Development of the mathematical model for assessing the optimal measurement step when surveying the depth of the underground pipeline from the ground

Abstract

Existing methods for estimating the bending stresses of buried pipeline section based on the survey data for the depth of the axis of the pipeline from the ground surface are characterized by a large error between the real values of the bending stress and the values of the bending stress obtained from the calculation results based on the survey data. The purpose of this study is to improve the methodology for calculating the bending stresses of buried pipeline section based on the results of determining the depth of the axis of the pipeline from the ground surface, taking into account the design features of the pipeline and the used search equipment. Mathematical models are proposed that allow for the set value of the maximum error in determining bending stresses for a particular pipeline to choose the optimal measurement step before the survey, which will allow to reduce the error. Explanations are given on the choice of the maximum step of the study based on the strength characteristics of the pipeline. A calculation is provided that confirms the adequacy of the developed mathematical models and the possibility of their application in practice.