Limit Loads for Pipelines With Axial Surface Flaws

The limit loads for pipelines with axial surface flaws have been evaluated by using a strip yield model at levels of ligament yield and ligament collapse. The former was defined as that at which the plastic zone first reaches the back surface, and the later is that at which the plastic zone spreads over the entire ligament. The evaluated collapse load has been used to estimate the failure stress of pipelines containing axial surface flaws. Predictions have been compared with existing experimental data.