Lateral buckling of subsea pipelines triggered by combined sleeper and distributed buoyancy section

In order to release the axial compressive force resulting from high-temperature conditions, sleepers or distributed buoyancy sections are usually installed along the route of the subsea pipeline as the buckle initiation facilities to trigger lateral buckles. DNV-RP-F110 suggests that the individual buckle initiators can be combined to further increase the reliability of buckle formation. In this study, an improved buckle initiation technique, called the combined sleeper and distributed buoyancy section, is investigated. A generalised mathematical model is proposed to simulate lateral buckling triggered by the combined sleeper and distributed buoyancy section, and it can also be applied to simulate lateral buckling triggered by an individual technique, such as triggered only by sleeper or only by distributed buoyancy section. The mathematical model is verified by comparing with the solutions in the literature. The parametric analysis shows that the buckle formation reliability can be improved when the combined sleeper and distributed buoyancy section is employed. Moreover, both the axial force and the maximum stress along the buckled pipeline in the post-buckling stage are at a lower level, so the pipeline will be safer when the combined sleeper and distributed buoyancy section is utilised as the triggers.     

Antisymmetric thermal buckling triggered by dual distributed buoyancy sections

Rogue buckles may occur for unburied subsea pipelines operating under high temperature and high pressure conditions. Distributed buoyancy section (DBS) is often installed to trigger pipeline lateral buckling. Single distributed buoyancy section (SDBS) is normally adopted to trigger a symmetric lateral buckling mode. But in some cases, dual distributed buoyancy sections (DDBS) with a gap between them are utilised to trigger an antisymmetric lateral buckling mode. This paper concerns the behaviour of antisymmetric lateral buckling triggered by DDBS. First, the locations of the maxima of the deflection and bending stress are determined. Then, comparisons of the post-buckling behaviour between antisymmetric buckling mode, triggered by DDBS, and symmetric buckling mode, triggered by SDBS, are presented and discussed. The influences of the spacing between dual buoyancy sections and the parameters of the DBS on the buckled configuration and post-buckling behaviour are presented. Finally, the effects of the DBS on the minimum critical temperature difference, the maxima of the deflection and stress are discussed. The results show that the maxima of the deflection and stress of the antisymmetric mode are much smaller than that of the symmetric mode under the same operating conditions. During the design process, the spacing between dual buoyancy sections, the length and the weight ratio coefficient of the DBS should be determined in sequence.     

Imperfection study on lateral thermal buckling of subsea pipeline triggered by a distributed buoyancy section

Controlled lateral buckling is triggered by distributed buoyancy section at predesigned sites to release the axial force induced by high temperature and high pressure in subsea pipelines. Due to the larger diameter and smaller submerged weight of distributed buoyancy section, compared to the normal pipe section, imperfections are more easily introduced at the location of distributed buoyancy section. In this study, an analytical model is proposed to simulate lateral buckling triggered by a distributed buoyancy section for an imperfect subsea pipeline, which is validated by test data. Semi-analytical solutions are derived. First, snap-through buckling behaviour is discussed. Then the influence of initial imperfections on buckled configurations, post-buckling behaviour, displacement amplitude and maximum stress is discussed in detail. The results show that there is no snap-through phenomenon for large amplitude of initial imperfections, which appears only when the amplitude of imperfection is small enough. The displacement amplitude increases with the amplitude of initial imperfections, and it first increases and then decreases with wavelength of initial imperfection. Compared to a perfect pipeline, the maximum stress amplifies for relative small wavelength of initial imperfections. Therefore, a large enough wavelength of initial imperfection should be introduced.     

Mode jumping in the lateral buckling of subsea pipelines

Unburied subsea pipelines under high-temperature conditions tend to relieve their axial compressive stress by forming localised lateral buckles. This phenomenon is traditionally studied under the assumption of a specific lateral deflection profile (mode) consisting of a fixed number of lobes. We study lateral thermal buckling as a genuinely localised buckling phenomenon by applying homoclinic (‘flat’) boundary conditions. By not having to assume a particular buckling mode we are in a position to study transitions between these traditional modes in typical loading sequences. For the lateral resistance we take a realistic nonlinear pipe-soil interaction model for partially embedded pipelines. We find that for soils with appreciable breakout resistance, i.e., nonmonotonicity of the lateral resistance characteristic, sudden jumps between modes may occur. We consider both symmetric and antisymmetric solutions. The latter turn out to require much higher temperature differences between pipe and environment for the jumps to be induced. We carry out a parameter study on the effect of various pipe-soil interaction parameters on this mode jumping. Away from the jumps post-buckling solutions are reasonably well described by the traditional modes whose analytical expressions may be used during preliminary design.     

