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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION I-ET-0000.00-0000-940-P9U-003

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DP&T GLOBAL BUCKLING DESIGN OF SUBSEA PIPELINES

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REVISION INDEX

REV DESCRIPTION AND/OR REVISED SHEET

0 THIS DOCUMENT REPLACES THE PREVIOUS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF
THERMO-MECHANICAL DESIGN (I-ET-0000.00-6500-940-P9U-003).
A INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS AND ALIGNMENT WITH DNVGL-RP-F110.
B GENERAL REVISION AND ALIGNMENT WITH DNVGL-RP-F110.

REV. 0 REV. A REV. B REV. C REV. D REV. E REV. F REV. G REV. H

DATE 27/12/2017 14/08/2018 21/12/2018
PROJECT EISE/EDR EISE/EDR EISE/EDR
EXECUTION ER48 / BXXG ER48 / UP65 ER48 / BXXG
CHECK UP65 BXXG UP65 / TRWB
APPROVAL CLZ2 CLZ2 CLZ2
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PETROBRAS PROPERTY AND MAY NOT BE USED FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN THOSE
SPECIFICALLY INDICATED HEREIN. THIS FORM IS PART OF PETROBRAS N-381 REV. L
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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 References ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Symbols ............................................................................................................................. 7
2 DESIGN PREMISES.............................................................................................................. 8
2.1 Scope of Design Analysis .................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Design Standard and Recommended Practices ................................................................. 8
2.3 Data for Global Buckling Design ........................................................................................ 8
2.4 Design Loads ................................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Limit States Checks ......................................................................................................... 11
3 DESIGN METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 14
3.1 End Expansion ................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 Route Curve Pullout ......................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Lateral Buckling ............................................................................................................... 15
3.4 Virtual Anchor Spacing (VAS) and Buckle Initiation Strategy ........................................... 16
3.5 Buckle Interaction ............................................................................................................ 16
3.6 Pipeline Walking .............................................................................................................. 17
3.7 Upheaval Buckling ........................................................................................................... 17
4 DESIGN ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 19
4.1 Analysis Cases ................................................................................................................ 19
4.2 End Expansion, Curve Pullout and Walking Susceptibility Analysis.................................. 19
4.3 Lateral Buckling Susceptibility Analysis ............................................................................ 20
4.4 VAS and Initiation Strategy Analysis ................................................................................ 20
4.5 Lateral Buckling & Walking Detailed Analysis .................................................................. 21
4.6 Upheaval Buckling Preliminary Analysis .......................................................................... 22
4.7 Upheaval Buckling Detailed Analysis ............................................................................... 23
4.8 As-Built Global Buckling Design Analysis ......................................................................... 23
5 MODELING REQUIREMENTS FOR FEA ........................................................................... 24
5.1 Finite Element Model ....................................................................................................... 24
5.2 Material Modeling............................................................................................................. 25
5.3 Seabed Response ........................................................................................................... 26
5.4 Stress and Strain Concentration Factors .......................................................................... 26
5.5 Installation Residual Strains (If applicable) ....................................................................... 27
6 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR EXPOSED PIPELINES ..................................................... 28
6.1 Restrain Pipeline Expansion ............................................................................................ 28
6.2 Control Pipeline Expansion .............................................................................................. 28
7 GLOBAL BUCKLING DESIGN DOCUMENTATION ........................................................... 30
7.1 Reports ............................................................................................................................ 30
7.2 Result Presentation Requirements ................................................................................... 30
7.3 Recommendations for Pipeline Operation ........................................................................ 31
APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 32
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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope

This Technical Specification establishes complementary requirements to the DNVGL-RP-F110 [1]

and covers the scope of work, technical requirements and deliverables related to global buckling
design of rigid subsea pipelines.

The contents of this Technical Specification cover only the following subjects:
 End expansion;
 Global buckling, including lateral buckling (snaking) and vertical (upheaval) buckling;
 Curve pullout;
 Buckle interaction and stability;
 Pipeline walking.

CONTRACTOR shall consider that global buckling design includes all subjects listed above.

This Technical Specification describes the premises and methodology to be followed by the
CONTRACTOR in global buckling design of subsea rigid pipelines operating under high pressure
and temperature (HP/HT) conditions, as well as makes reference to the codes, design guidelines and
technical publications that shall be also considered by the CONTRACTOR.

This technical specification not addresses all pipeline design, and shall be complemented with a
recognized pipeline design code.

This technical specification addresses specific issues associated with structural integrity of global
buckling design. Design for limit states within this technical specification adopts DNVGL-ST-F101 [2].

Finally, this Technical Specification defines mainly all analyses of global buckling design that the
CONTRACTOR shall perform and submit by reports for PETROBRAS approval.

All deviations to this Technical Specification and other referenced specifications or attachments listed
in the Contract shall be made in writing and shall require written approval by PETROBRAS prior to
executing the work.

1.2 References

The following documents were adopted as reference for this technical specification. Whenever the
revision is not mentioned the last review of such references is applicable.

1.2.1 Design International Codes

[1] DNVGL-RP-F110, Recommended Practice, Global Buckling of Submarine Pipelines,

Structural Design Due to High Temperature / High Pressure.

[2] DNVGL-ST-F101, Standard, Submarine Pipeline Systems.

[3] DNVGL-RP-C203, Recommended Practice, Fatigue Strength Analysis of Offshore Steel

Structures.

[4] DNVGL-RP-F109, Recommended Practice, On-bottom Stability Design of Submarine

Pipelines.
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1.2.2 PETROBRAS Technical Specifications

[5] Alternative Flaw Acceptance Criteria of Submarine Rigid Pipelines and Risers Girth Welds,
PETROBRAS Technical Specification, I-ET-0000.00-6500-210-PSQ-001.

[6] Minimum Requirements for Buoyancy Modules for Flowlines and SLWRs, PETROBRAS
Technical Specification, I-ET-0000.00-0000-250-P9U-002.

[7] Sleeper for Lateral Buckling Initiation, PETROBRAS Technical Specification, I-ET-0000.00-
0000-250-P9U-001.

[8] Rigid Pipeline On-Bottom Roughness and Free Span Design, PETROBRAS Technical
Specification, I-ET-0000.00-0000-940-P9U-002.

1.2.3 PETROBRAS Standards

[9] N-381 - Execução de Desenho e outros Documentos Técnicos em Geral.

[10] N-1710 - Codificação de Documentos Técnicos de Engenharia.

[11] N-2064 - Emissão e Revisão de Documentos de Projeto.

1.2.4 Technical Publications

[12] Carr, M., Sinclair, F. and Bruton, D., “Pipeline Walking – Understanding the Field Layout
Challenges, and Analytical Solutions Developed for SAFEBUCK JIP”, Offshore Technology
Conference, OTC2006-17945, May 2006.

[13] Palmer, A. C., Ellinas, C. P., Richards, D. M., Register, L. and Guijt, J., “Design of
Submarine Pipelines Against Upheaval Buckling”, Offshore Technology Conference,
OTC1990-6335, May 1990.

