Technical library

Articles & guides

Technical articles for Australian and New Zealand engineers working with buried flexible pipeline design and AS/NZS 2566.1. More articles are added as they are written and verified.

Essential reading12 min
The E' Soil Modulus Problem in AS2566: What the Standard Gets Wrong
AS/NZS 2566.1 incorrectly equates embedment modulus and native soil modulus. For most projects this changes your deflection result by 20–40%. Here's how to apply the standard correctly.
Read article →
Topics covered
E'e vs E'n — the modulus confusion
Leonhardt correction factor ζ
Howard (1977) vs AS2566 Table 3.2
Look & Cameron (2018) consensus
Which E' to use on your project
Upcoming articles
Design checkComing soon
AS2566 Deflection Calculation: Step-by-Step Worked Example
A complete DN300 HDPE gravity sewer design — from loads and stiffness through to a final deflection check with acceptance criteria.
~8 min
Design checkComing soon
Buckling Under AS2566.1: The Two-Equation Check Explained
Eqs 5.4(4) and 5.4(5) — which governs, how to calculate the buoyancy factor Rw, and how to read the results.
~7 min
ComparisonComing soon
HDPE vs PVC vs GRP: Pipe Material Selection Under AS2566.1
Stiffness classes, long-term moduli, deflection limits, and allowable strain compared across the three main flexible pipe materials used in Australia.
~8 min
ReferenceComing soon
E' Values Reference Table for AS2566 (Embedment and Native Soil)
The complete AS2566.1 Table 3.2 embedment values and Howard (1996) native soil values — formatted as a practical reference table.
~4 min
Free tool
AS2566 Design Calculator
Deflection · Buckling · Ring Bending Strain · Combined Loading — with full workings
Open calculator →