Generalized predictive framework for lateral break-out resistance of submarine pipelines considering nonlinear seabed geometry and consolidation
Generalized predictive framework for lateral break-out resistance of submarine pipelines considering nonlinear seabed geometry and consolidation
The ultimate capacity of submarine pipelines under combined vertical and horizontal loading, so-called lateral break-out resistance, is influenced by the change in seabed geometry due to the installation process and subsequent drainage with associated gain in soil shear strength due to consolidation. The majority of existing solutions in the literature and the current design practices for the assessment of lateral break-out resistance are based on small-strain geometry assumptions and the unconsolidated undrained soil response, i.e. without considering the change in seabed geometry due to installation or improvement in shear strength of the surrounding soil due to post-installation consolidation. In this paper, the effects of installation and subsequent consolidation on the combined load carrying capacity of on-bottom pipelines in a soft clay seabed are investigated and quantified in a systematic manner. A large deformation finite element approach coupled with the Modified Cam Clay plasticity model is adopted to simulate the installation of pipelines, and a series of coupled small strain finite element analyses are performed to study the consolidation and break-out response. A comprehensive range of normalised pipe installation depth, preload level and consolidation time period is considered. Results are interpreted using a critical state framework, and expressed in terms of generalized equations for ease of application in engineering design. A predictive methodology is developed for the estimation of combined load capacity of submarine pipelines in soft clay, including the influences of installation, drainage and consolidated strength.
Bearing capacity, Consolidation, Design methods, Installation, Large deformation, Pipelines
Gourvenec, Susan
6ff91ad8-1a91-42fe-a3f4-1b5d6f5ce0b8
December 2021
Gourvenec, Susan
6ff91ad8-1a91-42fe-a3f4-1b5d6f5ce0b8
Gourvenec, Susan
(2021)
Generalized predictive framework for lateral break-out resistance of submarine pipelines considering nonlinear seabed geometry and consolidation.
Applied Ocean Research, 117, [102932].
(doi:10.1016/j.apor.2021.102932).
Abstract
The ultimate capacity of submarine pipelines under combined vertical and horizontal loading, so-called lateral break-out resistance, is influenced by the change in seabed geometry due to the installation process and subsequent drainage with associated gain in soil shear strength due to consolidation. The majority of existing solutions in the literature and the current design practices for the assessment of lateral break-out resistance are based on small-strain geometry assumptions and the unconsolidated undrained soil response, i.e. without considering the change in seabed geometry due to installation or improvement in shear strength of the surrounding soil due to post-installation consolidation. In this paper, the effects of installation and subsequent consolidation on the combined load carrying capacity of on-bottom pipelines in a soft clay seabed are investigated and quantified in a systematic manner. A large deformation finite element approach coupled with the Modified Cam Clay plasticity model is adopted to simulate the installation of pipelines, and a series of coupled small strain finite element analyses are performed to study the consolidation and break-out response. A comprehensive range of normalised pipe installation depth, preload level and consolidation time period is considered. Results are interpreted using a critical state framework, and expressed in terms of generalized equations for ease of application in engineering design. A predictive methodology is developed for the estimation of combined load capacity of submarine pipelines in soft clay, including the influences of installation, drainage and consolidated strength.
Text
BGhorai_et_al_APOR_Proof_Corrected
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More information
Accepted/In Press date: 20 October 2021
e-pub ahead of print date: 5 November 2021
Published date: December 2021
Additional Information:
Funding Information:
Funding: This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India [Grant No. YSS/2014/000628/ES ]. Susan Gourvenec is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering under the Chairs in Emerging Technologies scheme.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords:
Bearing capacity, Consolidation, Design methods, Installation, Large deformation, Pipelines
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 452628
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/452628
ISSN: 0141-1187
PURE UUID: bf3b005f-c833-4dd2-9b29-2ced489b48ee
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Date deposited: 11 Dec 2021 11:29
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 06:56
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