In case of disparity between the requirements of such references and those established in this
document, the specifications of this document shall prevail.
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1.3 Definitions

The following definitions are adopted in this technical specification:

2½D Analyses: Pipeline analyses with all degrees of freedom (i.e. 3D) both modelled
and analyzed in three dimensions, i. e., including curves in the vertical
and horizontal planes, but with the seabed in the lateral direction
modelled as flat
Bathymetry Profile 2D profile determined by the sea level along a specific pipeline route
Characteristic VAS Virtual anchor spacing, i.e. distance between virtual anchor points
along the pipeline length
CONTRACTOR: Company responsible for the global buckling design of subsea
pipelines
Effective Axial Force: The combined axial action of the stress in the pipe wall and the internal
and external pressure
Global Buckling: On-set of transverse instability of a significant length of pipe. The
transversal instability could be in the vertical plane (upheaval buckling)
or horizontal plane (lateral buckling)
Lateral Buckling: Global buckling in the horizontal plane (the post buckling condition is
sometimes also referred to as snaking)
Out-of-Straightness: Pipeline initial geometrical imperfection. Lateral OOS refers to inherent
initial imperfection due to pipeline lay process
Pipeline Expansion Pipeline movement axially, deflection in spans or displacement into
one buckle
Pipeline Walking: Axial accumulation of displacement due to thermal and pressure cycle
loads. Also known as axial ratcheting.
Pullout: Route curve instability, i. e, lateral instability of pipeline route curve
Rigid Pipeline: A continuous pipeline composed of steel linepipes and used for
transporting fluids
Rogue Buckle: Lateral buckles formed on the seabed where no trigger is employed, i.
e., unintended or unplanned on-bottom buckles
Seabed Bathymetry 3D surface determined by the sea level
Subsea Equipment: Subsea structures connected at the pipeline ends or in the middle of
the lines, as PLETs, PLEMs and ILTs, for example.
Tolerable VAS: Virtual anchor spacing which exactly match the governing design
criterion
Triggers: Buckle initiators used to control lateral buckling phenomenon
Upheaval Buckling: Global buckling in the vertical plane (the post buckling condition is
sometimes also referred to as vertical buckling)
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1.4 Abbreviations

The following abbreviations adopted along this technical specification are presented below:

BE Best estimate (most likely)

CRA Corrosion Resistance Alloy
ECA Engineering critical assessment
FE Finite element
FEA Finite element analysis
HP/HT High pressure / High temperature
ILT In-line tee
KP Kilometer Post
LE Lower estimate
N/A Not Applicable
No. Number
OOS Out-of-straightness
PLEM Pipeline end manifold
PLET Pipeline end terminator
SCF Stress concentration factor
SMYS Specified Minimum Yield Stress
SNCF Strain concentration factor
UE Upper estimate
VAS Virtual anchor spacing
VIV Vortex Induced Vibration
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1.5 Symbols

The following symbols are adopted in this technical specification:

Latin Characters

As Steel cross sectional area of the pipe steel

E Young’s Modulus
I Pipeline second moment of area
Lh Virtual anchor length
R Curvature radius of pipeline route
S0 Fully constrained effective axial force
S end End reaction imposed on pipeline
S max Maximum compressive effective axial force
W Pipeline submerged weight in the phase considered

Greek Characters

 Angle through pipeline curve

T Difference in temperature relative to the temperature during installation
x End expansion
 l,nom Total nominal longitudinal strain
lb Lateral breakout friction factor
 ar Axial residual friction factor
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2 DESIGN PREMISES

2.1 Scope of Design Analysis

2.1.1 General

CONTRACTOR shall perform at least the following analyses:

 Lateral Buckling Susceptibility;
 Upheaval Buckling Susceptibility;
 End Expansion;
 Pipeline Walking Susceptibility;
 Curve Pullout Susceptibility;
 Lateral Buckling VAS;
 Buckle Formation;
 Buckle Interaction and Walking Detailed;
 Upheaval Buckling Detailed.

2.1.2 Basic Design

The scope of basic design shall comprise at least the following analyses:
 Lateral Buckling Susceptibility;
 Upheaval Buckling Susceptibility;
 End Expansion;
 Pipeline Walking Susceptibility;
 Curve Pullout Susceptibility;
 Lateral Buckling VAS.

2.1.3 Detailed Design

All analyses listed in Section 2.1.1 above shall be performed in pipeline detailed design and follow
the methodology defined in Section 3.

2.2 Design Standard and Recommended Practices

The pipeline shall be designed in accordance with DNVGL-ST-F101 [2] and others documents
referenced in Section 1.2 of this Technical Specification.

The pipeline global buckling design shall be performed in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] and
complementary requirements of this Technical Specification.

In all cases, the latest edition of the relevant regulations, codes, standards and guidance notes shall
be used, unless noted otherwise.

2.3 Data for Global Buckling Design

Regarding global buckling design, the following information shall be included in pipeline design basis
and soil interaction reports:

2.3.1 Pipeline Data

At least the following pipeline data and material parameters shall be presented:
 Outside Diameter;
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 Wall Thickness;
 Fabrication thickness tolerance;
 Pipeline length;
 Pipe material specification;
 Pipe steel density;
 Coating thickness;
 Coating density;
 Corrosion allowance;
 CRA layer thickness;
 CRA layer density;
 Cut back length;
 Field joint coating density;
 Stress-strain curve;
 Safety class and safety factors.

The material parameters shall be presented in accordance with Table 3-2 from DNVGL-RP-F110 [1]
over the temperature range applicable to design.

2.3.2 Route Design Data

At least the following data along the pipeline route shall be presented:
 Layout;
 Seabed bathymetry;
 Arrangements and locations (KP and coordinates) of crossings;
 Subsea equipment information (locations, submerged weight and surface area in contact with
soil);
 Locations and relevant characteristics of anchoring systems;
 Pipeline residual lay tension.

2.3.3 Operational Data

At least the following operational data shall be presented:

 Incidental pressure;
 Hydrostatic test pressure;
 Content (fluid) density;
 Operational temperature;
 Operational pressure;
 Maximum design temperature;
 Design life;
 Pressure and temperature steady state profiles;
 Pressure and temperature transient profiles;
 Shutdown scenarios (startup-shutdown frequencies and operational conditions).

2.3.4 Environmental Data

At least the following key environmental conditions shall be presented:

 Seawater temperatures;
 Seawater density;
 Return period bottom current;
 Return period wave-induced flow.
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2.3.5 Soil Resistance and Stiffness Data

At least the following data regarding the interaction with soil shall be presented:
 Pipe embedment;
 Axial friction factors (breakout and residual);
 Lateral friction factors (breakout and residual);
 Lateral berm friction factors (cyclic response);
 Vertical soil stiffness;
 Equipment resistances;
 Associated mobilization displacements.
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2.4 Design Loads

2.4.1 Operational and Design Loads

The global buckling design shall be based upon the design pressure and temperature; it shall be
assumed that this design pressure and temperature shall not be exceeded during the life of the
pipeline. The analysis shall take advantage of the gradients along the pipeline length. The pipe wall
temperature shall be used in the analysis if this is available from the process simulations.

For calculation of the fatigue loads as well as in buckle interaction and pipeline walking analyses the
pipeline operational pressure and temperature shall be employed.

The stress range developed depends upon the phasing between pressurization and thermal load.
The analysis shall be based upon the following load cycle:
 Pressure-up;
 Heat-up;
 Pressure down;
 Cool down.

