Structural Optimization of Offshore Pipeline using Finite Element Analysis

This research work mainly concern with the structural improvement of offshore pipeline using rectangular stiffeners placing then at the angle of 45o to each other around the circumference of pipe. Strength of the offshore pipelines were determined taking different length of buckle arrestors by gradually increasing the length of stiffener by placing them at different location along the length of pipe using finite element analysis. Secondly, the model with maximum resistance towards buckling is further optimized for the stiffener height. Different models where examine by decreasing the height of stiffeners and with respect to the height the buckling load is been determine. Finally suggesting model which has equivalent strength against buckling by increasing width and decreasing height of buckle arrestors. Therefore, using finite element method structure analysis is been done of different models thereby achieving optimum models primarily based on the strength and another one by reducing the weight.