Installation of Submarine PE Pipes

Pipelife Norge AS
Technical Catalogue
for Submarine
Installations
of Polyethylene Pipes
Pipelife Norge AS
PE CATALOGUE-SUBMARINE APPLICATIONS, PIPELIFE NORGE AS, December 2002.
Table of content :
0.0
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 4
0.1
0.1.1
0.1.2
0.1.3
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUBMARINE PIPELINES ............................................................... 4

Intake pipeline......................................................................................................... 4
Transit pipeline........................................................................................................ 5
Outfall pipeline ........................................................................................................ 6
SINKING OF SUBMARINE PE-PIPE, EXAMPLE FROM A REAL PROJECT. (SEE ALSO

SECTION A.5) ........................................................................................................................ 8
0.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 8
0.2.2 Sinking of the pipeline............................................................................................. 8
0.2.3 Installation of diffuser ............................................................................................ 12
0.2.4 Weather conditions ............................................................................................... 13
0.2.5 Summary .............................................................................................................. 13
0.2
A.
HYDRAULIC AND TECHNICAL DESIGN ......................................................................... 15
A.1
TECHNICAL DATA FOR DESIGN OF PE-PIPELINES ........................................................ 15
A.2
A.2.1
A.2.2
A.2.3
A.2.4
A.2.5
A.2.6
HYDRAULIC DESIGN ................................................................................................. 18

Coefficient of friction ............................................................................................. 18
Coefficient for singular head losses ...................................................................... 20
Density head loss.................................................................................................. 22
Hydraulic capacity................................................................................................. 22
Self cleaning velocity ............................................................................................ 25
Air transport .......................................................................................................... 25
A.3
A.3.1
STATIC DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 28

Internal pressure ................................................................................................... 28
A.3.1.1
A.3.1.2
A.3.2
External loads / buckling ....................................................................................... 31

A.3.2.1
A.3.2.2
A.3.3
A.3.4
A.3.5
BUCKLING OF UNSUPPORTED PIPE........................................................................................................ 32

BUCKLING OF PIPE IN TRENCH / SOIL PRESSURE .................................................................................... 35
Water hammer ...................................................................................................... 36

Temperature stresses ........................................................................................... 38
Bending stresses .................................................................................................. 40
A.3.5.1
A.3.6
HOOP DIRECTION ................................................................................................................................ 28

LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION ................................................................................................................... 29
BUCKLING OF PE PIPE DURING BENDING............................................................................................... 41
Other stresses....................................................................................................... 43
A.3.6.1
A.3.6.2
A.3.6.3
CURRENT AND WAVE FORCES .............................................................................................................. 44

HOVERING PIPELINE ............................................................................................................................ 45
CONCENTRATED LOADS ...................................................................................................................... 45
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A.3.7
Combined loads .................................................................................................... 46
A.4
A.4.1
A.4.2
A.4.3
A.4.4
A.4.5
A.4.6
DESIGN OF LOADING BY CONCRETE WEIGHTS ............................................................ 48

Degree of loading.................................................................................................. 48
Types of concrete weights .................................................................................... 50
Stability of PE-pipeline on the seabed .................................................................. 51
Recommended air filling rate for subwater pipelines .......................................... 54
Current forces ....................................................................................................... 55
Wave forces .......................................................................................................... 58
A.5
A.5.1
A.5.2
A.5.3
DESIGN OF PARAMETERS FOR THE SINKING PROCESS ................................................. 66

Internal air pressure .............................................................................................. 67
Pulling force .......................................................................................................... 67
Sinking velocity ..................................................................................................... 71
B.
INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................... 76
B.1
JOINTING OF PE PIPES ............................................................................................ 76
B.2
B.2.1
B.2.2
BUTT FUSION OF PE PIPES ....................................................................................... 77