The application of operational cyclic loads shall produce the most onerous stress range associated
with the change in operational conditions.

2.4.2 Environmental loads

The bottom current loads and wave-induced flow loads shall be take into account in global buckling
design in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

2.4.3 Load Combinations

All relevant load combinations shall be checked in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

2.5 Limit States Checks

2.5.1 General

The design shall demonstrate that the pipeline is fit for purpose for the entire life of the field, and
fulfills all relevant limit state design checks as follow:
 Local buckling limit state – combined loading;
 Axial loading limit state;
 Uniform strain capacity;
 Plasticity limitations;
 Fatigue;
 Fracture.

All other limit states relevant for pipelines not covered in this technical specification (pressure
containment, hydrostatic collapse, etc.) shall be evaluated in accordance with DNVGL-OS-F101 [2]
design code. The required approach to the remaining limit states is outlined in this Section; this
approach shall be only intended for use in the assessment of the conditions in the buckled pipeline.

In addition to the key failure modes presented above, there are others failure modes that should be
verified by the CONTRACTOR if considered relevant.
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In addition to these limit states, the pipeline material properties shall be consistent with the high levels
of imposed load following the requirements established in Section 2.3.1.

Along the design details relating to the limit state checks and the methodology that will be used to
interpret these limit states shall be presented for PETROBRAS approval.

Besides the limit states specified below, design specific requirements shall be observed in regions
such as crossings, free spans, etc.

2.5.2 Local Buckling Limit State – Combined Loading

The local buckling limit state shall be checked in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1], considering
the seabed definition (even, moderately uneven or uneven). Regarding the strain based formulation
the total nominal longitudinal strain  l,nom should be limited to 0.4% (including load factors and all
strain concentration factors). For pipelines with CRA internal layer or operational scenarios with
higher strain level, special requirements for ECA as per Section 2.5.4 shall be considered.

2.5.3 Fatigue

The fatigue life of the pipeline welds shall be checked in accordance with Recommended Practice
DNVGL-RP-C203 [3]. Requirements defined in DNVGL-ST-F101 [2] and DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] shall
also be fulfilled. The following points shall be considered:

 The welds shall be assumed to lie at the apex of the buckle;

 Knock-down factors shall be defined for specific project conditions.

The fatigue life defined in this Technical Specification refers only to stress range due to temperature
and pressure variations during hydrotest and operational life, i. e., low cycle fatigue. Other possible
sources of stress variations (VIV and laying process) shall be considered in specific reports to
evaluate the cumulative damage when relevant.

2.5.4 Fracture

CONTRACTOR shall fulfill the fatigue and fracture requirements defined by DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

Total nominal longitudinal strain shall be limited in CRA internal layer pipes and girth welds in order
to avoid significant ductile tearing / fatigue crack growth and, consequently, the rupture of CRA layer.
Engineering critical assessment (ECA) shall comply with PETROBRAS Technical Specification I-ET-
0000.00-6500-210-PSQ-001 [5].

2.5.5 Axial Loading Limit State

Buried pipeline design shall fulfills the axial loading limit state as defined by DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

2.5.6 Uniform Strain Capacity

The imposed strain should not approach the uniform strain capacity of the material. The maximum
nominal equivalent strain developed in the buckle shall not exceed the limitation defined by DNVGL-
RP-F110 [1].

This check shall be based upon the nominal strain developed at the buckle; no strain concentration
factor (SNCF) shall be considered in this design check.
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2.5.7 Cyclic Plasticity Limit State

The criteria defined in DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] shall be fulfilled.

This check shall be based upon the nominal stress developed at the buckle; no stress concentration
factor (SCF) shall be considered in this design check.
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3 DESIGN METHODOLOGY
CONTRACTOR shall adopt the design methodology outlined in DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] for the global
buckling design.

In addition to the items presented in DNVGL-RP-F110 [1], CONTRACTOR shall assess end
expansion, susceptibility to pipeline walking and route curve pullout. The following Sections present
the methodology for all these items.

3.1 End Expansion

The virtual anchor point shall be considered as the intersection point between the effective axial force
in the pipeline for fully restrained condition and the build up in effective force due to axial friction.
Thus, the virtual anchor length shall be determined using the following equation:

S0  Send
Lh  (3.1)
ar .W 

Where: S 0 is the fully restrained effective axial force as per DNVGL-RP-F110 [1];

S end is the end reaction imposed on the pipeline;

 ar is the residual axial friction factor at the phase analyzed;
W  is the pipeline submerged weight at the phase analyzed.

It shall be noted that Equation (3.1) is not valid for a pipeline fully mobilized, i.e., where the restrained
effective axial force is not reached.

Therefore, the end expansion considering flat seabed condition shall be obtained by the following
equation:

S 0  S end
Lh

x  
0
E As
dx (3.2)

Where: E is Young’s modulus;

As is the cross sectional area of the pipe steel.

3.2 Route Curve Pullout

The initial assessment of curve pullout shall be undertaken using analytical models. The analytical
models can be used to predict the lateral stability of the pipeline at a route-curve due to the effective
axial force, lateral friction response and radius of curvature. The lateral stability of a curve can be
guaranteed, at least in a preliminary approach, if the inequality below is satisfied:

EI
S max   lb .W ' R  (3.3)
R (1  cos( ))
2

Where:  is the angle through curves along the pipeline route;

R is any curvature radius of pipeline route;
W  is the minimum pipe submerged weight per unit length during the phase analyzed;
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lb is the minimum breakout lateral friction factor during the phase analyzed.

The assessment of curve pullout shall be performed for the hydrotest and design conditions. If
susceptibility to curve pullout is indicated in any case a detailed numerical assessment shall be
performed. Curve pullout due to installation loads shall be evaluated in the appropriate design
document.

3.3 Lateral Buckling

Susceptibility to global buckling initiated by uneven seabed as well as buckling initiated by lateral
imperfections (even seabed) shall be analyzed in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

The susceptibility of the pipeline to lateral buckling shall be checked by comparing the fully
constrained force (incorporating end expansion effects where appropriate) against the critical
buckling force. If the imposed force exceeds the critical buckling force then the pipeline shall be
designed for lateral buckling in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

The strategy to be employed for the design shall make extensive use of the VAS concept and finding
robust technical solutions for on-bottom (rogue, unintended or unplanned) and triggered (planned)
buckles, in this case if buckle initiations are adopted.

The design procedure shall identify the tolerable VAS and ensure that buckles will form regularly
enough to ensure this spacing limit is not violated. The design procedure shall be in accordance with
Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1 - Design Procedure for Lateral Buckling Design, as per DNVGL-RP-F110 [1]
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3.4 Virtual Anchor Spacing (VAS) and Buckle Initiation Strategy

If the critical buckling force is exceeded, the loads in the buckle shall be calculated and checked
against the relevant limit states. If the loads in the buckle are high enough to fail a limit state check,
then the loads in the buckle shall be reduced by reducing the spacing between buckles. Repeating
the calculation until all limit states are met leads to the Tolerable VAS.

The design procedure presented in Figure 3.2 shall be adopted to calculate Tolerable VAS as per
DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

Figure 3.2 – Identification of Tolerable VAS, as per DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

In addition to the definition of the Tolerable VAS, the Characteristic VAS defined in DNVGL-RP-F110
[1] shall also be calculated for planned buckles, unplanned buckles, and unplanned buckles which
occur between planned buckles.

