PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Upheaval Buckling of Pipeline

PTS 11.30.04
September 2013

© 2013 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

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FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice
across the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

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Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of

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work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where

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specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established

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standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

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In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
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ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
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requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.
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PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
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in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording
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or otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior
written consent of PETRONAS.
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The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
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kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information
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to PETRONAS that this requirement is met.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the entire PTS inventory is currently undergoing transformation exercise
from 2013 - 2015 which includes revision to numbering system, format and content. As part of this
change, the PTS numbering system has been revised to 6-digit numbers and drawings, forms and
requisition to 7-digit numbers. All newly revised PTS will adopt this new numbering system, and
where required make reference to other PTS in its revised numbering to ensure consistency. Users
are requested to refer to PTS 00.01.01 (PTS Index) for mapping between old and revised PTS

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numbers for clarity. For further inquiries, contact PTS administrator at

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ptshelpdesk@petronas.com.my

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Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 5

1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 5
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 6

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2.0 ANALYSIS OF PIPELINE UPHEAVAL BUCKLING.................................................................... 7

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2.1 UPHEAVAL BUCKLING .................................................................................................... 7

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2.2 LONGITUDINAL COMPRESSIVE FORCE .......................................................................... 7

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2.3 Analysis of Upheaval Movement ................................................................................... 8
2.4 Uplift Resistance of a Pipeline ....................................................................................... 9
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Acceptance criteria ...................................................................................................... 10
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3.0 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS ............................................................................................. 11
4.0 UPHEAVAL BUCKLING MITIGATION ................................................................................ 12
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4.1 Controlling the Longitudinal Compressive Force......................................................... 12

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4.2 Pipeline stabilization.................................................................................................... 12

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4.3 Alternative method ..................................................................................................... 12

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5.0 CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR IN-SERVICE PIPELINE ............................................................... 14

6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................... 15
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PTS provides the minimum technical requirements for upheaval buckling analysis during
design and operational stage. This PTS is developed to ensure optimum design and safe
operation of pipeline system to mitigate upheaval buckling risk.

1.1 SCOPE
The calculations in this PTS are used for offshore pipeline and can be applied for onshore
pipeline.

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The equations in this PTS apply to single-pipe configuration only.

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This PTS does not cover pipeline lateral buckling calculation.

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1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

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Please refer to PTS General Terms, Abbreviations & Specific Requirements PTS 00.01.03 for
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General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations.
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Please refer to PTS11.30.01 for pipeline and riser engineering general definition.
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1.2.2 Specific Definition

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No Terms Description
1 Lateral buckling Pipeline buckles in sideways (snaking) direction
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2 Single-pipe Single pipe configuration, not pipe-in-pipe nor bundle

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Upheaval
3 Pipeline buckles in upward direction
buckling
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Table 1: Specific Definition

1.2.2 Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviations Description
1 D Pipe outside diameter

2 E Young’s modulus
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No Abbreviations Description
3 F Flexural rigidity

4 f An uplift coefficient

5 FL Longitudinal force

6 Cover (from the top of the pipe to the surface of the soil
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above the pipe centreline)
7 M Bending moment

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8 OIC Offshore Installation Contractor

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9 p Operating pressure

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10 q External vertical force per unit length

11 q’ Uplift resistance force lU

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12 R Mean R=radius, ½(D-t)
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13 t Wall thickness
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14 TR Residual tension
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15 w Submerged weight of pipeline

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16 α Linear thermal expansion coefficient

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17 γ Submerged weight of the soil

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Difference between installation and operating

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18 ΔT
temperature. Taken as positive if operating>installation

19 ν Poisson’s ratio
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Table 2: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 11.30.04 replaces PTS 31.40.10.16 (February, 2010).

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2.0 ANALYSIS OF PIPELINE UPHEAVAL BUCKLING

2.1 UPHEAVAL BUCKLING

Upheaval buckling is a condition where a buried pipeline arches upward out of seabed/soil.
Usually upheaval buckling occurs to pipelines operating at temperature and pressure higher
than ambient.

