A comparative study of burst failure models for assessing remaining strength of corroded pipelines

Abstract

This paper performs a comparative study of remaining strength assessment models for corroded pipelines. A brief review of burst prediction models is first given for defect-free pipes, including strength solutions and flow solutions of burst pressure and experimental validations. Followed is a review of corrosion assessment models that are categorized into three generations in terms of the reference stress used in each model. Those corrosion models are then evaluated in comparison to full-scale burst data, with a focus on validating the newly proposed third-generation models. Next, recent progresses are discussed, including the PRCI corrosion assessment projects, constraint effect, bulging factor and defect width effect. Major technical challenges facing the corrosion model improvement are finally discussed with regards to full-scale tests, numerical modeling, material failure criteria, and real corrosion defects.