Structural analysis for in-service gas pipeline lowering using numerical method

Abstract

Construction of new highways, buildings, airport runways and other facilities is often planned at locations where aboveground pipelines are present. Relocating such lines can be extremely expensive in terms of shutdown time and new pipeline materials. Lowering this existing pipeline can have big cost benefits. The line can be lowered while remaining in service with no lost production and the cost of such lowering an existing pipeline section is relatively cheap. In this paper, the calculation method with both analytically and numerically are discussed and explained in a 28 in pipeline lowering process while keep the pipeline is safe and still in-service.