A robust buckle initiation strategy shall be engineered. Thus, the pipeline shall form buckles
considering the Tolerable VAS and Characteristic VAS approaches. The OOS uncertainty shall be
considered and this shall be compatible to levels whereby the project can proceed with confidence.

A limit shall be defined to how closely the buckles can be guaranteed and this practical limit shall be
incorporated in the overall design.

A buckle initiation strategy shall be selected. Details about these buckle initiators shall be observed
and shall comply with the specific requirements described in Section 6.2.

3.5 Buckle Interaction

Once an acceptable lateral bucking strategy has been developed, then buckle interaction and pipeline
walking shall be evaluated in order to ensure that undesirable cyclic behavior does not occur.

The cyclic expansion behavior shall be assessed including buckle interaction, buckle stability, route
curve pullout as well as pipeline walking (see Section 3.6).
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The buckle stability behavior shall also be analyzed for the entire pipeline route, including route
bends, engineered buckles and rogue (unintended) buckles.

A FE model shall be employed to analyze in detail the buckle interaction and stability behaviors of
the pipeline.

The behavior of the pipeline is acceptable if the displacements over the design life is within
acceptable, the loads within any lateral buckle remain sustainable and route curve pullout does not
occur.

3.6 Pipeline Walking

3.6.1 Susceptibility to Walking

CONTRACTOR shall assess the susceptibility to pipeline walking (axial ratcheting) due to seabed
slope, riser tension and thermal transients using the methodology outlined in OTC 17945 [12]. In this
assessment, minimum residual axial friction factor shall be adopted.

The pipeline walking analysis shall be also carried out for long pipelines where the lateral buckles
essentially divide the pipeline into a series of short pipelines. Thus, this behavior shall be analyzed
for any pipeline that adopts the buckle initiation solution [12].

3.6.2 Walking Detailed Assessment

A FE model shall be employed to analyze in detail the walking behavior of the pipeline.

The incremental displacement associated with each start-up cycle shall be evaluated. The most likely
total displacement over the life of the pipeline shall be calculated based upon this incremental
displacement and the design cyclic loads.

The design is acceptable if the total axial and lateral displacements over the entire life of the pipeline
are below the design limits and all the limit state checks are met.

If the end connections or lateral buckles cannot tolerate the total displacement developed over the
entire life of the pipeline, remedial measures to control the walking shall be required. In this case,
guidance on suitable remedial measures shall be outlined (including required anchor capacity), but
technical requirements for detailed designs of any remedial measures (for example anchoring) are
not part of this Technical Specification.

3.7 Upheaval Buckling

A sufficient cover height shall be designed to prevent upheaval buckling and keep the pipeline in its
original position in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1], following the design procedure presented
in Figure 3.3.
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Figure 3.3 - Design Procedure for Upheaval Buckling Design, as per DNVGL-RP-F110 [1]
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4 DESIGN ANALYSIS

4.1 Analysis Cases

The global buckling design shall comprise at least the analysis cases defined in DNVGL-RP-F110
[1].

CONTRACTOR shall consider maximum design temperature and incidental pressure profiles for all
analyses presented in following Sections, except for buckle interaction and pipeline walking (Section
4.5.2).

Considering that the friction factor values are calculated from LE, BE and UE soil properties, the
minimum friction factor represents the lowest nominal value obtained from LE, BE and UE soil
properties. Similarly, the maximum friction factor represents the highest nominal value obtained from
LE, BE and UE soil properties. The mean friction factor value shall be obtained from the BE soil
property.

4.2 End Expansion, Curve Pullout and Walking Susceptibility Analysis

4.2.1 End Expansion

CONTRACTOR shall determinate analytically the end expansion displacements using a MathCad
spreadsheet adopting Equations (3.1) e (3.2) or numerically using FE model. CONTRACTOR shall
consider the minimum axial resistances in order to lead to the maximum end expansion.

CONTRACTOR shall assess the end expansion at least for hydrotest and operational conditions.
The following loads shall be considered for hydrotest condition: maximum hydrotest pressure and
submerged weight of the pipeline. The following loads shall be considered for operational condition:
maximum design temperature, incidental pressure and minimum submerged weight of the pipeline.

The pipeline submerged weight, contents pressure and residual lay tension may be considered
constant along the pipeline.

CONTRACTOR shall estimate values of residual lay tension based on installation analysis report and
consider a conservative value in end expansion analysis.

CONTRACTOR shall estimate values of end reaction force based on equipment-soil interaction
report and consider a conservative value in end expansion analysis.

Finally, CONTRACTOR shall determine and report at least the maximum expansion predicted in both
pipeline ends for hydrotest and operational conditions.

4.2.2 Susceptibility to Curve Pullout

CONTRACTOR shall evaluate the susceptibility to curve pullout in accordance with Section 3.2.

Pipeline stability is not scope of this Section; however it shall be observed that the stability of planned
buckle initiation sites shall be analyzed as per Section 4.5.

4.2.3 Susceptibility to Pipeline Walking

CONTRACTOR shall evaluate the susceptibility to pipeline walking in accordance with Section 3.6.1.
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The susceptibility to walking shall be undertaken using analytical models or simplified FE models.
The analytical models can be used to predict pipeline walking due to thermal transients and seabed
slopes, and provide an initial indication of the severity of the walking design.

The number of operational cycles shall be considered in the walking assessment.

The pipeline walking assessment shall be based on two scenarios:

 Walking response of straight pipeline;
 Walking response between buckles.

A sensitivity analysis covering the range from the lower to higher values shall be undertaken to
quantify the effect of following key parameters:
 Axial friction factors;
 Thermal gradients from transient flow assurance simulations;
 Seabed slope;
 Riser tension.

The results of the sensitivity study shall be used to quantify the severity of the pipeline walking
behavior and define the cases to be analyzed using FEA.

Note: In susceptibility analysis to both route curve pullout and pipeline walking, Sections 4.2.2 and 4.2.3,
respectively, CONTRACTOR shall consider the multiphase flow mechanism (effect of liquid holdup) only
if is required by PETROBRAS, i. e., in cases when is representative and/or significant in terms of pipeline
behavior.

4.3 Lateral Buckling Susceptibility Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall evaluate the susceptibility to lateral buckling in accordance with Section 3.3.

CONTRACTOR shall determine the susceptibility to lateral buckling by comparing the maximum
force profile in the pipeline and the critical buckling force. In addition, the maximum resistances
imposed at pipeline’s ends shall be considered.

4.4 VAS and Initiation Strategy Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall evaluate the Tolerable VAS, Characteristic VAS and initiation strategy of
buckles in accordance with Section 3.4.

4.4.1 Tolerable VAS

CONTRACTOR shall also determine the Tolerable VAS associated with rogue buckles and buckles
at trigger locations using FEA considering flat seabed.

CONTRACTOR shall carry out the lateral buckling VAS analyses defined in Section 6.6 of DNVGL-
RP-F110 [1]. CONTRACTOR shall assess the severity of any buckle that could form, evaluating the
limit states stated in Section 2.5. Lateral buckling VAS analyses shall be presented indicating which
limit state governs the tolerable VAS.