Welding parameters.............................................................................................. 77
Welding capacity................................................................................................... 78
B.3
B.3.1
B.3.2
INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................... 79
Buried PE pipes .................................................................................................... 79
Pipe laying on seabed........................................................................................... 81
AUTHOR : TOM A. KARLSEN, INTERCONSULT ASA............................................................... 84

LIST OF REFERENCES : ......................................................................................................... 84
REFERENCE PROJECTS.......85
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0.0
Introduction
Description of different types of submarine applications for polyethylene pipes.
Submarine PE-pipes have been used for transport of drinking water and sewage water since 1960.
The pipes were then produced in length of 12 m, welded together by butt fusion, weighted by
concrete loads and sunk to the sea bottom by entering water at one end and releasing air at the
other.
The method is nearly the same today. However there is more emphasis on design and calculations
to secure a safe installation and avoid damages.
Another innovation is use of long length (up to 500 m) pipes continuously extruded at the factory,
towed by boat to the site and jointed by flange connections.
This solution has been used successfully in overseas projects.
Since 1960 there has also been a significant improvement in the development of raw materials and
methods of production.
Therefore PE-pipes are today the most common pipe material in submarine applications.
The combination of flexibility and strength makes it superior to other materials.
In Norway, for instance, more than 95% of submarine pipelines are PE-pipes. The diameters vary
within the range 50 mm - 1600 mm, and the water depth can in special cases reach 250 m.
Damages happen very rarely.
This is due to :
Excellent materials
Proper design
Experienced contractors
Well educated supervisors
The consecutive technical catalogue deals with the design subject.
Here you will find theory and formulas that will enable you to calculate and solve the most common
problems occurring in submarine pipeline projects.
However, as an introduction, we first will mention the different types of submarine installations and
briefly describe a typical project example regarding the sinking of a pipeline.
0.1
Different types of submarine pipelines

If we follow the natural transport direction for consumer water, we can divide the installation into
3 categories :
Intake pipeline
Transit pipeline
Outfall pipeline
0.1.1
Intake pipeline
Intake pipelines serve both civil and industrial applications.
The sources can be rivers, lakes and fiords. The intake depths vary from 2 m to 250 m.
The water is normally transported in the pipeline by gravity to an intake chamber.
In some cases, the intake pipeline is connected directly to the pump in a pumping station.
An intake pipeline is always exposed to negative pressure.
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Special problems to be aware of :

