Thorough investigation of continuously supported pipelines under combined pre-compression and denting loads

A huge body of literature in the field of lateral indenter loading of tubular members has focused on denting of spanned structural members with two distinct supports. However, the behavior of continuously base supported tubular members has not been studied, sufficiently. This investigation presents some experimental data recorded from six lateral indentation tests on axially pre-compressed steel pipes supported continuously along their bases. Furthermore, modes of deformation, as well as strain behavior in different positions, have been investigated. Consequently, comparisons are made between relevant Finite Element (FE) simulations and some previously published results of denting load-displacement. Results of the investigation showed that fairly low magnitudes of pre-compression, does not have a significant effect on denting behavior of continuously supported pipelines. Also the strain study showed that, in dented area, different behaviors of compression and tensile (or a combination of both) and even reverse growth of strain can be observed.

► An experimental program carried out on pipe under pre-compression and denting loads.
► The experimental results were compared with corresponding FE models.
► The experimental results were compared with theoretical recommendations.
► The pre-compression hasn't great effect on strength of pipes against denting load.
► In dented area tensile and compression strains or combined of both can be detected.