THE SUBMARINE PIPELINE AS A STRUCTURE

The submarine pipeline as a structure is more complex than many larger and more impressive surface structures. The submarine pipeline is seen to function as a continuous beam, a beam on elastic foundation, a tension member, a compression member, a pressure pipe, an externally loaded conduit, and a suspension element. The system of loads on a submarine pipeline include gravitational, environmental, constructional, and operational loads; these can be both static and dynamic. When pipelines are buried, the loads from saturated, and, in some cases, liquefied soils must be considered. The system of loading is very complex and involves environmental loadings that are extremely variable and dependent on location. Recommendations are made for a systematic and rational approach to structural analyses which takes into account the individual nature of each submarine pipeline design problem. Areas where further research would be beneficial are discussed.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Held at Houston, Texas, April 22-24, 1970.
• Corporate Authors:

  Offshore Technology Conference (2nd)

  6200 North Central Expressway
  Dallas, TX  United States  75206
• Authors:
  • Small, S W
• Publication Date: 1970

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 735-746
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Pipelines; Structural design
• Old TRIS Terms: Pipeline construction; Pipeline design
• Subject Areas: Construction; Marine Transportation; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00056268
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Petroleum Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: OTC #1223 Preprint
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM