Ultimate Load Capacity of Offshore Pipeline with Arbitrary Shape Corrosion Defects

A set of generalized solutions are proposed for estimating ultimate load capacity of pipeline with arbitrary corrosion shapes subjected to combined internal pressure, axial force and bending moment. Isotropic and anisotropic material characteristics in longitudinal and circumferential direction of pipeline are also considered in the proposed equations. Simplified numerical method is used to solve the generalized expressions. The comparisons of numerical results based generalized solutions and full-scale experimental results are carried out. The predicted results agree reasonably well with the experiment results. Meanwhile, the effects of corrosion shapes and locations on the ultimate load capacity are studied.

Crustal deformation and tectonic levels of Nujiang Gorge since the Miocene

Crustal deformation shows different patterns at different depths due to changes in the physical properties of rock.Tectonic levels can be defined based on the geometry and deformation mechanisms of crustal deformation patterns. Nujiang Gorge, with a high riverbed drop, great erosion depth, and strong deformation, has rock exposures at different tectonic levels and thus provides an ideal lab for deformation study. This paper takes the Nujiang Gorge from Chawalong to Fugong as the object to identify structural deformation patterns at different depths through field study and deformation analysis. At depth, the primary form of deformation is flow deformation, as shown on the outcrops at Maji. Ductile shear deformation can be found in many outcrops within the study region, e.g., the Gaoligong dextral shear zone and Puladi-Songta sinistral shear zone that lie to the south and north of Maji, respectively. Further to the north of Puladi, the dominated deformation pattern is similar fold and dense sub-vertical foliation. In addition, brittle faults, as evidence of shallow deformation, can be seen overprinting on the deeper deformation features all over the region. Based on those observations, this paper identifies four tectonic levels from depth to the surface: flow deformation, ductile shear deformation, similar fold, and brittle fault deformation, all of which result from the NEE-SWW compressive stress field. Further evidence from studies on the region′s thermal evolution and regional tectonics suggests that the development of different tectonic levels is closely linked to the discrepant uplift or denudation since the Miocene(~21 Ma).