Alternative design of buried pipelines at active fault crossings using flexible joints. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valsamis, Alexandros I.; Bouckovalas, George D.; Gantes, Charis J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pressure vessels and piping. Volume 180(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Flexible joints -- High-pressure pipelines -- Fault -- Numerical simulation -- Permanent ground displacement (PGD); Pressure vessels -- Periodicals; Pipe -- Periodicals; Récipients sous pression -- Périodiques; Tuyaux -- Périodiques; Pipe; Pressure vessels; Periodicals; 681.76041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpvp.2019.104038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0161

Abstract

Abstract: The use of "flexible joints" in buried high-pressure pipelines is examined herein as an effective design technique for the mitigation of Permanent Ground Displacement (PGD) effects due to fault activation. Pipeline joints that are available in the industry today are considered in connection with the needs of high-pressure pipelines in areas of seismic faults. The efficiency of this novel technique is examined through a series of parametric numerical analyses for both strike-slip and normal faults, while its applicability in common engineering problems is examined through an economic-technical comparison with more conventional techniques. It is concluded that the use of flexible joints provides a cost-efficient design method, that can drastically reduce pipeline strains for medium to large fault displacements. Highlights: Flexible joints can be used to reduce strains due to active fault movement. Bellow type flexible joints cost less and can both bend and expand/contract. Flexible joints can reduce pipeline strains up to 87.5% for perpendicular crossings. Use of flexible joints is a cost-efficient mitigation method for large displacement.