What is the purpose of the bell end of a concrete pipe?

The bell end of a concrete pipe is specifically designed to connect with other pipes. This design feature allows for easier installation and alignment during the construction process. The bell shape provides a wider opening that accommodates the spigot end of another pipe, ensuring a secure and tight fit between them. This connection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the pipeline system, ensuring that water or other materials flow smoothly without leaks.

While the other options may relate to different aspects of pipe design or function, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the bell end. For instance, increasing the pipe's thickness relates more to pipe strength rather than connection, and water flow adjustment does not pertain directly to the physical connection process facilitated by the bell end. Sedimentation may be a concern in the design of drainage systems, but it is not an objective of the bell end itself. Thus, recognizing the bell end's role in connecting pipes is essential for understanding its practical application in highway construction and drainage systems.