In all VAS analyses, CONTRACTOR shall adopt an initial geometrical imperfection (OOS) in VAS
model. CONTRACTOR shall define the initial OOS considering maximum curvature radius and OOS
amplitude lower or equal to 1m, ensuring buckle is formed and limit states can be checked.
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CONTRACTOR shall present the Tolerable VAS for the buckle initiators and also for the on-bottom
rogue buckles.

4.4.2 Characteristic VAS

CONTRACTOR shall also determine the Characteristic VAS adopting critical buckling forces and
post-buckling effective axial forces from Tolerable VAS analyses.

If a planned buckling strategy is adopted, CONTRACTOR shall use the VAS model defining a
minimum curvature radius in order to obtain the lower estimate of the critical buckling force for an
unplanned buckle. This minimum curvature radius shall be based on previous projects considering
only similar pipelines laid by same vessel that will lay the pipeline. Alternatively, the critical buckling
force can be also calculated using analytical equation stated in DNVGL-ST-F110 [1].

4.4.3 Initiation strategy

If necessary, CONTRACTOR shall develop a suitable initiation strategy, which ensures that the
Characteristic VAS is smaller than or equal to Tolerable VAS.

CONTRACTOR shall carry sensitivity analyses taking into account Section 6.2 requirements in order
to investigate the effect of buckle initiators characteristics. For example, when considering sleeper
as initiation strategy CONTRACTOR shall evaluate at least the influence of its height and pipeline-
sleeper friction. In case of adopted distributed buoyancy sections, CONTRACTOR shall evaluate at
least the influence of the percentage of submerged weight reduction and their length.

CONTRACTOR shall indicate buckle initiator number and locations (KP) along the pipeline route.
These locations shall be defined in order to avoid buckles at pipeline crossings, equipment and other
restricted areas.

4.5 Lateral Buckling & Walking Detailed Analysis

4.5.1 Initiation Strategy Robustness Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall verify the robustness of the buckle initiation strategy performing analysis using
full-length 2½D numerical models and considering bathymetric profile along the pipeline route. All
features along the route shall be considered in the FE models, such as free span rectifications,
pipeline crossing arrangements, equipment, etc.

Initially CONTRACTOR shall perform analyses for the pipeline with no buckle initiators considering
the pipe-soil resistance combination that leads to the worst limit state check in VAS analysis.
Afterwards CONTRACTOR shall carry out analyses considering the buckle initiation strategy outlined
previously in the VAS and Initiation Strategy Analysis (Section 4.4) for the following pipe-soil
resistance combinations: i) BE axial / LE lateral and ii) BE axial / UE lateral. CONTRACTOR shall
assess the robustness of the buckle initiation strategy, evaluating if the Tolerable VAS is exceeded.

CONTRACTOR shall consider a lateral OOS distribution with the same characteristics (minimum
curvature radius and OOS amplitude) adopted in Section 4.4.2. Lateral OOS can be represented by
a sinusoidal horizontal distribution.

In order to demonstrate the robustness of the buckle initiation strategy, CONTRACTOR shall carry
out two additional analyses for the most critical case identified, considering:
 An OOS distribution with minimum curvature radius of ten times previously adopted;
 An OOS distribution with minimum curvature radius shifted axially a quarter of wavelength
initially adopted.
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CONTRACTOR shall consider the temperature’s transient profiles during heat up on the steps of the
FE model in all aforementioned analyses until steady state profile is achieved.

In general, the results of the analyses shall demonstrate that the proposed initiation strategy is robust.
The strategy shall ensure that the buckle spacing is below the tolerable spacing defined at Section
4.4 for buckles at the initiators and on-bottom.

Global buckling is not allowed in sensitive areas. Therefore, the initiation strategy shall also avoid
buckles at these areas, such as crossings, free span rectifications and close to a mid-line tie-in
location.

4.5.2 Buckle Interaction & Walking Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall verify the global expansion, buckle interaction and stability, route curve pullout
and pipeline walking behaviors performing full-length finite element analyses using 2½D numerical
models and considering bathymetric profile. All features along the route shall be considered in the
FE models, such as free span rectifications, pipeline crossing arrangements, equipment, etc.

Since the bathymetric profile shall be incorporated in the analysis, CONTRACTOR shall provide a
prediction of the pipeline spanning response. CONTRACTOR shall address the integrity assessment
of the predicted spans in the specific span report, such as on-bottom roughness and fatigue analysis.
This report shall be developed according to PETROBRAS Technical Specification [8].

CONTRACTOR shall perform an analysis for the entire pipeline considering the pipe-soil resistance
combinations defined in Table 4-3 of DNVGL-RP-F110 [1], in order to evaluate pipeline walking.
CONTRACTOR shall analyze an additional case considering the pipe-soil resistance combination BE
axial / LE lateral, in order to evaluate buckle stability.

The influence of seabed bathymetry on buckle interaction, buckle stability and pipeline walking shall
be evaluated, adopting for example a shifted pipeline route at the laying corridor. CONTRACTOR
shall identify any severe bathymetric feature, which should be incorporated into the FE models,
including, for example, relevant transversal seabed slopes.

For these cases defined above, CONTRACTOR shall adopt a lateral OOS distribution with the same
characteristics (minimum curvature radius and OOS amplitude) adopted in Section 4.4.2.

The axial and lateral displacement response of the pipeline during cyclic loading shall be simulated
until its behavior could be considered stable or the total number of cycles specified is reached.
Additionally, independent of displacement stabilization CONTRACTOR shall consider at least ten
complete operational cycles (full shutdown and heat-up) in all analyses performed.

4.6 Upheaval Buckling Preliminary Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall determine the susceptibility to upheaval buckling for buried pipelines by
calculating the maximum force profile in the pipeline and the uplift resistance. A pipeline shall be
considered susceptible to upheaval buckling when the force exerted by it on the soil cover exceeds
the vertical restraint against uplift movement.

CONTRACTOR shall obtain the effective axial force and the uplift resistance based on Palmer et al.
[13] approach and shall follow DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] formulations and requirements, considering pre-
installed design phase for buried pipelines.
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4.7 Upheaval Buckling Detailed Analysis

CONTRACTOR shall carry out the upheaval buckling detailed analysis of buried pipelines in
accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1], considering the methodology, phases, design process criteria
and all requirements of this DNVGL recommended practice.

4.8 As-Built Global Buckling Design Analysis

4.8.1 Exposed Pipeline

After pipeline installation, CONTRACTOR shall perform full-length finite element analyses using 2½D
numerical models (based on Section 4.5.2) and considering the following information, obtained both
from as-laid and as-built surveys:
 Bathymetric profile;
 Pipe-soil penetration;
 Initial lateral OOS;
 Span rectifications;
 Crossing arrangements;
 Buckle initiators;
 Residual lay tension;
 Equipment location;
 Any other feature that may influence pipeline behavior.

CONTRACTOR shall consider the requirements of Section 10.2 of DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] concerning
the as-laid and as-built surveys.

Pipe-soil resistances as well as the interaction between the structures and the soil shall be
reassessed based on the as-laid and as-built survey data.

