Stress analysis method for the large excavation of a river-crossing oil pipeline - a case study of Baiyang river oil pipeline.

The primary cause of pipeline failure for the river-crossing oil pipeline is the accumulation of stress. In order to ensure that the pipeline is safe, a stress analysis under operating conditions is necessary. In this study, a numerical simulation of the Baiyang river oil pipeline with a large excavation using the finite element stress analysis software CAESAR II in which the pipeline’s stress distribution is analyzed. Through the engineering case study, it is concluded that: (1) the inclined degree should be set at less than 35 in order to ensure pipeline safety; (2) the most vulnerable location is located at the entrance, so the area should be carefully calibrated, especially at the first saddle weight; (3) in order to ensure pipeline safety, the first saddle weight between the bend and saddle weight is 4 m; (4) based on the analysis of limit length, the excavation depth is normally controlled in the allowable extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]