Under-pressure
Fouling
Air release
Current
Waves
The intake end of the pipeline is normally supplied with a screen.
Fig. 0.1.1.1 shows an example from a river water intake. The figure shows a new water intake
in Glomma river. The 1200 mm diameter pipeline in 3 km long. The pipe material is PE PN80
SDR17.
The hydraulic capacity is 1.5 m3/sec. The whole pipeline lies in a ditch 2-3 m deep for protection
against current, erosion, ice and floating timber. PE-pipes were chosen because of their flexibility,
strength and ease of installation.
Fig. 0.1.1.1 River water intake
0.1.2
Transit pipeline
In many cases it can be suitable to cross lakes and fiords by subwater pipelines instead of using
a longer route along the waterside.
In other situations it is necessary to cross rivers and seas to supply cities and islands with water,
or to remove wastewater.
The water can be transported by gravity or by pumping. During operation there is always an
overpressure in the pipe except in case of pressure surge.
It is normal to install a manhole/shaft on each waterside to establish an interface between the under
water pipeline. The equipment in the shafts depends on the service level. It is normal to install shutoff valves.
Special problems to be aware of for transit pipelines are:
Pressure
Air transport
Current
Waves
Fishing equipment
Anchoring
Fig. 0.1.2.1 indicate a river crossing. The figure shows a profile of a PE-pipeline, a sewerage
crossing of the Glomma, the longest river in Norway. The diameter of the pipeline is 600 mm and its
wall thickness is 55 mm (PN10). The line length is 450 m. A five-metre deep pipeline-trench at the
river bottom was required to avoid damages to the pipeline from boat anchors. A PE-pipe was
chosen because of its flexibility, which permitted producing the whole length in one piece at
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the factory, towing it to the site and submerging it into the trench at the river bottom.
After submersion the trench was filled with gravel.
Fig. 0.1.2.1 Sewerage river crossing.
0.1.3
Outfall pipeline
Treated sewage water will normally be conveyed into the recipient discharge area at a certain depth
and distance from coast. A depth water outlet will provide excellent dilution of the wastewater.
Outlet deep will vary in the range 10-60 m dependent of the recipients self-purification capacity.
The recipient can be river, lake, fiord or sea.
The outfall usually starts from an outfall chamber at the waterfront to which the wastewater is lead by
gravity or pumping.
Use of pumping directly on the outfall pipeline is rather rare and not recommended. If pumping is
necessary, the best solution is to pump the sewage water into the outfall chamber and conduct it with
gravity into the recipient.
The main task for the outfall chamber is to prevent air from entering the pipeline.
Air can cause floatation of the pipe due to buoyancy.
It is also necessary to take into account the variations in low tide and high tide when designing
an outfall chamber.
Special problems to take into consideration regarding outfall pipelines are :
Air entrainment in pipe flow
Bio fouling
Current and wave induced forces
Sediment transport
Fig. 0.1.3.1 represent an industrial outfall. The figure shows the outfall system to the sea from
a steel plant in northern Norway. The main components in the outfall system are :
430 m pre-stressed concrete pipes with a diameter of 1.800 mm buried in the seabed at a water
depth of 4 m. The sea end of the concrete pipeline is connected to concrete anchor block. The
land end is connected to an outfall chamber.
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90 m PE-pipes PN3.2 with a diameter of 1.600 mm on the steep seabed from the anchor block
on to a depth of 30 m.
The PE-pipe was produced, transported 1.200 km by rail and submerged in one piece.
PE was selected over other pipe materials, because of its flexibility and because it required very little
construction work under water.
Fig. 0.1.3.1 Outfall system to the sea from an iron plant.

The example above is not very characteristic of an outfall. Usually the PE-pipe starts from the outfall
chamber.
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0.2
Sinking of submarine PE-pipe, example from a real project.

also section A.5)
(See
In the following sequence we will introduce a typical example regarding sinking of a PE-pipeline
produced in long length. The example deals with an outfall pipeline.
0.2.1
Introduction
The project has the following characteristics:
Pipe material:
Length of pipeline:
Length of diffuser:
Maximum depth:
Loading percentage:
1200 mm PE100 SDR26

4600 m
400 m
61 m
20 %
The consecutive description deals with the sinking process and the necessary precautions to be
taken to secure a safe installation at the bottom.
There are two different methods to be used, one for the pipeline itself and another for the diffuser.
Sinking of the pipeline is mainly carried out by Natures own forces, i.e. gravity, buoyancy and air
pressure, while sinking of the diffuser involved use of cranes.
This note is only a rough description of the main elements in the sinking phase. There must be
prepared a detailed sinking procedure prior to the real installation.
0.2.2
Sinking of the pipeline

The pipes will be towed from the production plan in Norway by tugboats to the installation site.
The pipeline will be delivered in sections of 400-600m. At arrival the pipes will be stored in surface
position as shown in fig. 0.2.2.1 below.
Fig.0.2.2.1 Storing the pipeline sections

It is important to find an assembly site sheltered from waves and currents.
Every section remains filled with air and is equipped with stub ends and blind flanges on each end.
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Next phase of work is to install the concrete weights. They are fixed to the pipeline at a certain centre
distance. This distance can vary along the pipeline dependent of the calculated forces to act at a
special depth. The weights can be installed on shore or off shore. Fig. 0.2.2.2 shows an installation
where the concrete weights are fixed to the pipe on shore and floated out on the water using cranes
or excavators. Usually the weights have rectangular shape and not round.
Fig.0.2.2.2 Concrete weights are fixed to the pipeline

