End Boundary Effects on Local Buckling Response of High Strength Linepipe

In this paper, the significance of the length to diameter ratio (L/D) on the local buckling response was evaluated using continuum finite element modelling procedures. A numerical model was developed, using the finite-element simulator ABAQUS/Standard, to predict the local buckling and post-buckling response of high strength pipelines subject to combined state of loading. The numerical procedures were calibrated using test data from large-scale experiments examining the local buckling of high strength linepipe. The numerical model’s response was consistent with the measured experimental response for predicting the local buckling behavior well into the post-yield range. A parametric study was conducted to examine the significance of the linepipe L/D ratio with respect to the yield stress to ultimate stress ratio (Y/T) and hoop yield stress to longitudinal yield stress ratio or anisotropy factor (R). As the models with high L/D ratio exhibit global Euler-type response, a numerical algorithm was developed to calculate the local section moment response for the FE analysis. The analysis conducted provides insight on the significance of end effects on the local buckling response. There are questions on the approach taken by current industry practice with respect to establishing compressive strain limits for local buckling when using shorter linepipe segment lengths. The results from this study suggest end effects require assessment and potential mitigation.