Structural failure assessment of buried steel water pipes subject to corrosive environment

It is essential to predict the lifetime of buried pipelines since they are not easily accessible for inspection. In this study a time-dependent, non-linear state model has been introduced for the structural analysis of corrosion affected steel water pipes, stressed by external forces. Using limit state concept, the simultaneous effect of externally applied loading and material corrosion are considered through failure modes. A non-linear corrosion model is used to simulate the loss of pipe wall thickness during the operation period. In order to take the uncertainty associated with the design and environmental variables into account, a Monte Carlo simulation technique has been adopted using MATLAB. A parametric sensitivity analysis is also carried out to measure the effectiveness of each parameter on the probability of pipe failure. Results obtained for a steel water pipeline in Eastern Sydney are presented and discussed.     

Inspection and maintenance planning of pipeline under external corrosion considering generation of new defects

Safe operation of aging pipeline systems under external corrosion can be achieved through inspection and maintenance programs. Tools used for the pipeline inspection are uncertain in detecting a corrosion defect and in sizing a detected defect. The process of generation of new corrosion pits is an uncertain process. These uncertainties must be taken into account in the reliability analysis and in the pipeline inspection and maintenance planning. In this paper the effect of corrosion defect size on the remaining pipeline strength is modeled by a Markov process. Analytical solution of the probability transition matrix is obtained by solving the Kolmogorov forward differential equation. The matrix of probability transition function, the probability of defect detection and the probability distribution of sizing a detected defect is incorporated in estimating the probability of failure. The generation of new corrosion defects is modeled by a Poisson process. The optimal inspection and maintenance schedules are selected based on the reliability constraint. The sensitivity of optimal inspection schedule to the quality of inspection tools and to maintenance criteria is illustrated through examples.     

Uncertainties associated with laser profiling of concrete sewer pipes for the quantification of the interior geometry

Structural strength and hydraulic capacity are two essential parameters in the assessment of the need for sewer rehabilitation. Especially concrete pipes suffer from loss of wall thickness due to biochemical corrosion and, consequently, a decreasing structural strength along with an increase of hydraulic roughness. Unfortunately, routinely used visual inspection methods do not allow a quantification of the internal pipe geometry which would enable not only detecting but also quantifying the progress of biochemical corrosion. Advances in laser technology and digital cameras theoretically allow a cost-effective application of laser profilers to measure the interior geometry of sewer pipes. An analysis of associated uncertainties revealed that the position and alignment of the laser are the main source of measurement errors. A full-scale laboratory set-up demonstrated, based on tests on a new and an 89 years old corroded sewer pipe, that laser scanning is indeed capable of measuring the interior geometry accurately enough to determine wall thickness losses for corroded pipes, provided that the position and alignment of the laser and camera are accounted for. The obtained accuracy, however, was not enough to quantify the hydraulic roughness.     

Remaining moment capacity of corroded steel beams

Steel structures are subjected to corrosion due to environmental exposure and inadequate maintenance. As a result, the carrying capacity and hence the level of safety of this structures diminishes with time due to accumulation of corrosion damage (e.g. section loss). For the assessment of the remaining moment capacity of corrosion damaged I-beams, two methods have been proposed in this paper based on the thickness loss data were compiled from four corroded damaged I-beams, namely the simple and accurate assessment methods. These methods give the quantitative relationship between the magnitude of structural defects (loss of thickness) and the corresponding remaining moment capacity (expressed as percentage of the as-new strength) of corrosion damaged beams. These methods require only the information regarding thickness loss of the appropriate elements of the members (flanges and web) and the capacity of the beam in its as-new condition, to assess the remaining moment capacity of a corrosion damaged beam. The thickness loss information can be provided by visual inspection or thickness measurement of a member. These assessment methods will help the practicing engineer to make a fast and reliable decision regarding the remaining moment capacity of corrosion damaged I-beam.     

