Finite element analysis of buried continuous pipeline subjected to fault motion

Abstract

Abstract: Pipeline generally extends over long distances traversing through wide variety of different soils, geological conditions and regions with different seismicity. Most analytical models developed in the past for pipeline fault crossing are of limited usage as models developed were useful only for strike slip fault. Incorporating the large geometric changes in analytical study is a tricky task; however pipeline subjected to the fault motion itself is a phenomenon of large geometric changes, especially when pipeline subjected to compression in addition to material deformation, it also undergoes local buckling with bending. With computational advancement in numerical modelling, pipes under compression can also be studied. In this paper, a 3D FE-based numerical model is suggested to carry out pipeline performance of buried pipeline subjected to fault motion including material non-linearity and large geometric deformations. A 3D FE programme is developed using MATLAB. Displacement controlled arc-length technique is implemented to solve the non-linear behaviour.