Sewer bedding and backfilling

Figure 2.4 Common types of bedding for sewer pipe installations

According to Hammer, etal, (2008) sewer bedding and backfilling varies with native soil
conditions, pipe material, local conditions, and sometimes with bury depth. Bedding and
backfill materials must be able to be placed in a readily compacted state under, around, and
over the pipe. Various trench bedding sections are shown in fig 2.4 below. Bedding is critical
to pipe integrity and when placed in the bottom of the trench, it provides a level compacted
surface for pipe support. If piping is simply laid by placing the pipe barrels on the flat native
trench bottom, as illustrated in figure 2.4(a), the pipe may not be able to support the
overburden or surface loads. Bedding with sand or crushed rock extends up and around the
pipe to provide the greatest resistance to compression by supporting the sidewalls. In some
cases, the underlying soil is inadequate to support even backfill, and in such cases concrete
may be used to support the pipe and bridge over areas of poor soil