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Engineering Analysis of the Buried GRP Pipeline using ANSYS

Jun Xiao1, Jianzhong Chen2 and Zhuoqiu Li3

1 Master, School of Science, Wuhan University of Technology; 122 Luoshi

Road,Wuhan 430070; Email: hellozz@sina.com; Tel: 13349836762
2 Ph.D, School of Science, Wuhan University of Technology; 122 Luoshi Road,
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Wuhan 430070; Email: cjzwhut@163.com; Tel: 13476252690

3 Professor, School of Science, Wuhan University of Technology; 122 Luoshi Road,
Wuhan 430070; Email: science@whut.edu.cn; Tel: 13807172556

ABSTRACT

With the development of the computer, the finite element method has been widely
used as an effective numerical method for the analysis and design of underground
structures, including calculation of stress and strain. This paper demonstrates
application of the ANSYS finite element method for stress analysis of an
underground pipe structure as an alternative to the traditional method. The results
more reasonably reflect the actual situation, providing an improved design procedure,
helping avoid pipe wear and breakage. The glassfiber reinforced plastics(GRP)
pipeline is analyzed as an example，illustrating the basic finite element method,
including modeling, and specification of the boundary conditions and applied loads.
The results are generally consistent with that of the traditional method, using the
CECS190 standard, based on themaximum long-term vertical deformation.

KEYWORDS

GRP; Finite element method; Deformation

INTRODUCTION

Underground pipe is widely used for many applications, including water supply
drainage, and gas and oil transport. Because the underground pipes are hidden, and
often represent a huge investment of high importance, various countries have enacted
appropriate design specifications, including formulas for calculating pipe loading, to
help ensure the pipes can withstand normal operation. Nonetheless, instances of
cracked or broken pipe still occur.
With the development of the computer, the finite element method has been widely
used as an effective numerical method for the analysis and design of underground
structures, including calculation of stress and strain. The results more reasonably
reflect the actual situation, providing an improved design procedure, helping avoid

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pipe wear and breakage. The present study utilizes the ANSYS finite element tool to
demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique in a practical application.

THE BASIC PROCESS USING ANSYS

(1) The type of analysis is specified by the ANTYPE command, followed by defining
the type Element, and physical parameters (Material Properties).
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(2) The structure model is generated by ANSYS, either directly or indirectly. The
direct method connects nodes to build units, but this method is not optimum for
complex structures, because it is difficult and prone to errors. The preferred indirect
method first establishes a solid model structure, for which a mesh, is automatically
generated, including nodes and elements, representing the finite element model .
(3) The boundary conditions and applied loads are indicated.
(4) The results, including stresses and strains, are generated by the ANSYS solution
of the mathematical equations simulating the loaded structure.
(5) The postprocessor menu allows the results to be displayed in various formats, or
animation, and are available for further analysis.

ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND BOUNDARY

CONSTRAINTS

Current pipeline construction technology, using backfill around the pipe, requires a
soil compaction of 95% maximum density. In general, the soil surrounding the pipe
is a non-linear material, for which the elastic modulus depends on the stress.
However, the literature shows that when the soil is not in the limit stress state, the
difference between the linear theory and actual nonlinear behavior under vertical
compressive stress is relatively small. Therefore, for the present analysis of
underground structures subject to earth pressure, the soil is assumed to behave as a
linear elastic medium.
The pipe is considered to be buried in a mass of soil of dimensions 72m × 28.8m ×
12.9m. The displacement boundary conditions include: the bottom hinge fixed, both
sides of the chain rod bearing, fill soil free surface and the pipe periphery are free
boundary, as shown in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. Soil constraints

EXAMPLE

The top of the pipe has a soil cover depth H = 3.3m. The GRP has an inner radius R1
= 1200mm and outer radius R2 = 1243.1mm (average radius R0 = 1221.55mm),
subject to an operating pressure P =1 MPa. The model of the GRP pipe is shown in
Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2. The overall configuration of the pipeline

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Figure 3. Pipe cross-section

The loads acting on the pipe include its weight, the internal operating pressure and
external pressure due to the overhead soil load. The resulting pipe stress (i.e.,
bending moment) distribution is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Pipe stress (bending moment) distribution

The peak stress in Figure 4 is consistent with the conclusions of traditional methods
of structural mechanics; i.e., the maximum (positive) bending moment occurs at the
top or bottom of the pipe, with the inner wall under tension, and then gradually
decreases along the circumferential direction. At both ends of the horizontal diameter
there is a maximum (negative) moment.

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The vertical deformation (displacement) of the pipe is shown in Figure 5 and Figure
6.
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Figure 5. Vertical deformation (displacement) of the pipe

Figure 6. Vertical deformation (displacement) of top of pipe

Based on China Engineering Construction Standardization Association standards for

water supply and drainage projects, underground plastic piping design procedures for
pipe placement in soil containing glass fiber-reinforced sand, and subject to ground
loads, produce the maximum long-term vertical deformation, according to the
formula:

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DL (qsv ,k  q qk ) D1K d
wd ,max  103
8 106 SN  0.061Ed
where:
DL is the deformation hysteresis factor;
Kd is the pipe vertical deformation coefficient under vertical load;
qsv,k is the standard value of vertical earth pressure at the top surface of the pipe
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(kN/m2);
qk is the standard value of the ground pressure transferred to the top of the pip
(kN/m2);
ψq is the quasi-permanent coefficient of the ground pressure transferred to the top of
the pipe.

The above formula results in a vertical deformation of the top of pipe of 0.033m,
which agrees with the ANSYS determined value indicated in Figure 5 or 6.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the results of the ANSYS analysis of the pipe structure are consistent
with the calculated results of the standard design procedure, verifying the validity of
the finite element method. However, the finite element method may be utilized for
considerably more complex pipe or underground structure applications, beyond the
applicability of simple formulas or the capability of theoretical analysis.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO.
11102142).

REFERENCES

Deng, D.M.& Li, Y.G. (1997). Buried oil and gas pipe elbow strength calculation.
Gas Storage and Transportation.(11):3-8.
Gong, A.M.& Fu, S.Y. & Huang, H.Y. (2004). Application of ANSYS software in the
analysis of underground pipe. Construction Industry Institute of Anhui.
(12):51-55.
Huang, M.C.& Cai, M.T. & Xu,Q. (2004). Based on the finite element method stress
analysis of underground pipe structure. Water Resources and Hydropower of
Guangdong. (8):4-5.
Liu, Q.L. (2007).Plane analysis and calculation methods of buried pipeline-soil

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interaction. Rock and Soil Mechanics. (1):83-88.

Wang, Z.M.& Zhang, Tu.Q.& Wu X.G. (2006). Buried pipeline-soil analysis of
relative stiffness. Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering. (3):48-54.
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