Nonlinear stress analysis of offshore pipelines during pickup operations

This paper presents a method of analyzing the stresses in a submarine pipeline as it is picked up off the sea floor by barge davits. A nonlinear large-deflection analysis is used and the pipeline is modeled as a series of finite beam segments from the ocean bottom on up. The governing equations are derived and the pipeline configuration satisfying known boundary conditions is determined by an initial-value approach using an iterativetype technique. Boundary conditions at the mudline are identified by modeling the pipeline resting on the ocean bed as a semi-infinite tensioned beam on an elastic foundation. The effects of a nonlinear stress-strain curve for the pipe material are included and both Ramberg-Osgood and Hutchinson formulations are considered. With the technique suggested, any given pickup procedure can be analyzed or a reliable procedure can be developed based on a given allowable pipe stress level and any desired improvement in the final configuration and/or stress levels may be achieved by a variation of the parameters involved. A practical example is examined to demonstrate the applicability of the analysis presented, which should provide a useful tool in either judging or developing a pickup procedure.