Reliability-Based Tubing and Casing Design: Principles and Approach

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an LRFD format reliability-based design of tubulars used in oil and gas wells. The approach is based on the principles of limit state design. The paper identifies the applicable limit states of pipe performance, discusses stochastic modeling of the load and resistance variables, and describes calibration of the design check equations. The calibration considers various combinations of hardware configurations, loadings, and tubular application zones with their respective risk levels. Application of the design principles is illustrated with an example problem.