• Journal of Ship and Ocean Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2006

The objective of this paper is to summarize current ultra-deepwater (i.e., up to 3,500 meters water depth) pipeline mechanical design methodologies as part of the limit state design. The standard mechanical design for ultra-deepwater pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is based on API RP 1111. API code also has been used for deepwater projects in west Africa. DNV code OS-F101 was mostly used for deepwater projects in offshore Brazil and Europe. Some pipeline designs in the GOM have started to incorporate parts of the DNV design methodology. A discussion of failure under collapse only and combined loading (i.e. pressure + bending) is presented. The best design criteria are obtained from physical full-scale collapse testing. The comparison of the physical test data and collapse calculations using the DNV and API codes will be presented. It was found that the conservatism still exists in the collapse prediction for ultra-deepwater pipeline using modem design codes such as DNV OS-F101 and API RP 1111.

• Proceedings of the Korea Committee for Ocean Resources and Engineering Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.17-22
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• 2002

Mechanical design of a deepwater pipeline wall thickness was performed by using the recent design rules. Characteristics and limitations of the new design rules were identified through a case study of a deepwater oil pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico. A design procedure was established for mechanical design of deepwater pipeline wall thickness. Comparison of the new API and DNV codes are presented.

• International Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology Speciallssue:Selected Papers
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2002

This paper presents a mechanical design of the deepwater pipeline wall thickness using the recent design rules. Characteristics and limitations of the new codes were identified through a case study design in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the ASME, API, and DVD codes, the code of federal regulations (CFR) was also utilized in the design. It was found that conservatism still exists within the collapse prediction for water depth greater than 1500 m. Comparision of the results from DNV and API codes were presented.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.3 no.3_4
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• pp.473-494
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• 2012

The capacity of pipelines to resist collapse under external pressure and bending moment is a major aspect of deepwater pipeline design. Existing design codes present interaction equations that quantify pipeline capacities under such loadings, although reasonably accurate, are based on empirical data fitting of the bending strain, and assumed simplistic interaction with external pressure collapse. The rational model for collapse of deepwater pipelines, which are relatively thick with a diameter-to-thickness ratio less than 40, provides a unique theoretical basis since it is derived from first principles such as force equilibrium and compatibility equations. This paper presents the rational model methodology and compares predicted results and recently published full scale experimental data on the subject. Predictive capabilities of the rational model are shown to be excellent. The methodology is extended for the problem of pipeline collapse under point load, longitudinal bending and external pressure. Due to its rational derivation and excellent prediction capabilities, it is recommended that design codes adopt the rational model methodology.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.65-70
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• 2002

This paper presents a mechanical design of the deepwater pipeline wall thickness using the recent design rules. Characteristics and limitations of the new codes were identified through a case study design in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the ASME, API, and DVD codes, the code of federal regulations (CFR) was also utilized in the design. It was found that conservatism still exists within the collapse prediction for water depth greater than 1500m. Comparision of the results from DNV and API codes were presented.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.805-822
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• 2012

Offshore pipelines have to withstand combined actions of tension and bending during deepwater installation, which can possibly lead to elliptical buckle and even catastrophic failure of whole pipeline. A 2D theoretical model initially proposed by Kyriakides and his co-workers which carried out buckling response analysis of elastic-plastic tubes under various load combinations, is further applied to investigate buckling behavior of offshore pipelines under combined tension and bending. In association with practical pipe-laying circumstances, two different types of loadings, i.e., bent over a rigid surface in the presence of tension, and bent freely in the presence of tension, are taken into account in present study. In order to verify the accuracy of the theoretical model, numerical simulations are implemented using a 3D finite element model within the framework of ABAQUS. Excellent agreement between the results validates the effectiveness of this theoretical method. Then, this theoretical model is used to study the effects of some important factors such as load type, loading path, geometric parameters and material properties etc. on buckling behavior of the pipes. Based upon parametric studies, a few significant conclusions are drawn, which offer a theoretical reference for design and installation monitoring of deepwater pipelines.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.99-115
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• 2016

In meeting the technical needs for deepwater conditions and overcoming the shortfalls of single-layer pipes for deepwater applications, pipe-in-pipe (PIP) systems have been developed. While, for PIP pipelines directly laid on the seabed or with partial embedment, one of the primary service risks is lateral buckling. The critical axial force is a key factor governing the global lateral buckling response that has been paid much more attention. It is influenced by global imperfections, submerged weight, stiffness, pipe-soil interaction characteristics, et al. In this study, Finite Element Models for imperfect PIP systems are established on the basis of 3D beam element and tube-to-tube element in Abaqus. A parameter study was conducted to investigate the effects of these parameters on the critical axial force and post-buckling forms. These parameters include structural parameters such as imperfections, clearance, and bulkhead spacing, pipe/soil interaction parameter, for instance, axial and lateral friction properties between pipeline and seabed, and load parameter submerged weight. Python as a programming language is been used to realize parametric modeling in Abaqus. Some conclusions are obtained which can provide a guide for the design of PIP pipelines.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.381-389
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• 2017

In the present study, the advanced procedure has been proposed to estimate higher accuracy of embedment of pipes that are installed on soft clay seabed. Numerical simulation by OrcaFlex simulation code was performed to investigate dynamic seabed embedment, and two steps, i.e., static and dynamic analysis, were adopted. In total, four empirical curves were developed to estimate the seabed embedment including dynamic phenomena, i.e., behaviour of vessel, environmental condition, and behaviour of nonlinear soil. The obtained results were compared with existing methods (named general method) such as design code or guideline to examine the difference of seabed embedment for existing and advance methods. Once this process was carried out for each case, a diagram for estimating seabed embedment was established. The applicability of the proposed method was verified through applied examples with field survey data. This method will be very useful in predicting seabed embedment on soft clay, and the structural behaviours of installed subsea pipelines can be changed by the obtained seabed embedment in association with on-bottom stability, free span, and many others.