Abstract
This study examines the influence of probabilistic treatment of transverse residual stress in a structural integrity assessment. Pipe girth weld measurement data gathered from numerous studies was statistically interpreted to provide realistic through-thickness stress distributions for use in fracture assessments. The database measurements are shown to follow a normal distribution which is capable of evaluating a probabilistic interpretation of weld residual stress within a fracture assessment. A comparison between deterministic upper bounds, provided by various standards, and probabilistic interpretation was undertaken. The presented results propose a 42% reduction in the estimated probability of failure of the case study using a probabilistic assumption of residual stress. Direct implications include a more realistic model for treatment in fracture assessments which can in turn improve acceptance criteria and avoid unnecessary weld repairs.
Highlights
Residual stresses are a common and unavoidable consequence of almost all welding processes
The results showed that probabilistic interpretation reduced the probability of failure by a factor of six compared with the current upper bound profile assumptions
It is clear from this review that much of the basis of BS 7910 upper bound profiles can be found in the studies by Scaramangas and Leggatt
Summary
Residual stresses are a common and unavoidable consequence of almost all welding processes. Their effects on flaws and defects within the weld region are critical from the standpoint of maintaining struc tural and operational safety as they can promote failure mechanisms including fracture, fatigue, and stress corrosion. Pipe girth welds are commonly used in a range of industries, including nuclear energy, offshore engineering, and construction of land pipelines. This encompasses a wide range of pipe parameters including material, size, and welding technique. Generalised upper bound as sumptions can be implemented into safety and fracture assessments following the advice of associated standards
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