Advanced Surface Loading Stress Analysis Using CEPA Model

Abstract This paper presents methodologies to use CEPA model for conducting advanced analysis of stress on pipelines subject to surface loading under road crossings. The objective of this paper is to address the frequently asked questions (FAQs) including methodology of creating a generic surface loading condition (as opposed to one single wheeled or tracked vehicle), numerical methodology of constructing the live load pressure field using Boussinesq equations for a given generic surface loading condition, methodology of determining the live load pressure on the pipeline at a given crossing angle, automatic methodology of identifying the critical live load pressure from the live load pressure field that develop the most critical stress (i.e., identify the critical location of vehicle with respect to the centerline of pipeline at a given crossing angle), and the methodology of conducting fatigue analysis for girth weld and seam weld under crossing using CEPA model and API 1102. The reported methodology enables better understanding of surface loading stress analysis using CEPA model and benefit pipeline operators to facilitate pipeline integrity management program under road crossings.