2.2 LONGITUDINAL COMPRESSIVE FORCE

2.3.1 Fully Constraint Pipeline

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Upheaval buckling is driven by longitudinal compressive force in the pipe wall and the fluid
contents. The components that affect longitudinal compressive force are:

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1. Fluid/product temperature increase. Temperature component is usually in

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compressive (negative)
2. Internal pressure, which generates a compressive force resultant over whole cross-

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section. The pressure component is usually positive (tensile). External pressure
should not be incorporated as the pipeline is not restrained during installation.
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3. Residual lay tension

Assuming that the pipeline is restrained at both ends and remains fully elastic, the total
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longitudinal force is expressed as:

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𝐹𝐿 = (1 − 2𝑣)𝜋𝑅 2 𝑝 + 2𝜋𝑅𝑡𝐸𝛼∆𝑇 − 𝑇𝑅
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Equation 2.1
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FL Longitudinal force
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ν Poisson’s ratio
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R Mean R=radius, ½(D-t)

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p Operating pressure
t Wall thickness
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E Young’s modulus
α Linear thermal expansion coefficient
ΔT Difference between installation and operating temperature.
Taken as positive if operating>installation
TR Residual tension

Note that the calculation of longitudinal compressive force should be done along the
pipeline, hence the pressure and temperature profile should be used, instead of one
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maximum value at the inlet of pipeline. The design longitudinal compressive force should be
a combination of both maximum pressure and maximum temperature.

Residual lay tension can be calculated using laystress calculation programme, as per
calculated by the OIC. For shallow water installation, where the installation is by pulling or
towing, the residual tension should be taken as the tow or pull force.

2.3.1 Partially Constraint Pipeline

There are conditions where pipelines are not fully constraint, such as an elbow connecting a

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pipeline to a riser where the riser is free to expand towards the platform.

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If the frictional force between the pipeline and the seabed is f' per unit length, the axial

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force at a distance x from the platform is S+f'x, up to the point at which the axial force
becomes equal to the force in a fully-constrained line.

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If the operating pressure and temperature are uniform along the length of the line, and the

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residual tension TR is negligible, the distance z at which the axial force reaches the fully-
constrained value is
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𝑧=
𝑓′
(1 − 2𝑣)𝜋𝑅 2 𝑝 + 2𝜋𝑅𝑡𝐸𝛼∆𝑇-S Equation 2.2
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Accordingly, if x < z
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𝐹𝐿 = 𝑓𝑥 + 𝑆 Equation 2.3
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but if x > z, FL is given by equation 2.1 as before.

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2.3 Analysis of Upheaval Movement

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Analysis of upheaval movement can be simplified by measuring or calculating the external

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force required to hold the pipeline in position, even when the longitudinal compressive force
increases.
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2.3.1 Fixed Pipeline Profile

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A pipeline is considered as fixed profile in this assessment if the pipe continuously in contact
with a foundation i.e. in the trench or seabed to hold the pipeline in position.

Consider a section of pipeline with arbitary seabed and pipeline profile as figure below. In
the figure, FL is the longitudinal compressive force, q is the external vertical force per unit
length, and M is bending moment.
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M Pipeline M

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FL

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Seabed

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Datum

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Figure 1 Pipeline under Longitudinal Load FL and Vertical Load q
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From vertical and moment equilibrium of the element, the downward external force per unit
length required to hold the pipe in position is:
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𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑2 𝑀
𝑞 = −𝐹𝐿 𝑑𝑥 2 − 𝑑𝑥 2
Equation 2.4
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If the pipeline remains elastic, the bending moment is equivalent to the curvature, where F
is the flexural rigidity:
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𝑑2 𝑦
𝑀 = 𝜋𝑅 3 𝑡𝐸 𝑑𝑥 2 = 𝐹
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Equation 2.5
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Substituting in equation XX,

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𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑4 𝑦
𝑞 = −𝐹𝐿 𝑑𝑥 2 − 𝐹 𝑑𝑥 4 Equation 2.6

q is the external force needed to hold the pipeline in position. If the profile does not change
when the longitudinal force increased and the pipeline does not move, then upheaval does
not occur.

2.4 Uplift Resistance of a Pipeline

For a buried pipeline, the resistance to uplift movement is given by submerged weight and
the cover. The uplift resistance of a pipeline buried in cohesionless soil or rock is usually
calculated from:
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𝐻
𝑞 ′ = 𝛾𝐻𝐷 �1 + 𝑓 � Equation 2.7
𝐷

q’ Force per unit length that can be applied before the pipeline moves upward
γ Submerged weight of the soil
H Cover (from the top of the pipe to the surface of the soil above the pipe centreline)
D Pipe outside diameter
f An uplift coefficient determined experimentally, generally about 0.7 for rock and 0.5
for sand, but occasionally much smaller in looser sand

2.5 Acceptance criteria

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In order to check whether the pipeline is stable i.e. no potential upheaval occuring, the

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following can be used.

