Fatigue Assessment of Damaged Pipelines After Glass Fiber and Epoxy Matrix Laminate Repairs

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate the residual fatigue life enhancement of damaged pipelines after the execution of composite material repairs made of laminates of epoxy matrix reinforced with glass fibers. In view of structural performance and cost concerns, the more suitable repair thickness should be proposed. The work comprises a numerical and experimental study on the stress concentration of damaged pipes under internal pressure before and after repair. A numerical model is developed, based on the finite element method, to provide stress concentration factors of damaged pipes (plain dent defect), under cyclic internal pressure, before and after applying glass fiber and epoxy matrix laminate repairs with varying thicknesses. Small-scale steel pipe samples are submitted to denting and the resulting stress concentration in the damaged region is estimated under cyclic internal pressure, before and after repair execution. From correlation between numerical and experimental results, the finite element model is calibrated and validated. A parametric study is carried out to evaluate stress concentration factors of dented pipes repaired with varying laminate thickness. Stress concentration factors of dented pipes under internal pressure after repair can be used in a fatigue assessment methodology from correction of S-N curves. The effect of repair thickness on the reduction of stress concentration factors is evaluated in view of the residual fatigue life enhancement of damaged pipes, beside repair procedure costs. Based on results of the parametric study, recommendations about the repair procedure using laminates of epoxy matrix reinforced with glass fibers will be proposed, comprising indications of the more suitable repair thickness, as a function of pipe and damage dimensions, in view of fatigue performance and cost concerns.