Numerical modeling of the interaction of pressurized large diameter gas buried pipelines with normal fault ruptures

In this paper a summary is presented of a comprehensive set of 3D numerical simulations of the interaction of a large diameter gas pipeline with a normal fault rupture, with the main objectives of: 1) throwing light on the pipeline performance under increasing levels of fault offset, including cross-sectional buckling and ovalization; 2) providing a parametric set of results, including the variability of the fault-pipe intersection angles, of the mechanical properties of the pipe-soil interface, as well as of the operating conditions, in terms of internal gas pressure and temperature variations.