Controlled pipeline lateral buckling by reeling induced curvature imperfections

Expansion of pipelines installed on the sea floor due to the passage of high temperature and pressure hydrocarbons leads to lateral buckling. Interaction with a frictional sea floor can result in localization of such buckles, which must be controlled to ensure that the local bending is within acceptable limits. Periodic geometric imperfections introduced to a pipeline installed by reeling using the Residual Curvature Method are modeled and their effectiveness as expansion loops is evaluated. The imperfections are generated by allowing chosen lengths of the line to retain a small curvature by judicious action at the straightener. The model properly accounts for the complex interactions between geometric and material nonlinearities with frictional forces. It is demonstrated that as the temperature increases, the line can buckle in a snap-through manner, or can grow stably usually causing plastic deformation in its crest. The behavior is governed by the length, curvature, amplitude and periodicity of the imperfection, and by the lateral and axial frictional forces that develop. The effect of each of these variables is studied parametrically. Overall, the Residual Curvature Method is found to be a viable and effective method of controlling lateral buckling. The results provide guidance on the optimal periodicity, how to avoid snap-through buckling, and how to simultaneously minimize plastic bending.     

Three-dimensional pipeline element formulation for global buckling analysis of submarine pipelines with sleeper

Submarine pipelines can utilize sleepers to control global buckling location, which mitigates potential risks under high temperature and pressure. However, pipelines with sleepers require execution in three-dimensional space and experience lateral buckling modes. As such, this paper proposes a 3D pipeline element for lateral buckling analysis, building on previous 2D element formulations. This new element considers non-linear pipe-soil interactions, thermal expansion, axial load, initial imperfections, large deflection, and other major factors that affect lateral buckling. The derivations of the 3D pipeline element are provided in detail, and the numerical analysis procedure is elaborated. To validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed 3D pipeline element, several examples are presented.     

Experimental and theoretical studies on lateral buckling of submarine pipelines

Global buckling of a submarine pipeline during high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) operation results in a loss of pipeline stability that is similar to a bar in compression; this phenomenon constitutes one of the key factors affecting pipeline integrity and design. To intuitively study the buckling response, a test system was designed that can account for thermal loading and pipe-soil interactions, and this system was used to perform a series of small-scale model tests on the lateral buckling of submarine pipelines with different initial imperfections. Based on the hat-shaped buckling profiles of the test pipelines, a new buckling mode called "hat-shaped buckling" was proposed. In an attempt to study the conditions under which the pipeline exhibits this hat-shaped buckling mode, the changing law of the buckling mode was investigated through finite element analyses of pipelines with different parameters, including the length of the pipeline and the amplitude and wavelength of the initial imperfection. Subsequently, an analytical solution for calculating the buckling amplitude of a pipeline with a hat-shaped buckling profile was proposed. The theoretical solution was compared to the experimental data, which verified the feasibility of the model in calculating pipeline buckling deformation. The experimental data, the buckling mode based on these data and the corresponding analytical model discussed herein may provide a reference for future experimental studies of pipeline buckling.     

Snap behaviour in the upheaval buckling of subsea pipelines under topographic step imperfection

Pipelines exposed to high temperature and high pressure with a topographic step imperfection are susceptible to the phenomenon of upheaval buckling potentially leading to a hazard for the structural integrity of the pipeline. To analyse this problem we derive analytical upheaval buckling solutions and obtain the locations of maximum displacement and maximum axial compressive stress. We also analyse the typical post-buckling behaviour and its dependence on step height, axial soil resistance and wall thickness. The difference in behaviour between a pipeline with step imperfection and one with a symmetric prop imperfection is discussed. Our results show that a pipeline with a step imperfection is more prone to upheaval buckling than a perfect pipeline. For sufficiently small step heights the pipeline may suffer a snap-back instability under decreasing thermal loading, raising the possibility of hysteretic snap behaviour under cyclic thermal loading (for instance caused by periodic start-ups and shut-downs). The snap-back buckling disappears for large enough step height and the minimum critical temperature difference decreases with increasing step height and wall thickness or with decreasing axial soil resistance. The maximum compressive stress decreases with increasing step height and axial soil resistance or with decreasing wall thickness. A pipeline with step imperfection is safer than one with a symmetric prop imperfection.     

