Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of Pipelines Subjected to Creep of Supporting Soil

Abstract

Abstract The paper deals with the nonlinear buckling analysis of pipelines supported by frozen soil and subjected to differential soil movements. The adopted structural model affords a parametric examination of various loading factors generated by the overburden soil pressure, restrained thermal expansion of heated pipelines and possible load imperfections. The influence of time and temperature effects induced by the mechanical properties of supporting soil is examined. Based on the obtained analytical solution, the critical condition for the pipelines is formulated, and the post-buckling response of the pipeline-soil system is examined in detail. The results of the nonlinear analysis are compared with those derived from the linear approach yielding an assessment of the small deformation theory.