Pipeline Mechanical Damage Assessment Using Finite Element Methods

Onshore and offshore pipelines may be subjected to mechanical damage duringinstallation and operation due to environmental loads, external forces andthird parties. The type and severity of pipe damage may influence operational, repair and intervention strategies. For conventional pipelines, the assessmentof mechanical damage plays a role in the development of integrity managementprograms that can be of greater significance for pipeline systems located inremote, harsh environments. The current study highlights the effect of plaindents and interaction of plain dents with girth weld on pipe mechanicalresponse using continuum finite element methods. The modelling procedures arecalibrated with available physical datasets and also demonstrate excellentcorrelation with third party simulations. Confidence in the numericalsimulation tool provides a basis to evaluate the effects of mechanical damagethrough a broader parameter study and assess effects on fatigue lifeperformance.