When all sections are weighted they have to be fitted together by flanges or support sleeves.
This work is usually done off shore supported by barges and cranes. Fig. 0.2.2.3 shows a typical
installation.
Fig.0.2.2.3 Two pipe sections are flanged together

When all pipe sections are fitted together, the pipeline is ready for the sinking process. The pipeline
is equipped with blind flanges in each end. At the outmost end the blind flange is also equipped with
pipes and valves for air evacuation and air filling.
Before start of the sinking, the route has to be marked properly by buoys floating at the sea surface.
It is also very important to listen to the local weather forecast. There should be very little wind and
waves during the sinking process.
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The total pipeline is positioned in the correct route by boats, barges and small boats. The inmost end
is connected to the flange in the Outfall Shaft. There must be a pipe through the wall in
the shaft, so that seawater can enter the shaft during the sinking. A valve can be fitted to regulate the
flow.
Before the flange connecting take place, the inside air pressure in the pipeline has to be adjusted to
the pressure at connecting depth (for instance +0,3 bar if the start depth is 3m). A compressor does
this adjustment. The reason is to prevent the pipeline to run away.
It is also important to apply a pulling force in the outmost end of the pipe before the sinking starts.
This force can vary during the sinking operation and will be specially calculated beforehand.
Preliminary calculations show that the maximum pulling force will be approx. 40 tons.
The sinking starts by opening the air valve in the outmost end carefully and controlling the inside
pressure by a manometer if required to charge the pipe with compressed air. Beforehand there will
be calculated a curve showing the necessary air pressure as a function of the sinking depth. By
regulating the inside pressure according to this curve, we will get a controlled sinking with a nearly
constant speed. The sinking velocity may be approx. 0.3m/s.
The S-bend configuration expresses a balance between the forces acting downward (i.e. concrete
weights) and the forces acting upward (i.e. buoyancy of air filled section). This situation
is illustrated in fig.0.2.2.4.
Fig.0.2.2.4 PE-pipeline during sinking process.

The critical factor is the radius of curvature at the sea surface. If this radius is less than approx.
50 m in this case, the pipeline runs the risk for buckling (safety factor =2).
It is necessary to carry out the sinking operation as a continuously process. If the sinking stops,
the E-modulus for the PE material will decrease by time and the minimum radius of curvature will be
reduced analogously. This can cause buckling of pipe. If, for any reason, it should be necessary
to interrupt the installation, it is important to start the compressor and reverse the sinking process.
This action must take place within 15 minutes. The compressor must be able to work at 7 bars.
As we can imagine the S-configuration will be transformed to a J-configuration when the sinking
reaches the outmost end of the pipe. In this position we have to apply a correct pulling force and
a correct sinking speed to prevent dynamic acceleration forces when the last volume of air leaves
the pipe. The length of the pulling wire must also be in accordance to the maximum depth to secure
a safe landing of the pipe end at the bottom. The landing takes place when the pulling force is
gradually reduced to zero.
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Fig.0.2.2.5 and 0.2.2.6 show the pipeline during the sinking process. Observe the assistance boat
and the pulling wire from the tugboat at the outmost end.
Fig.0.2.2.5 The submerging process has started
Fig.0.2.2.6 Shortly before the end of the pipeline is leaving the surface.
It should also be mentioned that the concrete weights have to be fixed properly to the pipeline to
prevent sliding during installation. To increase the coefficient of friction and to avoid scratches
in the surface of the pipe, we install an EPDM rubber gasket between the pipe and the concrete
weights. An example of a concrete weight system is shown in fig.0.2.2.7.
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Fig.0.2.2.7 Concrete weight system