Symmetric and anti-symmetric buckle propagation modes in subsea corroded pipelines

Solutions for the steady-state buckle propagation modes and pressures in a corroded pipeline subjected to external hydrostatic pressure are presented. The buckle propagation pressure of a corroded pipeline is obtained analytically with a rigid-plastic analysis and numerically from finite element analysis (ABAQUS). Both the rigid-plastic analysis and ABAQUS program reveal symmetric and anti-symmetric buckling modes, depending on the depth and angular extent of the corrosion. Snap-through and global buckling of the pipeline are also distinguished in both solutions. The rigid-plastic solutions for buckle propagation pressure and corresponding collapse modes are found to be within 15% with numerical solutions.     

Propagating buckles in corroded pipelines

Rigid–plastic solutions for the steady-state, quasi-static buckle propagation pressure in corroded pipelines are derived and compared to finite element predictions (ABAQUS). The corroded pipeline is modeled as an infinitely long, cylindrical shell with a section of reduced thickness that is used to describe the corrosion. A five plastic hinge mechanism is used to describe plastic collapse of the corroded pipeline. Closed-form expressions are given for the buckle propagation pressure as a function of the amount of corrosion in an X77 steel pipeline. Buckles that propagate down the pipeline are caused by either global or snap-through buckling, depending on the amount of corrosion. Global buckling occurs when the angular extent of the corrosion is greater than 90°. When the angular extent is less than 90° and the corrosion is severe, snap-through buckling takes place. The buckle propagation pressure and the corresponding collapse modes also compare well to finite element predictions.     

国外海底管道局部屈曲研究综述

海底管道是海洋油气集输系统中最重要的组成部分之一,从铺设到服役都将承受多种载荷的作用,并可能发生局部屈曲且沿管道传播开来,由此造成严重的后果。海底管道的局部屈曲在管道安全性方面具有重要意义,已成为海底管道设计与评估中重要的内容。详细阐述了国外关于海底管道受外压、弯矩和轴力作用下的局部屈曲研究成果,论述了在单个载荷和多个载荷联合作用下的局部屈曲破坏机理,并提出了未来研究的建议。     

Laboratory tests and thermal buckling analysis for pipes buried in Bohai soft clay

Upheaval buckling of submarine pipelines occurs due to relative movement of pipeline and surrounding soil and is often triggered by high operational temperature of the pipeline, initial imperfection of the pipeline, or a combination of both. Since buckling can jeopardize the structural integrity of a pipeline, it is a failure mode that should to be taken into account for the design and in-service assessment of trenched and buried offshore pipelines. In this study, a series of vertical (uplift) and axial pullout tests were carried out on model pipe segments buried in soft clay deposit similar to that present in Bohai Gulf, China. Pipe segments with three different diameters (= 30 mm, 50 mm and 80 mm) were buried in different depth-to-diameter ratios ranging from 1 to 8. Based on the results of laboratory tests, nonlinear force–displacement relations are proposed to model soil resistance mobilized during pipeline movement. The proposed nonlinear soil resistance models are employed in finite element analysis of buried pipelines with different amplitudes of initial geometric imperfections. Thermal upheaval buckling behavior of pipelines operating at different temperatures is studied. Results show that the capacity of pipeline against thermal buckling increases with the burial depth and decreases with the amplitude of initial imperfection.     

Reliability-based design of subsea light weight pipeline against lateral stability

The application of non-metallic light weight pipeline (LWP) in subsea oil/gas transmission system is subject to subsea pipeline on-bottom stability problem because of their light weight. Additional weight required for the stabilization of subsea LWP is a critical item to consider when decreasing the cost of the pipeline system. This paper presents an effective approach to determine the additional weight by utilizing a reliability-based assessment of subsea LWP against on-bottom stability. In the approach, a dynamic non-linear finite element model (FEM), including a model of fluids-pipe-soil interaction for the subsea pipeline, is used to study the pipeline displacement response. In-place analysis of a flexible pipe is presented as an example of the authors' methodology. Results show that displacements are largely affected with and without considering the lift force. Additionally, the uncertainties of all parameters used in the model are considered. With 145 cases of FEM calculations being the samples, a response surface model (RSM) is developed to predict the pipeline lateral displacement using the software Design-Expert. Combing with the RSM equation, the Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to estimate the probability of exceeding pipeline stability. To calculate the reliability of LWP for different submerged weights, the method introduces a calibrated factor into the serviceability limit state (SLS) function. The proposed approach can be used to determine the additional weight required for the on-bottom stability of subsea pipelines while considering the uncertainties of all relevant parameters.     

