Fatigue reliability of dented pipeline based on limited experimental data

A fatigue reliability analysis of dented pipeline subjected to internal pressure load is presented based on limited experimental data. Different failure criteria considering the dent size and applied load are analysed and reliability as a function of number of load cycles is defined. The analysed pipeline is modelled as a series of segments, where any of them is characterized by the fatigue strength properties and reliability descriptors derived from the Weibull model analysis. The pipeline is assumed as a series system in which the segments, are modelled as random correlated elements. The developed approach may be used to identify practical scenarios for inspections and repair, accounting for the damage tolerance and load subjected to the pipeline.