The torque moment for the bolts will be calculated to secure a sufficient bolt force. Sometimes
it is also adequate to use rubber cushions on the bolts.
0.2.3
Installation of diffuser
Sinking of the diffuser has to be carried out in a different way than the pipeline.
The diffuser will be produced or assembled in one piece, 406m long, and towed to the site in
the same way as the pipeline sections. The pipe material is PE 100 SDR26 and diameter is
staggered from 1200mm to 500mm. The contractor will drill the holes in the diffuser on site.
Concrete weights and buoyancy elements will be fixed on the pipe before submerging.
The capacity of the buoyancy elements must be greater than the weight of the pipe including
the fixed weights.
The way of doing the submersion is to lower the pipe as a beam from barges. Fig.0.2.3.1 on next
page shows the installation in principle.
The diffuser section must not be lifted out of the water. In such a case the stresses will be too high in
the PE 100 material and the diffuser will suffer damage.
There must be carried out a proper calculation of the static system during submerging.
This calculation includes how many fix points and hook points are needed to get a safe installation.
For the moment we assume 3 or 4 hooking points. This means that we need 4 boats/barges with
cranes if the diffuser shall be submerged in one piece. There is an alternative to divide the diffuser in
4 pieces and submerge them separately. In this case they will be mated together on sea bottom or
some distance above by flange connections.
Choice of method will depend on resources available and on costs / risks assessments.
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Fig.0.2.3.1 Principle of sinking a diffuser as a beam

If the ratio between the radius of curvature and diameter of the pipe (R/D) =20, there will be
a collapse or buckling of the pipe. Maximum allowable stress in the pipe material in the sinking
phase should not exceed 10 Mpa.
Preliminary calculations show that the sinking cannot be done without support from buoyancy
bodies. It means that only a part of the installed buoyancy bodies, from the operation process at
the water surface can be removed before submerging by the crane.
In the calculations of necessary support from such bodies the safety factor against buckling shall not
be less than 3, taking into account the sinking process will be influenced also by waves and current.
Safety factor against buckling = 3.0 gives R/D min. = 60
The modules of elasticity for the PE material are assumed to be 300 Mpa. Such a value corresponds
to a 1.5% strain in the material during approximately 24 hours at a temperature of 30oC. If the sinking
takes more time, the situation will be more unfavourable because of a decrease in the modules of
elasticity.
The buoyancy bodies must stand the water pressure at the water depth of 60m. They are not
allowed to slide along the pipeline during the sinking.
As indicated in fig.0.2.3.1, the cranes working simultaneously will lower the diffuser. This method
requires a safe communication system among the human operators.
0.2.4
Weather conditions
Expected timeframe for the whole operation with the main pipe, including joining of the different
sections and the sinking process, is expected to be approx. 3-5 days. The sinking process should
require a weather window of 12 hours.
Expected timeframe for sinking of the diffuser is assumed to be 12 hours. Including the preparation
for the sinking, the timeframe is expected to be 1-2 days.
Weather/wave forecast data is essential in the preparation for the sinking processes. The wave
height should not exceed 1m during the submersion of the pipeline. It will raise the safety factor
against damage to the pipes if the wave action is as small as possible.
0.2.5
Summary
During sinking of the outfall pipeline in this example one had to consider the following factors:
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Detailed sinking procedure must be worked out including technical parameters, necessary
resources, communication systems and emergency procedures
Detailed calculations of the sinking curvatures must be carried out by computer programs
The pulling force in the end shall be approximately 40 tons
The sinking speed shall not exceed 0.3 m/s
The compressor shall work at a pressure up to 7 bar
Air pressure curve as a function of depth shall be calculated
The critical radius of curvature is approximately 50m
The sinking shall be carried out in an continuous process
Concrete weights must be fixed securely
The weather conditions must be satisfactory
The diffuser must be installed as a beam system by use of cranes
The static system during lowering of the diffuser must be calculated
The diffuser must be mated to the main pipeline at sea bottom
The sinking shall be carried out under assistance from a supervisor with experience in this field
Generally it is recommended to do as much as possible of the installation work from sea surface
position. Use of divers shall be minimized. It is also favourable to do all butt welding at the
manufacturers plant if possible.
We hope this introduction has given the reader an idea of how PE-pipes can be applied in
subwater applications.
In the following sequences we shall deal with the design problems.
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A.
Hydraulic and technical design
A.1
Technical data for design of PE-pipelines

