A 3D nonlinear numerical analysis of buried steel pipes at strike-slip fault crossings

Abstract

A 3D nonlinear soil-pipe interaction model is presented in this study to calculate the response of steel pipes subjected to strike-slip fault displacements. The general-purpose finite element analysis program ABAQUS is used to determine the seismic response of high strength steel pipes, as well as for various surrounding soil conditions and diameter to thickness, D/t, ratios. Relatively low strength pipes X65, and high strength pipes X70 and X80, which correspond to European pipes L450, L485 and L555, respectively, have been studied for various pipe diameters and thicknesses.