This as-built global buckling design analyses shall be performed considering the reassessed pipe-
soil resistance combination that led to the most critical results, in terms of limit state check, obtained
from the previous analyses. CONTRACTOR shall demonstrate that the Tolerable VAS is fulfilled at
buckle initiators and on-bottom buckles and global buckling is not predicted at sensitive areas, such
as, crossings, free span rectifications and close to a mid-line tie-in location. CONTRACTOR shall
also demonstrate that the response regarding buckle stability and pipeline walking fulfills the design
criteria.

4.8.2 Buried Pipeline

After pipeline installation, CONTRACTOR shall perform an assessment in order to evaluate the
pipeline behavior considering measured vertical imperfections and cover heights obtained during
pipeline construction phase.

CONTRACTOR shall perform full-length finite element analyses considering the following
information, obtained both from as-laid and as-built surveys:
 As-laid/as-trenched pipeline configuration;
 Actual cover height;
 Equipment location;
 Any other feature that may influence pipeline behavior.

For the as-installed phase, CONTRACTOR shall demonstrate that the limit states presented in
DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] are fulfilled.
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5 MODELING REQUIREMENTS FOR FEA

5.1 Finite Element Model

Part of the global buckling design (Sections 4.4 to 4.8) shall be carried out by application of finite
element methods. The finite element analysis shall be performed using the Abaqus software.

The FE models shall be able to represent the appropriate non-linearities including:

 Non-linear geometry response (large displacements and large rotations);
 Material non-linearity (plasticity);
 Non-linear pipe-soil interaction with uncoupled friction factors (anisotropic) in axial, lateral and
vertical directions.

The pipeline shall be modeled using pipe elements able to represent the coupling of the internal
pressure and the thermal expansion with the bending moment.

The element length in the buckle shall be small enough to identify the curvatures developed within
the buckle. The maximum element length at the expected buckle location and in its vicinity shall be
limited to one pipe diameter and the elements shall employ at least 8 integration points around the
circumference.

It is not acceptable to apply equivalent loads in order to represent temperature and/or pressure
loadings.

At least the following load steps shall be considered:

 Apply submerged weight of pipeline and external hydrostatic pressure;
 Lay the pipeline on seabed;
 Include initial lateral OOS;
 Incorporate the stresses associated with the as-laid condition, such as: static residual lay
tension, route bends and seabed bathymetry, when applicable;
 Set the as-laid conditions, e.g. equipment, anchoring, etc.;
 Flood the pipeline;
 Apply the hydrotest pressure;
 Remove the hydrotest pressure;
 De-water the pipeline;
 Include pipeline internal content;
 Apply the incidental pressure profile;
 Apply the maximum design temperature profile;
 Remove the incidental pressure profile;
 Apply the ambient temperature;
 Apply the operational cycles of restart and shutdown.

The minimum seawater temperature shall be obtained from Meteocean Data. CONTRACTOR shall
consider this data in order to evaluate the difference in temperature relative to the temperature during
installation ( T ).

The analysis shall take into account all relevant boundary conditions, such as:
 Bathymetric profile;
 Pipeline crossings and free-spans corrections;
 Spools pieces, connections, PLEMs, PLETs, ILTs, anchoring systems, etc.;
 Lateral OOS due to laying process;
 Pipeline embedment.
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These boundary conditions shall be considered in the appropriate load steps listed above.

In order to assess the fatigue and fracture limit states, a minimum of three full heat-up and shutdown
cycles shall be modeled. If the soil modeling does not take into account the berm effects, the stress
range to be considered in fatigue and fracture analysis shall be obtained from the first cycle.

The global buckling design shall employ two distinct types of FE model:
 VAS models;
 Full-length models.

The areas of application of each of these models are described in Sections 4.4 to 4.8 of this Technical
Specification.

5.1.1 VAS Models

The VAS models shall represent a short length of pipe, where the ends of the models shall be fully
restrained to represent the virtual anchor points.

The models shall be set up to assess on-bottom buckling such as that provided by lateral out-of-
straightness (OOS) or initiation techniques like buoyancy modules and sleepers.

5.1.2 Full-Length Models

Full-length 2½D models shall be used to assess initiation strategy robustness, walking and buckle
interaction in order to confirm the acceptability of the design, as defined in Section 4.5.

These models shall represent the entire pipeline length including subsea equipment, bathymetric
profile, pipeline crossings, etc. The soil-equipment interaction shall be adequately modeled
considering the equipment weight and soil resistance. If the length of the models is too large, the
element discretization in regions where no buckles are observed may be coarser.

The numerical models shall incorporate at least the following features:

 The startup transient temperature profiles;
 A sufficient number of time steps to represent the restart/shutdown process and to capture the
walking response.

5.2 Material Modeling

5.2.1 Stress-Strain Behavior

For welded pipes, the stress-strain curve to be adopted in analyses shall consider the hardening
behavior based on material tests.

For seamless pipe, a perfectly plastic stress-strain curve using SMYS shall be adopted in analyses.

The cyclic plasticity is not acceptable in any case.

5.2.2 Temperature Dependence

The following material properties shall incorporate the detrimental effect of temperature:
 Yield stress;
 Young’s modulus;
 Coefficient of thermal expansion.
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5.3 Seabed Response

A three-dimensional surface shall be employed to model the seabed. The soil resistance shall be
modeled using decoupled axial and lateral equivalent friction factors along with vertical stiffness.

5.3.1 Axial and Lateral Resistance

The axial and lateral pipe-soil interaction shall be modeled in FE model considering the non-linear
axial and lateral force resistance curve.

For basic designs, the analysis can be based upon residual axial and lateral resistance, i.e.,
appropriate traditional bi-linear Coulomb friction models. For detailed design, the analysis shall
employ the non-linear lateral resistance curve (breakout and residual).

The effect of soil berm resistance shall be incorporated where relevant.

5.3.2 Vertical Stiffness and Resistance

FE model shall employ the BE vertical force displacement response.

The vertical uplift resistance for upheaval buckling analyses of buried pipelines shall be considered
in accordance with DNVGL-RP-F110 [1] recommendations.

5.3.3 Influence of Enhanced Embedment

A specific soil lateral resistance at regions of enhanced embedment such as span shoulders, close
to sleeper and crossing locations shall be considered, where relevant.

5.4 Stress and Strain Concentration Factors

Field joints, buckle arrestors, welding mismatches or any intermediate structure in the pipeline can
introduce significant stiffness discontinuity and this shall be considered using SCF/SNCF in the
evaluation of relevant limit states (Section 2.5). Moreover, local models shall be used in order to
evaluate SCF/SNCF.

The effect of these discontinuities shall be incorporated into the design process.

5.4.1 Field Joints

The SCF/SNCF shall be calculated using FEA considering:

 Stress-strain properties of coatings (elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and yield strength)
considering design load and temperature effects;
 The length of the model shall be sufficient to avoid undesirable boundary effects due to
application of design loads;
 Design loads shall be applied to the model boundaries faraway of the region of interest;
 Stress-strain concentration factor shall be evaluated by the ratio of peak to nominal strain in
the region of interest.

A conservative approach shall be adopted in order to assess SCF/SNCF at field joint location. For
example, the analyses shall consider the lowest stiffness of a field joint coating predicted for the
project including the repair material.
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5.4.2 Strength Mismatch at Welds

The following cases shall be analyzed in order to obtain the SCF/SNCF:

i. Base case with nominal pipe dimensions and specified minimum strengths, considering
temperature de-rated;
ii. As (i) but incorporating strong-weak section due to pipe material/thickness variations.