To carry out calculations we need figures for mechanical properties.
The essential mechanical properties are described in terms of :
EO
modulus of elasticity at zero loading time and low load (Mpa)
EC
creep modulus, time > 0, stress > 0 and constant (Mpa)
ER
relaxation modulus, time > 0, strain > 0 and constant
burst strength at time zero (Mpa)
creep strength at time > 0 (Mpa) (also called burst stress)
Poissons ratio =
strain in the axial direction
strain in the ring direction
thermal expansion ( C -1)
(Mpa)
l
r
For practical purposes the relaxation modulus (ER) and the creep modulus (EC) are assumed to be
equal.
ER = EC = E (E-modulus) as being function of load and loading time
The mechanical properties for a PE-pipe are also dependent on the temperature. Normally the
properties are given at 20C or 23C .
Fig. A.1.1 and A.1.2 show examples of how the E-modulus and the creep strength (burst stress)
vary as a function of time and stress. For the creep strength the influence of the temperature is also
indicated.
The curves are taken from the Borealis book Plastics Pipes for Water Supply and Sewage
Disposal written by Lars-Eric Janson [1].
=E
Fig. A.1.1 The relationship between creep modulus E and tensile stress with time as parameter for
HDPE Type bars HE2467 (full lines) and HDPE Type 2 bars HE2467-BL (dotted lines) at 23C
[1].
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= c
Fig. A.1.2
Principal stress/time curves for PE80 and PE100 pipes at 20C and 80C
The standard curve for HDPE Type 2 at 80C (acc. to DIN8075) is shown for
comparison. The minimum required strength (MRS) at 20C and 50 years is
10 Mpa for PE100 and 8 Mpa for PE80 giving the design stress 8 Mpa
and 6.3 Mpa, respectively.
For PE-pipes, 50 years operation time is usually chosen as service life.

The design stress (d) is introduced by the formula :
d =
C ,50 year
A.1-1)
C,50year = burst stress (creep stress) for the PE material for a constant load in 50 years
C
= design factor (safety factor)
The safety factor varies from country to country dependent on the national standards.
Normal values are C = 1.25 or C = 1.6.
Today we are mainly talking about the material qualities PE80 and PE100.
These materials have burst stress of 8Mpa and 10Mpa respectively for a constant stress
in 50 years at 20C.
The design stresses are shown in table A.1.1:
Material
PE80
PE100
Design stress
C = 1.6
Design stress
C = 1.25
5.0 Mpa
6.3 Mpa
6.4 Mpa
8.0 Mpa
Table A.1.1 Design stress

The client must assess the risks in his project when deciding the design factor.
For submarine applications, we normally use a design factor of 1.6.
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In table A.1.2, we have listed guiding mechanical properties for PE-materials to be used
in calculations (T = 20C ).
Property
Unit
Density
kg/m
PE80
PE100
950
960
Design stress 50years

Design stress at time zero
d,50
d,0
Mpa
Mpa
5.0/6.4 *
8.0/10.4 *
8.0/6.3 *
9.4/12.0 *
Modulus of elasticity
at time zero
E0
Mpa
800
1050
Modulus of elasticity
after 50 years
E50
Mpa
150
200
Poissons ratio
0.4-0.5
0.4-0.5
Average coefficient of
thermal expansion
-1
0.210
-3
0.2 10
-3
* Safety factors are 1.6 and 1.25 respectively
Table A.1.2 Mechanical properties for PE-pipes.