带止屈器的复合材料圆柱壳结构屈曲分析及优化

针对海洋工程上的复合材料圆柱壳结构,基于有限元软件ABAQUS,利用Python语言编程实现参数化建模、屈曲分析以及在后处理中提取屈曲因子。研究复合材料圆柱壳结构在单独受到轴向压力、侧向压力以及两种压力组合作用下止屈器的位置对屈曲极限强度的影响,并利用遗传算法多参数优化的方法对止屈器的位置进行优化,最终找到最优解。研究结果可以为复合材料圆柱壳结构抵抗屈曲失效的优化设计提供参考。     

含缺陷海底管道横向屈曲理论研究

考虑了初始几何缺陷对管道屈曲临界载荷的影响,基于经典热屈曲理论,推导了平坦海床上裸铺管道横向屈曲临界载荷的理论公式,给出了无限远处管道轴向力的计算公式及临界温度的计算公式。建立了平坦海床上裸铺管道的非线性有限元模型,并将有限元结果与解析结果进行了对比,验证了解析公式的合理性。     

规则波作用下组合式潜堤消浪性能试验研究

通过物理模型试验对梯形和矩形组合式潜堤的消浪性能进行研究,比较组合式潜堤与单排布置潜堤的消浪性能,分析堤顶水深、波高、间距及组合堤排数等因素对潜堤透射系数Kt的影响。试验结果表明:组合式潜堤的透射系数随着堤顶水深的增加而增加,随着波高的增大而减小;组合式潜堤排数越多消浪效果越好,可根据实际工程需要恰当地选择潜堤的布置排数。     

单侧边载作用下黏土中单桩负摩阻力特性模型试验研究

桩基础边载作用会在桩周产生负摩阻力,进而危及软土地区高桩码头、人工岛、路基等工程的安全。通过开展黏土中单侧堆载作用下单桩室内模型试验,测定桩身应变、桩顶沉降和水平位移,研究边载作用距离和桩型对桩身轴力及弯矩的影响,探讨桩身负摩阻力、桩顶沉降和水平位移在黏土固结过程中的时间效应。结果表明:边载作用距离对桩身最大轴力和最大弯矩有较大影响;翼板桩会增加桩身最大轴力和最大弯矩;负摩阻力和有效应力系数随时间增长且增速趋缓;增加边载作用距离和添加翼板都会提升桩身中性点位置,在这两组试验中均提升了8.33%。     

组合应力作用下含腐蚀缺陷海管安全工作压力评价方法

在较高温度和压力作用下,由于土壤的摩擦阻力,海管会产生很大的轴向压力,以及由侧向屈曲引发的弯矩。因此对含腐蚀缺陷管道安全工作压力的评价,须考虑轴向压应力的影响。对目前工程界的评价方法进行对比分析,在内压和轴向压应力组合作用下,含腐蚀缺陷海管的安全压力评价方法还很不完善,尤其是复杂缺陷,目前的规范还不完全适用。通过对许用应力法安全系数的讨论和分析,基于Von Mises准则和有限元分析,提出了组合应力作用下含腐蚀缺陷海管的安全工作压力评价方法。通过该方法对某运行了近三十年的管道进行了安全工作压力的评估,同时考察了轴向压应力对安全工作压力的影响。此方法对应的轴向压应力限值和安全等级以及安全系数相关,当安全等级低时,其值和DNV-RP-F101规范值基本一致,当安全等级高时,其值比DNV-RP-F101规范值大。     

移动式救生钟耐压壳强度与稳定性计算分析

救生钟初步设计阶段的强度与稳定与稳定性较核是根据潜艇规范或某些近似理论进行的。为研究整个钟体在各种载荷工况下的应力分布情况和总体抗失稳能力，采用有限元分析结构分析软件ＭＳＣ／ＮＡＳＴＲＡＮ进行整体计算，对救生钟整个耐压壳体的强度和稳定性进行了计及壳体局部开孔和曲率突变影响的有限元分析。分析中考虑了初挠度和弹塑性对耐压壳体失稳压力的影响，得到了后屈曲阶段的载荷－挠度曲线。从救生钟各种工况下的整体变形     

新型可调轨枕可靠性研究及应用

新型可调轨枕是一种可进行高精度及高效率调整的轨枕结构。轨枕本体结构内设置了预埋钢板、套管及螺母,通过连接螺栓与上部可调支座连接,后续可在轨枕本体与可调支座间插入调节钢板以达到快速调节不均匀沉降的目的。但其由于增设了预埋套管及连接螺栓,其结构的承载能力、疲劳耐久性以及螺栓抗拔力是否可满足重载机械高频率的使用要求需要进一步研究。通过相关试验研究,对该新型轨枕的可靠性进行验证。