Buckling versus Deflection of Buried Flexible Pipe

Abstract

In general, the design of a buried flexible pipe is controlled by deflection rather than buckling. However, there are two situations in which buckling may control the design: (1) shallow cover with an internal vacuum pressure; and (2) shallow cover, submerged in deep water, with atmospheric internal pressure. In these cases, the standard short-term deflection criterion of 3% should be reduced sufficiently, in order to ensure that deflection controls the design.