Strain Prediction for X80 Steel Pipeline Subjected to Strike-Slip Fault Under Compression Combined With Bending

Strike-slip fault is one main kind of PGD faced by long distance gas pipelines. Based on non-linear finite element method, a numerical model for buried pipeline under strike-slip fault was proposed. The model was proven to be reasonable by comparing the numerical results with previous researcher’s experiment results. By using the FE model, peak compressive strain of X80 steel pipeline subjected to strike-slip fault under compression combined with bending was studied. The sensitivities of the diameter, wall thickness, soil rigidity, fault displacement and crossing angle on the peak compressive strain of the pipeline are examined in detail. Furthermore, based on numerous numerical results, a regression equation for predicting peak compressive strain of X80 steel pipeline is proposed. The applicable range of the formula is given. 15 true design cases in the Second West to East pipeline Project in China were investigated to demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of the proposed methodology by comparing the predicting peak compressive strain results with FEM results. The proposed method can be referred in the strain-based and reliability-based design for X80 steel pipelines subjected to strike-slip fault.