Accurate modeling and safety evaluation of dented pipeline with internal pressure based on reverse modeling technique

As a common form for pipeline geometric defects, dents can induce the local stress concentration of the pipeline, which would result in the debilitation of the bearing capacity and bring huge safety hazards. In this paper, the accurate surface profiles of dented pipeline are acquired based on the 3D scanning technology and deformation detection technology, respectively. Then, the dented pipeline models are constructed by the reverse modeling technique, and the stress distribution characteristics of the dented pipeline in the operation condition are simulated using ABAQUS. The maximum von Mises stresses of a dented pipeline obtained from two proposed modeling techniques are basically consistent. However, the deformation detection technology can effectively avoid the excavation work for buried pipelines. Therefore, the reverse modeling technique based on the deformation detection technology has strong feasibility in practical projects and significant application value in the safety assessment of submarine pipelines, where excavation work is impractical.