The interaction of pressure and bending on a dented pipe

Results are presented from an FE numerical study of the capacity of a dented pipe to withstand combined pressure and moment loading. The denting process was modelled with internal pressure applied at the design level. The pipe support was modelled by a saddle-type arrangement. The strength of the dented pipe was first assessed under pure bending, applied in such a way that the dent was either on the tension side or the compression side. The strength of the dented pipe was then assessed under internal pressure loading. Finally, the behaviour of the dented pipe under combined bending and pressure loading was assessed and interaction diagrams prepared.