Fundamentals of Differential

Settlement of Pipelines
Chris Sundberg, S.E., SCWI (Senior
Certified Welding Inspector)

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 Objectives
• Fundamentals of differential settlement
• Strategies for accommodating settlement
• Small settlement-a pair of couplings
• Large settlements-multiple couplings
• Example Problems
• Math Derivations for small & large
settlements

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Restrained
Flexible
Couplings

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Bolted
Sleeve
Coupling
s & M11
Harness

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Bolted Sleeve-Type Couplings & M11 Harness

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 Pair of Couplings Derivation

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Tandem Couplings at a Structure

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Bolted Sleeve Type Couplings

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Pair of
Couplings
Example-
(Settlement/Gap) x
Diameter=Length

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 Pair of Couplings Summary

There are 4 variables; if you know any 3 of

them you can solve for the fourth variable.

The following combinations are possible;

1. Length of Pipe; (Settlement/Gap) x Diameter=Length
2. Settlement; (Gap x Length)/Diameter=Settlement
3. Gap; (Settlement x Diameter)/Length=Gap
4. Diameter; (Gap x Length)/Settlement=Diameter (not sure
if I have even found a need for this last one?)

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Multiple Coupling Derivation

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Multiple Coupling Derivation

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Multiple Coupling Plot-Longer Middle Spool

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Multiple Coupling Plot-Equal Spools

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Multiple Coupling Plot-Reduction in Length

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Multiple Coupling Summary Table

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 Differential Settlement Summary
• Structure interfaces are critical locations
• Couplings provide flexibility
• BSTCs are limited for settlement;
– no shear or bending moments
– external harnesses are needed to prevent joint separation and leakage.
• Small settlements require a pair of couplings.
• Large settlements require multiple couplings with a longer middle
spool
• A multiple coupling summary table shows a range of differential
settlements, number of coupling pairs and required horizontal distance
for the assemblies.
• Coupling settlement math derivations and examples have been
provided for both small and large differential settlements

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