Recognising the Influence of Landslide Transition Zones in the Assessment of Pipeline Integrity

Author(s):  
Matthew Laing ◽  
Andy Young

Pipelines crossing mountainous areas are susceptible to ground movement loading from landslides. Structural analysis of pipeline performance from landslide loads is critical for making decisions on the requirement and timing of intervention activities. Current analytical assessment methodologies for pipelines affected by ground movement tend to assume the landslide as an abrupt boundary from the stable region to moving ground, causing an over conservative estimation of the condition of the pipeline. In-line inspection using inertial mapping tools provides invaluable information to assist in the determination of the current pipeline integrity but does not provide a complete picture because axial loads are not defined. Interpretation of in-line inspection data allows the estimation of a transition zone width between stable and unstable ground, where there is a progressive increase in ground movement. Due allowance for the transition zone can remove conservatisms in the assessment methodology and allow a pipeline integrity plan to be created. This paper investigates the influence of landslide transition zone dimensions on the pipeline response and a methodology is developed for the prediction of the transition zone width. The interaction between the ground and the pipe movement is modelled using finite element analysis techniques. The definition of the transition zone properties provides a more reliable prediction of the pipeline performance and enables the current and future pipe integrity to be established with greater confidence.

Author(s):  
Aaron Lockey ◽  
Andy Young

Pipelines that cross mountainous areas are susceptible to ground movement loading from landslides. In-line inspection using inertial mapping tools provides an excellent method of evaluating the current pipeline integrity. A single inspection only gives an indication of the pipeline integrity at a single point in time. Multiple inspections over a period of time can be used to estimate positional change and the nature of the loading process. An essential element of pipeline integrity management in geohazard areas is the ability to determine future performance so that intervention methods are correctly designed and scheduled and resources are efficiently administered. This requires the reliable prediction of the future development of pipeline integrity based on trends in the mapping data from multiple inspections. The approach developed by the authors to predict the future integrity of pipelines affected by ground movements is set out in this paper. It involves inertial mapping data from multiple inspections and calculates future strains in the pipeline using finite element analysis. Unlike methods based on interpreting inspection data alone, the finite element model includes the effects of soil-pipe interaction and axial pipeline stress together with the operational loads to provide a more complete assessment of pipeline integrity. The method is illustrated through the use of a case study.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1388
Author(s):  
Daniele Oboe ◽  
Luca Colombo ◽  
Claudio Sbarufatti ◽  
Marco Giglio

The inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is receiving more attention for shape sensing due to its independence from the material properties and the external load. However, a proper definition of the model geometry with its boundary conditions is required, together with the acquisition of the structure’s strain field with optimized sensor networks. The iFEM model definition is not trivial in the case of complex structures, in particular, if sensors are not applied on the whole structure allowing just a partial definition of the input strain field. To overcome this issue, this research proposes a simplified iFEM model in which the geometrical complexity is reduced and boundary conditions are tuned with the superimposition of the effects to behave as the real structure. The procedure is assessed for a complex aeronautical structure, where the reference displacement field is first computed in a numerical framework with input strains coming from a direct finite element analysis, confirming the effectiveness of the iFEM based on a simplified geometry. Finally, the model is fed with experimentally acquired strain measurements and the performance of the method is assessed in presence of a high level of uncertainty.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 774
Author(s):  
Max Langer ◽  
Thomas Speck ◽  
Olga Speck

Although both the petiole and lamina of foliage leaves have been thoroughly studied, the transition zone between them has often been overlooked. We aimed to identify objectively measurable morphological and anatomical criteria for a generally valid definition of the petiole–lamina transition zone by comparing foliage leaves with various body plans (monocotyledons vs. dicotyledons) and spatial arrangements of petiole and lamina (two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional configurations). Cross-sectional geometry and tissue arrangement of petioles and transition zones were investigated via serial thin-sections and µCT. The changes in the cross-sectional geometries from the petiole to the transition zone and the course of the vascular bundles in the transition zone apparently depend on the spatial arrangement, while the arrangement of the vascular bundles in the petioles depends on the body plan. We found an exponential acropetal increase in the cross-sectional area and axial and polar second moments of area to be the defining characteristic of all transition zones studied, regardless of body plan or spatial arrangement. In conclusion, a variety of terms is used in the literature for describing the region between petiole and lamina. We prefer the term “petiole–lamina transition zone” to underline its three-dimensional nature and the integration of multiple gradients of geometry, shape, and size.


