Computer Simulation of the Mathematical Models for the Determination of the Uplift Resistance of a Gas Pipeline

Abstract

Mathematical models for the determination of the uplift resistance of gas pipelines network system have been developed. The computer simulation of the mathematical models is the bane of this work. The paramount parameters in view to be determined by computer simulated algorithms are optimal wall thickness, the restoring moment, pipe deflection and pipe support spacing for a laid pipeline to avoid buckling of the pipeline subject to the different loading conditions. At nominal pipe wall thickness of 11cm, the simulated optimal wall thickness is 17cn. The simulation results confirmed the deflection of the pipe as -2.698m,  the restoring force as -3.33x10¹⁷N. Subject to these findings, three pipe supports are required to bear restoring the load of 1.11x10¹⁷N at each support.

Keywords: Uplift Resistance; Earth Mass Centroid; Pipe Thickness; Maximum Deflection; Internal Fluid Pressure; External Loads; Support Reaction; Buckling Load.