FRALEX-TDP-007: Crushing a Pipe Is a Controlled Failure Mode

Pipe crushing intentionally drives a pressure boundary into permanent deformation. This white paper sets out what must be demonstrated before deformation is used to create isolation: material and zone known and sound, a qualified tool and procedure, controlled closing, holding and release, bounded trapped pressure, a shut-off proved by test, and an end state decided in advance. It treats metallic pipe and refers to polyethylene squeeze-off where it differs, applies the FRALEX Decision Architecture with its three-point Decision Gate, includes an illustrative worked example and decision record, and states when crushing is not the right answer. It is a decision-support framework, not a procedure or a design specification.