RELIABILITY BASED OPTIMAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR PIPELINE UNDER CORROSION

Nondestructive inspection tools used for pipeline inspection are uncertain in detecting corrosion pits and in sizing detected defects. Probability-based optimal inspection schedule analysis must taken these uncertainties into account. In this paper, the probability of time to failure is formulated as integral equations with domain of integration expressed as unions and intersections of domains of failure, defect detection, defect nondetection and maintenance criterion. The rate of defect detection as a function of defect size and the maintenance criterion are used as filters to eliminate the defects that are not fit for service in an expected remaining service life after inspection. Simulation procedure is given to estimate the probability distribution of time to failure by using the integral equations. To facilitate the probabilistic analysis, a standard uniformly distributed variate is introduce and used in defining the domain of detected defect and the domain of nondetected defect. The advantages of using the proposed simulation procedure are discussed. Optimal inspection schedules are selected based on the minimum value of the maximum probability of time to failure before inspections and before the time at the end of service life. Effect of inspection quality and maintenance criterion on probability of time to failure and on selecting optimal inspection schedule is presented through an illustrative application study.     

Segmentation of Pipe Images for Crack Detection in Buried Sewers

Abstract:   Assessing the condition of underground pipelines such as water lines, sewer pipes, and telecommunication conduits in an automated and reliable manner is vital to the safety and maintenance of buried public infrastructure. To fully automate condition assessment, it is necessary to develop robust data analysis and interpretation systems for defects in buried pipes. This article presents the development of an automated data analysis system for detecting defects in sanitary sewer pipelines. We propose a three-step method to identify and extract cracks from contrast enhanced pipe images. This method is based on mathematical morphology and curvature evaluation that detects crack-like patterns in a noisy pipe camera scanned image. As cracks are the most common defects in pipes and are indicative of the residual structural strength of the pipe, they are the focus of this study. This article discusses its implementation on 225 pipe images taken from different cities in North America and shows that the system performs very well under a variety of pipe conditions.     

Probabilistic Neural Network for Reliability Assessment of Oil and Gas Pipelines

A fuzzy artificial neural network (ANN)–based approach is proposed for reliability assessment of oil and gas pipelines. The proposed ANN model is trained with field observation data collected using magnetic flux leakage (MFL) tools to characterize the actual condition of aging pipelines vulnerable to metal loss corrosion. The objective of this paper is to develop a simulation-based probabilistic neural network model to estimate the probability of failure of aging pipelines vulnerable to corrosion. The approach is to transform a simulation-based probabilistic analysis framework to estimate the pipeline reliability into an adaptable connectionist representation, using supervised training to initialize the weights so that the adaptable neural network predicts the probability of failure for oil and gas pipelines. This ANN model uses eight pipe parameters as input variables. The output variable is the probability of failure. The proposed method is generic, and it can be applied to several decision problems related with the maintenance of aging engineering systems.     

Probabilistic analysis of underground pipelines subject to combined stresses and corrosion

This paper presents a nonlinear limit state model for the analysis of underground pipelines, stressed both in the circumferential and the longitudinal directions. The effects of internal fluid pressure, external soil and traffic loads, temperature and longitudinal pipe bending etc., are considered. A nonlinear corrosion model is used to represent the loss of pipe wall thickness with time. To allow for the uncertainties of the design variables, a reliability analysis technique has been adopted; this also allows calculation of the relative contribution of the random variables and the sensitivity of the reliability index or failure probability. Results obtained for typical pipelines are presented.     

Bayesian Modeling of External Corrosion in Underground Pipelines Based on the Integration of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques and Clustered Inspection Data

In this study, a model is developed to assess external corrosion in buried pipelines based on the unification of Bayesian inferential structure derived from Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques using clustered inspection data. This proposed stochastic model combines clustering algorithms that can ascertain the similarity of corrosion defects and Monte Carlo simulation that can give an accurate probability density function estimation of the corrosion rate. The metal loss rate is chosen as the indicator of corrosion damage propagation, obeying a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Bayesian theory was employed to update the probability distribution of metal loss rate as well as the GEV parameters in order to account for the model uncertainty. The proposed model was validated with direct and indirect inspection data extracted from a 110‐km buried pipeline system.     

