Introduction:
The objective of this course is to provide pipeline operators with simple, conservative approaches for the initial evaluation of the effects of outside forces on their pipelines. The focus is on stress analysis that can be implemented in spreadsheets and other readily available software. Topics covered include how to develop an approach, preliminary data gathering, how to determine the appropriate stress limits, existing stresses in pipelines and determining stresses from outside forces. The outside forces covered include surface loads, spans, exposed stream crossings, blasting and construction vibrations. The course will end with a brief discussion of the analytic tools that are available. Attendees will be given a list of available free analysis software and references for further study.

Outline:
Overview of pipe stress analysis
—-Data requirements
—-Understanding the problem
—-Strategies
—-Knowing your limits

Determining Acceptable Stress/Strain Levels
A. Stress based approach
B. Outline of strain based approach
—— Testing requirements
——-Outline of analytic approach
C. API 579

Review of existing stresses on pipelines
—-Hoop stress and Longitudinal stresses

Surface loads
—-Review of general approach to surface loading (CEPA approach)

Spans
—-Simple spans
—-Multiple spans

Exposed stream crossings
—-Drag and lift forces
—-Vibrations

Blasting
—-Background and overview
—-Scaled distance
—-Close in (i.e. parallel construction)
—-Quarry blasting

Construction vibrations
—-Types of equipment
—-Estimating vibration levels
—-Estimating stress from vibrations

Tools for analysis
—-Spreadsheets
—-Technical Toolbox
—-Mathcad
—-Finite Element Analysis

References
—-List of must have books and free information from internet

Feedback:
“Scope was well thought out. This scope fits the needs/expectations of the course for me.”
“Excellent knowledge and real life scenarios.”
“Great info and very applicable.”
“Very knowledgeable in this area of expertise.”
“Q&A in presentation was great.”
“Instructor demonstrates a fluid knowledge of materials and concepts and conveys the concepts and information exceptionally well.”
“Excellent presentation of equations involved and work examples provided.”

The Instructor:
Bob Francini has over 20 years’ experience in the effects of outside forces on pipelines. This includes blasting, surface loading, exposed stream crossing, soil movement and mining effects on pipeline, as well as estimation of the stress resulting from outside forces, the evaluation of proposed blasting plans and the development of stress criterion for the pipeline and the direct instrumentation of the pipeline to measure stress.

Mr. Francini has also provided assistance on the evaluation and mitigation of mining related subsidence and the effects of soil movement on pipelines. He has used Finite Element Analysis to predict the stress due to mining subsidence and to help pipeline companies develop plans for mitigation. Mitigation includes the development criterion to be used during the monitoring of subsidence, advice on mitigation techniques and the development of plans for monitoring the pipeline during the subsidence event. He has been the principal investigator in numerous full-scale pipe tests for GTI, PRCI and the NRC. He is an expert on using strain gages, displacement transducers, accelerometers, temperature sensors and other specialized instrumentation for pipeline testing. Over the course of his career he has developed specialized equipment and fixtures for pipeline testing. This includes specialized hydraulic frames for creating mechanical damage, pipeline burst testing under different end conditions and bend testing. Among other uses, this equipment has been used for the analyses and creation of mechanical damage in pipelines for research.

Bob has over 20 years of experience in the experimental and computational aspects of engineering mechanics. The last 15 years have been spent on research projects related to the pipeline and pressure vessel industry. In addition to his extensive experience analyzing metal loss and mechanical damage using Finite Element Analysis, he has  experience in fatigue testing and analysis, experimental mechanics, metal matrix composite testing and fabrication, and failure analysis of composite components. Bob has worked on projects to monitor pipelines for damage, create and assess metal loss damage, analyze the results of mechanical damage and develop methodologies for life prediction of pipeline repairs.

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