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If

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𝑤 + 𝑞 ′ > 𝑞, Equation 2.8

where: lU
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w Submerged weight of pipeline
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q’ Uplift resistance force (equation 2.7)

q Downward external force per unit length to hold the pipe in position (equation
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2.6)
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The pipeline is stable, no further action is necessary. If the pipeline is unstable,

recommended to do further analysis using finite element.
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3.0 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

The upheaval buckling assessment method discussed in Section 2 of this PTS is simple and
conservative. To optimize the design and further refinement, assessment of upheaval
buckling is recommended using finite element analysis.

Finite element analysis should cover the following cases:

1. Complicated and imperfection terrain/seabed and pipeline profile.
2. Inelastic (plastic) response of the pipeline.
3. Behaviour of pipeline as the operating parameter (pressure and temperature)
increases.
4. Allowable distance for uplift resistance.

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4.0 UPHEAVAL BUCKLING MITIGATION

4.1 Controlling the Longitudinal Compressive Force

The simplest strategy to prevent buckling is to reduce the longitudinal compressive force,
either by reducing operating parameters or wall thickness.

4.1.1 Operating Parameters

The longitudinal compressive force can be reduced by decreasing the operating pressure and
temperature. Even though this option is impracticable, it can be managed by installing
thermal insulator or heat exchanger.

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4.1.2 Pipeline Wall Thickness

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By reducing pipeline wall thickness, it will reduce the temperature component in Equation
2.1, hence reducing the effective longitudinal force. This can be achieved by using higher

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grade of steel grade or adopting allowable-strain design.

4.1.3 Expansion Loop lU

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Further consideration should be given to install expansion spool at a pre-determined interval
along the pipeline. The longitudinal compressive force can also be reduced by laying the
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pipeline in zig-zag manner, hence introducing cooling loops that will allow the fluid to coll by
heat transfer to the sea.
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4.2 Pipeline stabilization

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4.2.1 Increase Submerged Weight

Consideration should be given to increase the pipeline total submerged weight. This can be
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managed by applying thicker concrete coating

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4.2.2 Rock Dumping

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If the pipeline can not be trenched and buried, another option is to place rock cover along
the pipeline length, or at intermittent sections. Selective rock dumping can also pe
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performed by identifying critical overbends along the pipeline i.e. section of most
susceptible to upheaval buckling to occur.

Alternatively, a geotextile can be placed on to of pipeline, and then followed by the rock
dumping. The weight of the rock on the geotextile on either side of pipeline will hold the
geotextile down, hence trapping the pipeline underneath the geotextile.

4.3 Alternative method

4.3.1 Residual Lay Tension
By increasing the residual lay tension, it will balance the part of compressive force induced
by reducing the overall resultant forces. However, residual lay tension can not be measured
directly but has to be calculated from the lay programme.
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4.3.2 Pipeline Route and Profile

One of the ways reducing the risk of upheaval buckling is to ensure that the pipeline is
smoother. Selection of route is important to ensure avoiding rough areas. The profile can
further be smoothen by planning the trench and selecting the correct trench method, to
choose ploughs that will dig more deeply on hills, and less deeply in the valleys.

4.3.3 Using flexible pipe

If the upheaval buckling is foreseen as threat, consideration should be given to use flexible
pipe instead of rigid steel pipe.

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5.0 CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR IN-SERVICE PIPELINE

Should there be any upheaval buckling occurred to in-service pipeline, immediate

investigation of the stress/strain of the pipeline using finite element analysis is
recommended.

Offshore pipeline that buckles is vunerable to hooking by fishing trawl and anchors. If the
pipeline is not overstressed, the most economical solution is to stabilise the pipeline using
rocks and mattresses.

For onshore pipeline the pipeline needs to be stabilised by using set-on weight or any
appropriate method.

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In other cases, where the pipeline is overstressed and the ovality of the pipe is exceeding the

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limit, it is necessary to cut and remove the buckling section of the pipe, and replace with
new spool piece. Provision of extra cover or expansion spool must be incorporated to esure

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the buckling will not re-occur.

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6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01

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Requirements, General Definition of Terms, PTS 00.01.03

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Abbreviations & Reading Guide

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Pipeline and Riser Engineering PTS 11.30.01

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OTHER REFERENCES

Design of Submarine Pipelines Against Upheaval Buckling, Twenty Second Offshore

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Technology Conference, Houston, OTC 6335 (1990). Palmer,A.C, Ellinas, C.P.
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Subsea Pipeline Engineering, Second Edition, PennWell Corporation (2008). Palmer, A.C.,
King, R.A.
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