钢丝裂纹扩展估算模型及其在预腐蚀疲劳寿命计算中的应用

为给桥梁缆索高强度钢丝损伤容限分析提供实用的裂纹扩展计算参数,根据钢材相关试验的结果统计了珠光体钢丝门槛值ΔKth和裂纹扩展计算数据,建立适用于不同屈服强度和应力比的钢丝裂纹扩展经验模型。在此基础上,提出基于一维裂纹扩展假定的预腐蚀钢丝疲劳寿命预测方法,并对锈蚀钢丝恒幅和变幅疲劳寿命进行实例分析。结果表明,珠光体钢材的屈服强度和门槛值之间的相关性随着屈服强度和应力比的提高而增强|提出的钢丝裂纹扩展模型和初始裂纹深度假定可较好地模拟腐蚀钢丝恒幅疲劳试验的离散性和疲劳极限性质|腐蚀钢丝变幅疲劳评估结果对门槛值变化较敏感|按保守门槛值的预测寿命显示,轻微均匀锈蚀钢丝若及时采取养护措施,可在桥梁常规检修期内继续使用。     

Strength of steel plates with both-sides randomly distributed with corrosion wastage under uniaxial compression

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the behaviour and ultimate strength characteristics of imperfect steel plates used in ships and other related marine structures. The analysed plates are suffering from general corrosion on their both surfaces and subjected to uniaxial in-plane compression. A series of elastic and elastic–plastic large deflection finite element analyses is performed on the both-sides randomly corroded steel plates. The effects of general corrosion are introduced into the finite element models using a specially developed random thickness surface model. The effects of random thickness reduction on the plate strength characteristics as a result of systematic variation of the involved parameters are evaluated.     

Compression strength of corroded steel angle members

Steel structures corrode when exposed to the environment, and their capacity is reduced accordingly. In practice, when a member is found corroded during inspection, it is necessary to estimate the residual capacity of corroded members in order to decide whether to change the member, repair it or just remove corrosion and re-protect the member.The objective of this article is to provide data to engineers on the structural behavior of corroded steel angle members under compressive load. Sixteen angle members were corroded with an accelerated procedure and then tested in compression. Eight uncorroded members were also tested in compression. The influence of corrosion on compressive capacity was measured and compared to analytical methods accounting for weight loss. Recommendations are drawn from this research to provide guidance to engineers on how to evaluate compressive capacity of corroded members. Needs for future work are also highlighted.     

预应力钢管在市政工程中的应用

预应力钢筒混凝土管(PCCP)有很好的抗渗性、水密性、耐腐蚀性,承压能力高、覆土深度大,且比非金属管道造价低、管径范围大、刚性好,能承受很高的内外荷载,最适合作大口径压力管。经在市政污水主干管工程中的实际应用,介绍了使用中的注意点:防腐蚀,管材的进场质检,基坑开挖、管道基础和安装,管道的闭水试验。     

Reliability based life cycle cost optimization for underground pipeline networks

The safety of underground pipelines is the primary focus of water and wastewater industry. Due to low visibility and lack of proper information regarding the condition of underground pipes, assessment and maintenance are frequently neglected until a disastrous failure occurs. The reduction of pipe thickness due to corrosion undermines the pipe resistance capacity which in turn reduces the factor of safety of the whole distribution system. Providing an acceptable level of service and overcoming practical difficulties, the concerned industry has to plan how to operate, maintain and renew (repair or replace) the system under the budget constraints. This paper is concerned with estimating reliability of non-pressure flexible underground pipes subjected to externally applied loading and material corrosion during the whole service life. The reliability with respect to time due to corrosion induced deflection, buckling, wall thrust, bending stress is estimated. Then the study is extended to determine intervention year for maintenance and to identify the most appropriate renewal solution by minimizing the risk of failure and whole life cycle cost using Genetic Algorithm (GA). An example is presented to validate the proposed method with a view to prevent unexpected failure of flexible pipes at the minimal cost by prioritizing maintenance based on failure severity and system reliability.     

锈蚀钢筋截面分布特征及轴向拉伸力学性能

采用半浸泡通电加速锈蚀法获得平均锈蚀率为0%～18%的钢筋,应用三维扫描的实物反求技术获得精确的锈蚀钢筋截面积数据,研究得到了平均锈蚀率与最大截面锈蚀率的关系,统计建立了锈蚀钢筋截面积概率分布模型;通过轴向拉伸试验研究锈蚀钢筋力学性能退化原因,定量分析锈蚀率与钢筋各力学特征值损失率的关系.结果表明:锈蚀钢筋实际材料性能未发生改变,其名义屈服强度、名义极限强度由钢筋最小残余截面积决定;钢筋变形与钢筋残余截面积分布有关,与平均锈蚀率及最大截面锈蚀率的相关程度较低;锈蚀钢筋本构关系仍可采用未锈蚀钢筋的本构关系,并可通过残余截面积概率分布模型来反映锈蚀对钢筋力学性能的影响.     

