Analytical Prediction of Pipeline Behaviors in J-Lay on Plastic Seabed

J-lay is widely accepted as a favorable method for deepwater pipeline installation. The configuration and internal force of the pipeline during the laying process are key factors for its safety, and the embedment induced during pipeline installation plays an important role for pipeline stability in service. Traditionally, the seabed in the analysis of J-lay is assumed to be elastic, whereas deepwater deposits are usually very soft, exhibiting low strength and obvious plasticity. This paper presents an analytical model for pipelaying on plastic seabed. This model simplifies the pipeline as the combination of four segments: a natural catenary in water, a boundary-layer segment, a beam on the seabed (touchdown zone) where the soil deforms plastically, and a freely laid horizontal segment. The comparison with a traditional elastic-seabed model reveals that both models have similar pipeline configurations, although the elastic-seabed model slightly underestimates the maximum bending moment. In contrast, the pipeline embedment depths in the two models differ with deeper ultimate penetration predicted in the plastic-seabed model.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000109
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0733950X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers
• Authors:
  • Wang, Li-Zhong
  • Yuan, Feng
  • Guo, Zhen
  • Li, Ling-Ling
• Publication Date: 2012-3-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 77-85
• Serial:
  • Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering
  • Volume: 138
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-950X
  • EISSN: 1943-5460
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jwped5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Nonlinear equations; Ocean bottom; Pipe laying; Safety; Shear strength; Underwater pipelines
• Uncontrolled Terms: Embedment
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Pipelines; Safety and Human Factors; I40: Soils and Rocks; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01374009
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Jun 27 2012 9:13AM