The SAFEBUCK pipeline design guideline, incorporated into DNVGL-RP-F114 (2019), a pipesoil interaction (PSI) design code, has been used for dozens of high-temperature, highpressure (HTHP) subsea pipeline designs around the world. This paper focuses on two aspects of pipe-soil interaction (PSI): as-laid pipeline embedment and axial pipeline expansion. Field observations, field data and laboratory data are presented from multiple sites and analyzed within the SAFEBUCK framework. Several factors are demonstrated, including the (i) importance of fit-for-purpose surficial soil characterization, (ii) implications of pipe-soil interaction modelling on design robustness, (iii) known limitations of code-based guidance, and (iv) implications of loading history on axial behavior of the pipe-soil interface. Guidance is provided for surficial site characterization, pipeline embedment analysis, and axial resistance related to loading history and loading duration.
Daniel R. Spikula, David Kay, Zack Westgate and Andy Hill
Keywords: submarine pipeline, embedment, pipe-soil interaction
Publisher: DFI