Analysis of offshore pipeline laid on 3D seabed configuration by Abaqus

Three dimensional (3D) non-linear finite element analysis of offshore pipeline is investigated in this work with the help of general purpose software Abaqus. The general algorithm for the finite element approach is introduced. The 3D seabed mesh, limited to a corridor along the pipeline, is extracted from survey data via Fledermous software. Moreover soil bearing capacity and coefficient of frictions, obtained from the field survey report, and are introduced into the finite element model through the interaction module. For a case of study, a 32inch pipeline with API 5L X65 material grade subjected to high pressure and high temperature loading is investigated in more details.