Author(s):  
Basil Mathai ◽  
Sanjay Gupta

Abstract The primary fixation and long-term stability of a cementless femoral implant depend on bone ingrowth within the porous coating. Although attempts were made to quantify the peri-implant bone ingrowth using the finite element (FE) analysis and mechanoregulatory principles, the tissue differentiation patterns on a porous-coated hip stem have scarcely been investigated. The objective of this study is to predict the spatial distribution of evolutionary bone ingrowth around an uncemented hip stem, using a 3D multiscale mechanobiology based numerical framework. Multiple load cases representing a variety of daily living activities, including walking, stair climbing, sitting down and standing up from a chair, were used as applied loading conditions. The study accounted for the local variations in host bone material properties and implant-bone relative displacements of the macroscale implanted FE model, in order to predict bone ingrowth in microscale representative volume elements (RVEs) of twelve interfacial regions. In majority RVEs, 20-70% bone tissue (immature and mature) was predicted after two months, contributing towards a progressive increase in average Young's modulus (1200-3000 MPa) of the inter-bead tissue layer. Higher bone ingrowth (mostly greater than 60%) was predicted in the antero-lateral regions of the implant, as compared to the postero-medial side (20-50%). New bone tissue was formed deeper inside the inter-bead spacing, adhering to the implant surface. The study helps to gain an insight into the degree of osseointegration of a porous-coated femoral implant.


1964 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
pp. 356-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M. Dumore

Abstract If, in a vertical, downward miscible displacement, the transition zone between the displacing and displaced fluids is neglected, a criterion for stable displacement can be obtained by considering a small hypothetical protrusion of one of the fluids into the other. This criterion leads to the definition of the well-known critical rate, uc = kg ??/?µ. The consideration is further extended by taking into account the transition zone that develops as a result of diffusion and mixing. A generalization of the previous criterion leads to the definition of another characteristic rate, the stable rate, which in actual miscible drives will be less than the critical rate. In such drives, the entire transition zone is stable at rates less than the stable rate. At rates between the stable and critical rates, the displacement is only partly stable, i.e. part of the transition zone adjacent to the displaced fluid is in an unstable position. From that part of the transition zone viscous fingers will develop. At rates greater than the critical rate the entire displacement is unstable and viscous fingers will develop more strongly. Results of laboratory experiments are in agreement with the expected behavior based on the theoretically deduced stability of the displacement. INTRODUCTION The simplest form of miscible drive in an oil-bearing formation is the injection of a fluid that is completely miscible* with the oil under reservoir conditions. In general, such a fluid, a solvent for example, is less dense and less viscous than the oil present in the formation. If it is injected into a horizontal homogeneous layer, gravitational forces will lead to the formation of a gravity tongue of solvent in the upper part of the layer and the adverse solvent-oil viscosity ratio will cause viscous fingers to develop. If, however, the solvent is injected up-structure into a dipping layer, gravity has a favorable effect, because it tends to keep the less dense solvent up-structure. Tongue formation and viscous fingering are consequently reduced and it is even possible that they will be suppressed completely. Viscous fingering and gravity tonguing are the consequences of the instability of the displacement. A stable displacement cannot result in growing viscous fingers and/or growing gravity tongues. Since large amounts of oil can be bypassed if there is viscous fingering and/or gravity tonguing, the stability of a miscible drive is very important with respect to the recovery efficiency of the drive. The stability is of particular importance in miscible-slug drives, as it determines how quickly the miscible slug between the displaced and displacing fluids will be distorted and broken up, after which the drive is no longer completely miscible. Stability is thus a most important factor in determining the success of a miscible drive, and it is considered that the aspects of stability considered in this paper will make a useful contribution to existing theories. Consideration is given only to vertical downward displacements, in which no gravity tongues can develop and which are therefore simpler than downward displacements in sloping layers.


2012 ◽  
Vol 271-272 ◽  
pp. 705-709
Author(s):  
Hong Jiang Chen ◽  
Yue Hai Wu

Space grid structure of modern large span structure engineering in the most commonly used structure form. This paper used ANSYS network space truss finite element analysis, discuss the element type, and the selection of material models, and the definition of the limit stress, when necessary, even considering the bar buckling state ( buckling ). Under various load (permanent loads, wind loads, seismic loads, under the action of gravity ), using the powerful finite element analysis software ANSYS on the structure static analysis, after the use of ANSYS powerful optimization design function, the structure safety, the bar section optimization design, and then on the basis of the existing rod a cross section, a reasonable choice of bar section, reduce the material consumption, to achieve the best economic, reasonable design, implementation can develop continuously, make the satisfactory design.


