Seismic Analysis for the Subsea Pipeline System

Abstract

Seismic activity in Malaysia is very low as earthquakes are infrequent in this region. The strongest measured earthquake magnitude record in this region since 1978 was 4, which had a very low impact on the integrity of pipelines system in Malaysia. Although this is the case, there exists seismic events in the neighbouring regions and such events may impact the operability, stability and safety of Malaysia submarine pipeline systems. Based on this, a pipeline integrity analysis has been carried out to check the pipeline integrity under the seismic influence. The purpose of the analysis includes: • To calculate earthquake response for three PCSB PMO main export pipelines — for each pipeline both buried and unburied conditions will be taken into account. • To understand the characteristics of buried and unburied pipelines under strong earthquakes affecting Malaysia waters. • To determine the peak ground acceleration (PGA) the pipelines can withstand. • To determine the largest permanent ground deformation (PGD) the pipeline can withstand. • To estimate the impact of the metal loss on the pipeline integrity. • To assist PETRONAS to prepare for such severe earthquakes. Two typical methods have been employed to make the analysis: • Time history method is used to calculate both buried and unburied pipeline response. Two typical seismic wave records have been used in the analysis, which will give a better estimation of the pipeline response under the seismic wave impact. • Soil-pipe element method is used to simulate the behavior between the soil and buried pipeline system. Based on choosing the suitable experimental equations, this method can simulate the soil behaviour accurately. This paper discusses results of the seismic analysis. Based on the analysis results, the pipeline system will be safe under the seismic wave impact. More attention should be given to fault hazard, as the pipeline system will been failed under the fault impact. Finally, the metal loss will be taken into consideration, for the pipeline stress will be much higher due to great metal loss. All those analysis results will be further utilised to estimate the pipeline response in the case of the earthquake.