Lateral stability of pipelines in clay. Presented at: 11 annu. offshore technology conference Houston, TX (USA) 30 Apr. 1979

Date

1979

Authors

Wantland, G.M.
O'Neill, M.W.
Reese, L.C.
Kalajian, E.H.

Journal Title

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Volume Title

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Abstract

The material presented in this paper is derived from a laboratory and field investigation using model pipelines in cohesive soils. The field investigation, sponsored by Shell Development Company, was carried out in Harris County, Texas, near Galveston Bay. The study was accomplished using 2.875 and 4.50 inch diameter pipes which were weighted with steel rods to obtain different specific gravities of pipe. A followup investigation was conducted in the laboratory using pipe diameters of 1.50 and 3.00 inches. The model pipes were also filled with ballast but the pipe specific gravity was not varied. The laboratory investigation was conducted to extend the results of the field work in a controlled environment using kaolin clay. The parameters varied in the laboratory investigation included depth of embedment, pipe diameter and rate of displacement. The soil type, water content and shear strength were not varied. Based on both sets of studies, a modified theoretical model was developed to calculate the maximum values of resistance based upon the theory of plasticity using the limit analysis techniques. A relationship between the depth-to-diameter ratio of the pipeline and the maximum resistance developed against lateral movement in the soil is presented. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the effect of the diameter of the pipe, pipe weight, and the rate of displacement on the soil resistance developed. Finally, recommendations are made for further work in this field.

Description

p. 1025-1034.

Keywords

models, pipelines, soils, specific gravity, kaolinite, water

Citation