Author(s):  
ELIEL EDUARDO MONTIJO-VALENZUELA ◽  
SAUL DANIEL DURAN-JIMENEZ ◽  
LUIS ALBERTO ALTAMIRANO-RÍOS ◽  
JOSÉ ISAEL PÉREZ-GÓMEZ ◽  
OSCAR SALMÓN-AROCHI

The objective of this research is to manufacture a prototype of a teaching die for the specialty of precision mechanical design in mechatronic engineering, in order to achieve the skills required in unit two, regarding dies. The methodology used consists of five stages: 1. Definition of the preliminary conditions. 2. Theoretical calculations for die design. 3. Design, modeling and assembly using computer-aided software (CAD) of the parts that make up the die. 4. Validation with simulation of finite element analysis (AEF). 5. Manufacture of parts and physical assembly of the die. A functional prototype was obtained with which the teacher and student can perform calculations, designs and CAD models, AEF analysis of the static and fatigue type, manufacture of rapid prototypes using 3D printing, the identification of the parts that make up a die and their functioning. The advantage of this prototype, compared to metal die-cutting machines, is its low cost of production and manufacturing, it does not require expensive and specialized machinery for manufacturing, specific designs can be made by the students and its subsequent manufacture within the laboratories of the Technological Institute of Hermosillo.


1980 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-508
Author(s):  
Sonja Faber ◽  
Gerhard MÜller

abstract Precursors to S and SKS were observed in long-period SRO and WWSSN seismograms of the Romanian earthquake of March 4, 1977, recorded in the United States at distances from 68° to 93°. According to the fault-plane solution, the stations were close to a nodal plane and SV radiation was optimum in their direction. Particle-motion diagrams, constructed from the digital data of the SRO station ANMO (distance 89.1°), show the P-wave character of the precursors. Several interpretations are discussed; the most plausible is that the precursors are Sp phases generated by conversion from S to P below the station. The travel-time differences between S or SKS and Sp are about 60 sec and indicate conversion in the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle. Sp conversions were also observed at long-period WWSSN stations in the western United States for 2 Tonga-Fiji deep-focus earthquakes (distances from 82° to 96°). Special emphasis is given in this paper to the calculation of theoretical seismograms, both for Sp precursors and the P-wave coda, including high-order multiples such as sP4 which may arrive simultaneously with Sp. The Sp calculations show: (1) the conversions produced by S, ScS, and SKS at interfaces or transition zones between the upper and lower mantle form a complicated interference pattern, and (2) conversion at transition zones is less effective than at first-order discontinuities only if their thickness is greater than about half a wavelength of S waves. As a consequence, details of the velocity structure between the upper and lower mantle can only be determined within these limits from long-period Sp observations. Our observations are compatible with velocity models having pronounced transition zones at depths of 400 and 670 km as have been proposed for the western United States, and they exclude much smoother structures. Our study suggests that long-period Sp precursors from pure thrust or normal-fault earthquakes, observed at distances from 70° to 95° close to a nodal plane and at azimuths roughly perpendicular to its strike, offer a simple means for qualitative mapping of the sharpness of the transition zones between the upper and lower mantle.


Author(s):  
V. Devaraja Holla ◽  
S. S. Krishnan ◽  
B. Gurumoorthy

Abstract This paper describes an algorithm for the construction of solid model from measured point data using Convex Partitioning approach. Convex Partitioning approach is based on the idea that any non-convex body can be viewed as a combination of several convex pieces. The input constitutes a set or cluster of points, measured on each face of the object, which is obtained by scanning the part. Points in each cluster are used to fit a plane or a non-planar surface depending upon the type of face. Partitioning is done along the planes till one gets all the convex pieces. The individual convex pieces are then combined together to get the final model of the object. The definition of convex partition is relaxed for objects having curved faces, to be an object with all its edges convex. Apart from allowing the construction of solid model from measured point data, the output (convex pieces) obtained from this approach is useful in planning for rapid prototyping and feature suppression in finite element analysis.


Author(s):  
Jennifer McTeer ◽  
Jenny Morris ◽  
Stephen Wickham ◽  
Gary Bolton ◽  
James McKinney ◽  
...  

Interim storage is an essential component of the waste management lifecycle, providing a safe, secure environment for waste packages awaiting final disposal. In order to be able to monitor and detect change or degradation of the waste packages, storage building or equipment, it is necessary to know the original condition of these components (the “waste-storage system”). This paper presents an approach to establishing the baseline for a waste-storage system, and provides guidance on the selection and implementation of potential baselining technologies. The approach is made up of two sections; assessment of baselining needs and definition of baselining approach. During the assessment of baselining needs a review of available monitoring data and store/package records should be undertaken (if the store is operational). Evolutionary processes (affecting safety functions), and their corresponding indicators, that can be measured to provide a baseline for the waste-storage system should then be identified in order for the most suitable indicators to be selected for baselining. In defining the approach, identification of opportunities to collect data and constraints is undertaken before selecting the techniques for baselining and developing a baselining plan. Baselining data may be used to establish that the state of the packages is consistent with the waste acceptance criteria for the storage facility and to support the interpretation of monitoring and inspection data collected during store operations. Opportunities and constraints are identified for different store and package types. Technologies that could potentially be used to measure baseline indicators are also reviewed.


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