Pipeline Mechanical Damage Assessment Using Finite Element Methods

Abstract

Onshore and offshore pipelines may be subjected to mechanical damage during installation and operation due to environmental loads, external forces and third parties. The type and severity of pipe damage may influence operational, repair and intervention strategies. For conventional pipelines, the assessment of mechanical damage plays a role in the development of integrity management programs that can be of greater significance for pipeline systems located in remote, harsh environments. The current study highlights the effect of plain dents and interaction of plain dents with girth weld on pipe mechanical response using continuum finite element methods. The modelling procedures are calibrated with available physical datasets and also demonstrate excellent correlation with third party simulations. Confidence in the numerical simulation tool provides a basis to evaluate the effects of mechanical damage through a broader parameter study and assess effects on fatigue life performance.