Influence of Wave-Induced Uplift Forces on Upheaval Buckling of Pipelines Buried in Sandy Seabeds

Abstract

This study focuses on the buckling of pipelines in shallow waters subjected to surface gravity waves. The wave-induced uplift forces on pipelines buried in sandy seabeds are investigated using Biot's consolidation model. Empathetic imperfection model proposed by Taylor and Tran (1994, “Experimental and Theoretical Studies in Subsea Pipeline Buckling, Mar. Struct., 9(2), pp. 211–257.) is used for the study. Thereafter, buckling analyses are performed on the pipeline with the combined temperature and the wave-induced loads. The differences in the critical buckling temperatures for the pipe with consideration of wave loads are analyzed within a range of sea states. The influence of wave loads is found significant for low burial depth ratios.