrastructure & Transportation
Client(s)
Stormtech, Division of Ads, Inc.
Specialized Capabilities
Buried Infrastructure | Physical Testing
Key team members
Jesse Beaver
Head of Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure
Additional Projects
Northeast
ITC Crossing
During construction of the ITC Crossing development, sections of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) and reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) in the storm drainage system were found to be structurally distressed and damaged. SGH investigated the extent and cause of the problems and developed repairs.
Northeast
Neponset River Bridge
A subsequent engineering study found that the cracks were due to over-stresses in the flexural steel and abrupt termination of flexural steel in a tension zone.