The weak section incorporated in the model shall represent the most severe discontinuity which can
be reasonably expected to occur at the crown of a buckle. An assessment shall be performed to
identify the suitable level of strength mismatch.

The mismatch shall be achieved by modeling the adjacent pipeline as over matched; for example the
yield stress of the main section of pipeline can be increased to give the required mismatch.

The location of the weak section relative to the buckle crown shall be carefully considered to identify
the most onerous situation. For example, the girth weld between the weak section and nominal
section can be at the crown, or the center of the weak section can be at the crown; the worst case
shall be identified and assessed.

5.4.3 Buckle Arrestors

The loads developed in the vicinity of a buckle arrestor located at the crown of a buckle shall be
identified and assessed. The assessment shall involve the following steps:
 Develop a FE model of the buckle arrestor;
 Calculate the bending response of the buckle arrestor and adjacent pipe under the maximum
loads (pressure and axial force) developed at the crown of a lateral buckle;
 Identify the stress/strain capacity of the buckle arrestor;
 Identify suitable SCF/SNCF as a function of imposed nominal stress/strain.

The SCF/SNCF calculated in the analysis shall be applied to the stresses/strains calculated in the
global buckling analysis and compared with the stress/strain capacity to confirm the integrity of the
buckle arrestor. Where possible, buckle arrestor shall not be installed at buckle initiators locations.

5.5 Installation Residual Strains (If applicable)

This Section is applicable only for the pipelines that will be installed by the reel lay and S-lay methods.

The effect of installation residual strains on operational behavior shall be evaluated and the results
used in the global buckling models. The analysis shall involve relatively short pipe models. A full
installation process (full reeling cycle for example) shall be imposed on the models, which shall then
be subjected to operational loads. The results of this analysis shall be compared to the results from
the same model without considered the installation process.

All installation process steps shall be considered in FE model and shall be employed to develop an
estimate of the strain history induced in the pipeline. After this, the pipeline shall be laid on seabed
and the following effects shall be considered in analysis:
 Effect on stress-strain response;
 Effect on expansion behavior;
 Effect on post-buckling configuration.

If the assessment of installation process shows that the operational response is significantly affected
by installation process, then analyses shall be performed in the post installation condition. The initial
conditions shall define the residual stress and strain developed at each location in the pipe due to
the installation process.
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6 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR EXPOSED PIPELINES

Mitigation measures shall be developed if end expansion, lateral buckling, pipeline walking and/or
buckle stability are not acceptable, i.e. the design limit states (Section 2.5) and/or the design
requirements in terms of maximum and accumulated displacements are not fulfilled.

The following issues may require restriction or control of pipeline expansion.

 Excessive end expansions;
 Pipeline walking;
 Route curve pullout;
 Instability of buckle due to load cycles;
 Global buckling.

6.1 Restrain Pipeline Expansion

If the option of restricting expansion is adopted, at least the following strategies should be evaluated:
 Trenching and backfilling;
 Rock dumping;
 Additional weight over pipeline (e.g. concrete mattresses stacks);
 Anchoring system;
 Stopper structures.

CONTRACTOR shall adopt the better strategy(ies) taking into account the project scenario.

Finite elements analyses defined in Section 4.5 shall be performed for the adopted strategy and the
key parameters of expansion restriction strategy shall be evaluated by sensitivity analyses.

6.2 Control Pipeline Expansion

In order to control pipeline expansion or buckle formation, only the following strategies can be
assessed:
 Expansion spools;
 Intermittent rock dumping;
 Local weight reduction, such as distributed buoyancy sections;
 Vertical upset (e.g. single or dual sleepers);
 Zero-radius bends;
 Pre-bent sections.

Finite elements analyses defined in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 shall be performed for the adopted strategy
and the key parameters of expansion control strategy shall be evaluated by sensitivity analyses.

CONTRACTOR should consider distributed buoyancy sections and sleepers as preferential control
strategies based on PETROBRAS background in previous pipeline projects, taking into account
PETROBRAS specification requirements [6] and [7], respectively.

When choosing one of the control strategy previously listed, except for distributed buoyancy sections
and sleepers, CONTRACTOR shall present at bid stage a verification report issued by a third part
company (CERTIFY AUTHORITY). This verification report shall confirm the track record and the
chosen control strategy is field proven.
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6.2.1 Distributed buoyancy sections

FE models at buoyancy sections shall adopt a very small lateral offset (OOS with curvature radius
greater than 10 times the value adopted for on-bottom OOS in VAS analysis, Section 4.4).

A target submerged weight of the buoyancy sections shall be approximately 15-20% of the nominal
submerged weight at operational condition. Moreover, the maximum spacing between two adjacent
buoyancy modules shall be limited to one buoyancy module length.

The specification of the buoyancy sections strategy shall be presented comprising at least the
following parameters in accordance with I-ET-0000.00-0000-250-PPR-002 [6]:
 Operational submerged weight at the buoyant sections;
 Length of individual buoys and length of buoyancy sections;
 Outside diameter of the buoyancy modules;
 Buoyancy modules geometry;
 All pertinent details, such as spacing between modules, number of distributed buoyancy
modules in each buckle, etc.

The minimum requirements for buoyancy modules shall be in accordance with I-ET-0000.00-0000-
250-PPR-002 [6].

In addition, CONTRACTOR shall address the stability assessment of the pipeline at buckle initiation
locations in a specific stability report. This report shall be developed according to DNVGL-RP-F109
[4].

6.2.2 Sleepers

FE models at sleeper locations shall adopt a very small lateral offset (OOS with curvature radius
greater than 10 times the value adopted for on-bottom OOS in VAS analysis, Section 4.4).

The lay corridor at sleeper location shall be defined considering the maximum lateral offset defined
above and the accumulated pipe lateral displacements during overall operational life, in order to
guarantee that the pipe stays over the sleeper. The lay corridor at sleeper location shall be
longitudinally extended in order to ensure curvature radius greater than 10 times the value adopted
for on-bottom OOS.

The numerical models shall consider pipe-sleeper friction factor obtained from experimental tests
considering coatings and operational pipe-sleeper contact loads.

The specification of the sleeper strategy shall be presented comprising at least the following
parameters in accordance with I-ET-0000.00-0000-250-PPR-001 [7]:
 Predicted effective sleeper height at operational condition, i. e., vertical upset provided by
sleeper;
 Sleeper coating and friction factor between pipeline and sleeper;
 Total length of sleeper;
 Distance between sleepers in case double sleepers are selected.

In addition, CONTRACTOR shall address the free span assessment of the pipeline at sleeper
locations in a specific free span report. This report shall be developed according to PETROBRAS
Technical Speciation I-ET-0000.00-0000-940-P9U-002 [8].

