Novel Computational Nonlinear Analysis of Soil-Pipe Interaction under Large Displacement in Geo-Hazard Environment: a Preliminary Study

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Despite decades of research and development, oil and gas pipeline failures are still inevitable. New understanding in the mechanical stress and deformation of the pipeline will help improve pipeline design and construction and therefore reduce pipeline failures. We are concerned with the safety of pipelines in geo-hazard environments such as deep muskegs in northern Canada, and are determined to understand the most recent pipeline rupture in Alberta. Unstable soil conditions, such as landslides and ground water pressure changes, produce excess stress and deflection in these pipelines, which may be more dangerous to the structural integrity than what is known. The novelty of this project is the use of three dimensional computer modelling of large displacement of the soil-pipe interaction, which is not currently performed in the pipeline design because the analysis is very challenging with large deflection of the pipe, large sliding between the pipe and soil surrounding it, and soil consolidation with ground water pressure fluctuations. Due to lack of effective analysis tools, pipelines are often designed with either high risk or over conservatively. The integrity of the pipelines will be better understood with our case studies that computationally simulate hazardous loading and displacement conditions in harsh environments. This project collaborating with Stress Engineering Services Canada will lead to the development of an effective tool for enhanced safety designs of pipelines in geo-hazard environments and for the safety assessment of installed pipelines when environmental changes occur. The tool will be used in the ongoing Canadian Pipeline projects, which will promote economy and yet protect the environment in Alberta and Canada.