Model test study on influence of freezing and thawing on the crude oil pipeline in cold regions

Buried pipelines are one of most economical and convenient methods for the transportation of large volumes of oil and gas. When a pipeline is buried in cold regions, it may suffer frost damage. Previous studies of pipelines and the surrounding soils in cold regions have tended to concentrate on the theory and practical engineering problems. This paper reports the results of a model test to investigate the stresses and strains on the buried pipeline and surrounding soils in the permafrost and seasonal frost areas based on the Mo'he–Daqing section of the China–Russia Crude Oil Pipeline (CRCOP). The temperature of the soils surrounding the pipeline, displacement and axial strain as well as stress in the pipeline induced by frost heave and thaw settlement are monitored and analyzed. The test results will have some significance in guiding the construction of the CRCOP in cold regions.