Procedures for the strain based assessment of pipeline dents

A criterion for strain-based assessment of dents in gas pipelines has been recently proposed in the ASME B31.8 code. This work initially presents a critical review of the equations for estimating strains presented in Appendix R of that code. Next, a procedure based on B-spline curves is presented that interpolates dent geometry from data measured by in-line inspection (ILI) tools and evaluates strain components. The paper proceeds with studies to assess the influence of the ILI tool resolution and positioning on the estimation of the circumferential bending strain. Finally, the evaluation of longitudinal membrane strains is assessed by taking two alternative definitions for dent length that enters in the formula proposed in Appendix R of the aforementioned code, and comparing with results provided by Finite Element analyses. The comparison suggests that directions on how to measure the dent length might be incorporated in a revision of the ASME B31.8 Code.