11 - Upheaval Buckling

Abstract

When the lateral restraint of a buried pipeline exceeds the vertical restraint force for the HPHT pipeline due to thermal expansion, upheaval buckling may occur. Upheaval buckling of pipeline is a failure mode that has to be taken into account in the design of trenched and buried pipelines. This chapter gives details on the principles and analytical solution of pipeline upheaval buckling. Finite element modeling and analysis discussion of pipeline upheaval buckling are included. Possible stabilization against upheaval buckling are reviewed, and designs against upheaval buckling, such as rock dumping and mattress stabilization, are introduced.