GUIDELINES FOR BRIDGE WATER PIPE INSTALLATIONS

The existing water distribution network of many established cities with growing urban population is vast and rapidly aging. An exposed water pipeline mounted on bridge constitutes a vulnerable portion of the pipeline network, and is often subjected to additional environmental forces and regulations by the bridge owners. Although, the mounting of pipes on host bridges is generally more economical than building of new independent pipe crossings, often the lack of understanding about the bridge's performance and bridge owner's requirements could be overwhelming to pipeline designers. A comprehensive set of guidelines addressing such issues on the planning, design, inspection, and maintenance aspects of water pipeline installations on host bridges was developed for the Bureau of Water Works of the City of Portland, Oregon. This paper briefly describes the development of the guidelines and provides an abstract version of the recommendations for the planning and design of such installations. A brief summary of proposed pipe hanger design criteria with design forces, load combinations, and safety factors are also included. The guidelines were specifically developed for personnel routinely involved in the planning, design, inspection, and maintenance of water pipelines without bridge engineering background. Many articles presented in this document can also be applied to other locations and non-water utilities mounted on bridges.