Effects of pipe steel heterogeneity on the tensile strain capacity of a flawed pipeline girth weld

Stijn Hertelé, Noel O'Dowd, Koen Van Minnebruggen, Rudi Denys, Wim De Waele

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

An accurate estimate of the tensile strain capacity of flawed girth welds is essential for the safe use of pipelines in harsh environments. Current strain-based flaw assessments neglect the unavoidable presence of strength heterogeneity between two connected pipes. This paper describes and quantifies the resulting effects on strain capacity. A theoretical framework predicts a remarkable sensitivity, which depends on the failure location (whether in the weld or base metal). A finite element study critically validates the predicted results. Probabilistic analysis reveals that pipe steel heterogeneity should be taken into account to allow for accurate evaluations of tensile strain capacity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)172-189
Number of pages18
JournalEngineering Fracture Mechanics
Volume115
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Girth weld
  • Heterogeneity
  • Strain based design
  • Strain capacity
  • Weld flaw

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