Strain-Based Design
Pipelines may experience significant longitudinal strains in areas subject to large ground movements. Such movements may result from frost heave and thaw settlements in arctic regions, seismic activities, mine subsidence, and other natural occurrences. Strain-based design (or SBD), can be advantageous both technically and economically for pipelines that are expected to experience high levels of longitudinal strain. In North America, the need for SBD is primarily driven by the anticipated pipeline projects in the far north where the pipeline routes will traverse regions of discontinuous permafrost. In other parts of the world, SBD is playing an increasingly important role in the design of pipelines passing through areas of seismic activity and mine subsidence. Existing pipelines world-wide also face ground movement hazards such as landslides and seismic events. SBD is also applicable to integrity maintenance and risk assessment.
Validation and Documentation of Tensile Strain Limit Design Models for Pipelines