Existing concrete pipe through new pier footing 1

[shacked]

I designed an isolated concrete pier footing supporting a steel column that will be supporting a new patio roof for residential. This is located in Southern California so my governing load is lateral seismic. As the contractor started to excavate the hole for the pier, they came across an existing 10inch dia concrete pipe. (See attached picture)

No one knows what the pipe is used for or if it is still being used. Besides 2nd hand information that it may have been an abandoned irrigation pipe left over when orange groves used to exist. Since I can't get a definitive answer, I do not want to pour around this pipe in fear that if it is still being used. Any potential movement of the pier may crack the pipe and if it is still being used I do not want a lawsuit.

I have already suggested that the owner hire someone to determine what the pipe is being used for but they do not want to do that.

In lieu of changing my design I am curious as to others thoughts on the matter. Would you be ok with pouring around this pipe of unknown use?

 

[Retrograde]

Put a small bored pier down either side of the pipe and bridge your footing across it.

 

[LittleInch]

Drill a small hole in it with a man standing by with a small conical wooden plug and a hammer in case there is something in it.

If empty just break it out and plug it at both ends or if you're really nervous install a diversion around your footing.

Are you sure it's concrete? Looks quite a strange joint system.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[cvg]

could be transite pipe which contains asbestos. be careful if you create dust from drilling or sawing...

 

[EireChch]

You shouldnt pour concrete around the pipe regardless of if its in use or not. If not in use just break out and pour your footing. If in use divert around or span as others have said

 

[shacked]

Thanks for all your responses. I actually just bridged a grade beam over the pipe with a footing on each side.

I tapped on it with a rock and it was concrete. Sounded pretty thick to me, at least an inch.