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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project Number |
269 |
| Date of Summary |
June 15, 2001 |
| Subject |
Assessment and Analysis of
Unsupported Subsea Pipeline Spans |
| Performing Activity |
Project Consulting Services |
| Principal Investigator |
Kenneth E. Breaux |
| Contracting Agency |
Minerals Management Service |
| Estimated Completion |
Completed |
| Description |
The object of this project was
to research current methods involving mathematical analysis of pipeline
spans resulting from various configurations, i.e., bottom profiles, pipeline
crossings, outcrop pinnacles, etc. Results of the analysis were compared
with results from modern finite elements analysis (FEA) programs. The
effects of thermal expansion, residual lay stresses and on-bottom stability
will also be included in the analysis. The project encompassed the design
process related to span analysis. A design procedure was generated that will
allow engineers and designers to analyze incurred span stresses in subsea
pipelines subjected to commonly experienced geometric configurations. |
| Progress |
Research was done to determine the current
industry `state-of-the-art` for unsupported subsea pipeline spans.
Information, from this research was used to develop a method to assess and
analyze pipeline free spans. Preventive and corrective measures were also
outlined. Five assessment and analysis methods were developed using
variations from different sources. A different loading on pipeline free
spans was addressed by each method. Combining the five methods resulted in a
combined analysis method (CAM). The CAM can be performed by hand or using a
spreadsheet. The project is complete. |
| Report |
| AA (88 pages) |
Assessment and Analysis of
Unsupported Subsea Pipeline Spans, Project Consulting Services, Metairie, Louisiana,
December 23, 1997. |
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