钢筋混凝土排水管内衬改性PVC工艺

在普通钢筋混凝土排水管内壁衬上一层改性PVC防蚀片,制成的钢筋混凝土内衬改性聚氯乙烯排水管,达到了防止管身混凝土受到污水或有毒气体侵蚀的效果,可用于排污工程。介绍了这种排水管的生产工艺以及成品处理和检验。最后介绍了工程应用及前景。     

焊接残余应力对Y型相贯节点极限承载力影响分析

采用ANSYS的热 结构间接耦合、生死单元技术模拟Y型相贯节点的焊接过程;将牛顿-拉普森法和弧长法结合,求解Y型相贯节点极限承载力,给出求解流程;分析支管外径与主管外径比、支管倾角、主管径厚比等几何参数对Y型相贯节点极限承载力的影响,将考虑和不考虑焊接残余应力的计算结果进行对比分析。研究结果表明:焊接残余应力降低了Y型相贯节点的极限承载力;支管外径与主管外径比β越大,主管的径厚比γ越小,支管倾角θ越小,则Y型相贯节点极限承载力降低越多;结构设计时,保证强度和安全的前提下选择合适的支管外径、主管壁厚和支管倾角,可减小焊接残余应力对Y型相贯节点极限承载力的影响。     

Degradation of trichloronitromethane by iron water main corrosion products

Halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) may undergo reduction reactions at the corroded pipe wall in drinking water distribution systems consisting of cast or ductile iron pipe. Iron pipe corrosion products were obtained from several locations within two drinking water distribution systems. Crystalline-phase composition of freeze-dried corrosion solids was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, and ferrous and ferric iron contents were determined via multiple extraction methods. Batch experiments demonstrated that trichloronitromethane (TCNM), a non-regulated DBP, is rapidly reduced in the presence of pipe corrosion solids and that dissolved oxygen (DO) slows the reaction. The water-soluble iron content of the pipe solids is the best predictor of TCNM reaction rate constant. These results indicate that highly reactive DBPs that are able to compete with oxygen and residual disinfectant for ferrous iron may be attenuated via abiotic reduction in drinking water distribution systems.     

Reliability-based temporal and spatial maintenance strategy for integrity management of corroded underground pipelines

In this work, a novel stochastic model framework for predicting the external corrosion growth in buried pipeline structures has been developed, and a reliability-based temporal and spatial maintenance strategy is presented. The spatial correlation of soil properties is modelled via hidden Markov random field. The temporal correlation of the corrosion rate is characterised by the geometric Brownian bridge process. A Bayesian inferential framework is employed to estimate the model parameters of the corrosion growth model using in-line inspection data. The proposed corrosion growth model was validated with actual inspection data. In the reliability analysis, the impact of device detectability is considered and hence the estimated failure probability is more realistic. The proposed maintenance strategy is directly based on the time-specific and location-specific failure probability. The application of the proposed model and maintenance strategy is illustrated through a real-life pipeline system. The results indicate that the proposed maintenance strategy is an adaptive and dynamic scheme that is able to improve the efficiency of inspections.     

Inverse Gaussian process-based corrosion growth modeling and its application in the reliability analysis for energy pipelines

This paper describes an inverse Gaussian process-based model to characterize the growth of metal-loss corrosion defects on energy pipelines. The model parameters are evaluated using the Bayesian methodology by combining the inspection data obtained from multiple inspections with the prior distributions. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation techniques are employed to numerically evaluate the posterior marginal distribution of each individual parameter. The measurement errors associated with the ILI tools are considered in the Bayesian inference. The application of the growth model is illustrated using an example involving real inspection data collected from an in-service pipeline in Alberta, Canada. The results indicate that the model in general can predict the growth of corrosion defects reasonably well. Parametric analyses associated with the growth model as well as reliability assessment of the pipeline based on the growth model are also included in the example. The proposed model can be used to facilitate the development and application of reliability-based pipeline corrosion management.