Prediction of Fully Plastic Collapse Stresses for Pipes With Two Circumferential Flaws

Fully plastic collapse stress for a single circumferential flaw on a pipe is evaluated by the limit load criteria in accordance with the JSME Code S NA-1-2004 and the ASME Code Section XI. However, multiple flaws such as stress corrosion cracking are frequently detected in the same circumferential cross section in a pipe. If the distance between adjacent flaws is short, the two flaws are combined as a single flaw in compliance with combination rules. If the two flaws separated by a large distance, it is not required to combine two flaws. However, there is no evaluation method for two separated flaws in a pipe in the JSME and ASME Codes. Plastic collapse stresses for pipes with two symmetrical circumferential flaws based on net-stress approach had been proposed by one of the authors. Bending tests were performed on Type 304 stainless steel pipes with two symmetrical circumferential flaws. Consequently, it was shown that the proposed method can predict well the plastic collapse stresses for pipes with two flaws. In addition, it is also shown that this method is appropriate to use in fitness-for-service procedures, and higher plastic collapse stresses are expected, compared with current prediction methods for pipes with two flaws.