Sleeper structure shall be designed in accordance PETROBRAS Technical Speciation I-ET-0000.00-

0000-250-PPR-001 [7], considering lay process, cathodic protection, foundation bearing capacity,
structural analysis of components and lateral/longitudinal sliding stability.
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7 GLOBAL BUCKLING DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

7.1 Reports

CONTRACTOR shall issue for PETROBRAS approval at least the following reports presented in
Table 7-1:

Table 7-1 - Global Buckling Design Reports

No. Report Title

1 End Expansion, Curve Pullout and Susceptibility to Walking Analysis

2 Lateral Buckling Susceptibility Analysis
3 VAS and Initiation Strategy Analysis
4 Lateral Buckling & Walking Detailed Analysis
5 Upheaval Buckling Preliminary Analysis
6 Upheaval Buckling Detailed Analysis
7 As-built Global Buckling Design Analysis

Concerning the reports of Table 7-1, CONTRACTOR shall issue each report observing the details
and the sequence describe in Appendix A, i.e. title, predecessor, minimum scope, methodology,
specific requirements and calculation tools.

CONTRACTOR shall keep the consistence among all design documents and issue revisions
whenever necessary.

CONTRACTOR shall issue all reports in accordance with the last revision of PETROBRAS standards
[9], [10] and [11].

The review and approval by PETROBRAS of any document shall only indicate a general requirement
and shall not relieve CONTRACTOR of his obligations to comply with the requirements of the
Contract. Any errors or omissions noted by CONTRACTOR shall be immediately brought to the
attention of PETROBRAS.

7.2 Result Presentation Requirements

All calculation and analysis results shall be supplied in metric units.

All notation, abbreviations and definitions employed shall be clearly defined.

Regarding the analytical calculations, CONTRACTOR shall present Mathcad spreadsheets at least
for the base and critical cases. The editable Mathcad files used for the calculations shall be attached
to the pdf report file. No hidden areas are allowed on the Mathcad files.

Regarding the FEA, CONTRACTOR shall furnish the input (.inp) and output (.odb) Abaqus digital
files at least of the base and critical cases.

CONTRACTOR shall present in the “VAS and Initiation Strategy Analysis”, in the “Lateral Buckling
and Walking Detailed Analysis” as well as in the “As-built Global Buckling Design Analysis”, reports
from Table 7-1, at least, the following graphic results:
 Effective axial force along pipeline model;
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 Lateral displacement and effective force at the center of the buckle during first load as the
pressure and temperature is increased;
 Axial and lateral displacements along pipeline model for the heat-up and shutdown cycles;
 Total bending moment at the buckle crown for the first heat-up and shutdown cycle;
 Total axial strain at the buckle crown for the first heat-up and shutdown cycle.

The limit state results (stresses, strains and bending moments) of the analyses shall be presented in
nominal values and also as a unity check defined as the ratio of the load to the resistance.

Concerning the “Lateral Buckling and Walking Detailed Analysis” and the “As-built Global Buckling
Design Analysis” (Table 7-1), CONTRACTOR shall also report the displacements of each equipment
along the pipeline route for all cases analyzed.

CONTRACTOR shall provide the database used to generate all graphics and limit state results in
excel files attached to the pdf report file.

7.3 Recommendations for Pipeline Operation

CONTRACTOR shall fulfill at least all requirements stated in Section 11 (Documentation for
Operation) of DNVGL-RP-F110 [1].

At the end of Report “As-built Global Buckling Design Analysis” (Table 7-1), CONTRACTOR shall
present an as-built summary table informing at least the locations (KP), displacements and unity
checks of all planned buckles, on-bottom rogue buckles, crossings, equipment, etc. along the pipeline
route.

In addition, CONTRACTOR shall describe minimum recommendations for pipeline operation at the
end of Report “As-built Global Buckling Design Analysis” (Table 7-1).

Regarding the pipeline start-up, CONTRACTOR shall describe recommendations for survey that
shall be undertaken to confirm the design assumptions and outline the requirements for future
integrity operational surveys.
 No. Report Title Predecessor Objectives Methodology Section Specific Requirement Calculation Tools
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B

Section
REV.

To calculate expansion of pipeline 4.2.1 - End Expansion

ends; 3.1 - End Expansion Analysis
EISE/EDR

End Expansion,
SHEET:

Curve Pullout and To assess lateral stability of pipeline 3.2 - Route Curve Pullout 4.2.2 - Curve Pullout
I-ET-0000.00-0000-940-P9U-003

1 N/A Mathcad spreadsheets.

Susceptibility to route curves; Susceptibility Analysis
Walking Analysis 3.6.1 - Susceptibility to
To assess the susceptibility to pipeline Walking 4.2.3 - Pipeline Walking
walking. Susceptibility Analysis
GLOBAL BUCKLING DESIGN OF SUBSEA PIPELINES

FE models to assess global

SUMMARY OF DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Lateral Buckling buckling initiated by uneven

To assess the susceptibility to lateral 4.3 - Lateral Buckling
2 Susceptibility N/A 3.3 - Lateral Buckling seabed and Mathcad
buckling. Susceptibility Analysis
Analysis spreadsheet to assess global
buckling by lateral imperfection.
To determine the Tolerable VAS; FE models to determine the
Tolerable VAS and post-
To determine the Characteristic VAS; 3.3 - Lateral Buckling buckling effective axial force in
VAS and Initiation 4.4 - VAS and Initiation
3 No. 2 To define the initiation strategy; 3.4 - VAS and Buckle Initiation the buckle, and Mathcad
Strategy Analysis Strategy Analysis
Strategy spreadsheet to calculate the
To estimate the number of buckle deterministic Characteristic
initiators. VAS.
NO

To evaluate buckle interaction and

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

stability, route curve pullout and 3.5 - Buckle Interaction

Lateral Buckling & pipeline walking. 4.5 - Lateral Buckling
4 Walking Detailed No. 1 and 3 3.6.2 - Walking Detailed and Walking Detailed FE models in all analyses.
Analysis To define the number of buckle Assessment Analysis
initiators and its locations along the
pipeline route.
Mathcad spreadsheet to assess
To assess the susceptibility to susceptibility to upheaval
Upheaval Buckling upheaval buckling; 4.6 - Upheaval Buckling
5 N/A 3.7 - Upheaval Buckling buckling and prop shape
Preliminary Analysis Preliminary Analysis
To estimate minimum required cover. equation and FE models to
assess upheaval buckling.
Upheaval Buckling 4.7 - Upheaval Buckling
6 No. 5 To determine the required cover. 3.7 - Upheaval Buckling FE models in all analyses.
Detailed Analysis Detailed Analysis
TITLE:
JOB:

APPENDIX A

To analyze the as-built pipeline profile;

No specific methodology is
As-built Global To confirm the results of the previous 4.8 - As-built Global
prescribed. The suitable
7 Buckling Design No. 4 or 6 analyses; Buckling Design FE models in all analyses.
methodologies of the previous
Analysis Analysis
To describe recommendations for items shall be considered.
pipeline operation.
Note: All limit states verification shall be performed using Mathcad spreadsheets.
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PETROBRAS Work Group

Members
Name Department
Rafael Familiar Solano (Coordinator) SUB/ES/EISE/EDR
Bruno Reis Antunes SUB/ES/EISE/EDR
Carlos de Oliveira Cardoso CENPES/PDDP/TDUT
Fernanda Rodrigues Barros SUB/ES/GEO
Guilherme de Souza Aires SUB/ES/EECE/ECE
Rita de Kassia Dias Lopez SUB/ES/GEO
Roberto Pereira Ferreira SUB/ES/EECE/EES