There is a continuous improvement and development of PE materials. In the particular case we
recommend you to contact the pipe producer or the raw material manufacturer to get exact figures
for the properties.
Another important factor is the roughness according to Nikuradse regarding calculation of the
hydraulic capacity for the pipeline.
A new pipe will have a low roughness, but fouling may occur as a function of time and increase the
roughness factor.
The quality of the water running through the pipe is important for development of the roughness.
Normally we distinguish between potable water and waste water.
For a new pipe the roughness value can be as low as 0.05 mm but this is only of theoretical
interest.
In table A.1.3 we have proposed design values for equivalent roughness based on experience in
Norway.
Type of water
Intake
Type of PE-pipeline
Transit
Outlet
Potable
2 mm
0.25 mm
Sewage
0.50 mm
1 mm
Table A.1.3 Design values for equivalent roughness ()

If the pipes are regularly flushed supported by a cleaning pig, the values in table A.1.3 may be
reduced.
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A.2
Hydraulic design
The pressure (h) drop in a pipeline can generally be described by the formula :
h = f
f
L
D
v
g
k
o
y
A.2.1
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
L v2
+
D 2g
v2
+
y
2 g o
A.2-1)
coefficient of friction (see diagram fig. A.2.1.1)

length of pipe (m)
internal diameter (m)
velocity in pipe (m/s)
acceleration of gravity (= 9.81 m/s2)
sum of coefficients for singular head losses
density difference between water inside the pipe and water in recipient (kg/m3)
density of water inside the pipe (kg/m3)
water depth at outlet point in recipient
Coefficient of friction
The friction coefficient (f) is dependent of Reynolds number (Re) :
v
D
=
=
=
Re =
vD
A.2-2)
velocity
viscosity of water (m2/s)
The viscosity of water depends on the temperature.

=
20C
= 1.0 10 6 m2/s
T
T
=
10C
= 1.3 10 6 m2/s
We recommend applying the value for 10C.
The velocity (v) can be calculated by the formula :
v=
flow (m3/s)
4Q
A.2-3)
D 2
As we see, the Reynolds number can be calculated if we know the flow and the internal diameter.
Example 1
Destine Reynolds number for a flow of 100 l/s in a pipe with internal diameter 327.2 mm. T = 10C
Solution :
4 0,100
First we calculate the velocity, v, from A.2-3)
v=
Reynolds number is found from A.2-2)
Re =
0,3272 2
m / s = 1,19 m / s
1,19 0,3272
1,31 10 6
= 2,09 10 5
When we know the Reynolds number, the friction coefficient can be found from the Moody chart, fig.
A.2.1.1.
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Fig. A.2.1.1 The Moody chart for pipe friction with smooth and rough walls
The entrance parameter on the horizontal axis (x-axis) is the Reynolds number.
To find the right curve, we need to decide the relative roughness (rr) for the pipe wall.
rr =
=
=
A.2-4)
absolute roughness, taken from table A.1.3 (mm)

internal diameter (mm)
On the right hand side in the Moody chart you will find figures for relative roughness representing
different curves.
The intersection point between Reynolds number and the relative roughness curve gives the
coefficient of friction (f). The value for (f) is found on the vertical axis (y-axis) on the left hand side in
Moody's chart.
Example 2
Assume that example 1 represent a pipeline for transport of potable water crossing a fiord.
Find the coefficient of friction (f).
Solution :
We have already calculated the Reynolds number in example 1
Now we need to find the relative roughness (rr) :
Re = 2.97 105
= 0.25 mm
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Pipelife Norge AS
rr =
Hence :
0,25
= 0,0008
327,2
Knowing Re and rr we take f from fig. A.2.1.1 as indicated in the diagram with dotted lines and
arrows.
The result is :
f 0.02
For rough estimates without any Moody chart in hand, it is often usual to use f = 0.02 as an average
value.
Knowing f, we can calculate the friction pressure drop (hf) for the pipeline from part one in
formula A.2-1)
L v2
h f = f
A.2-5)
D 2g
Example 3
Calculate the friction pressure drop for the pipeline described in example 1 and 2 if the length
is 2500 m.
Solution :
Formula A.2-5) gives the result in the unit mwc (meter water column) :
h f = 0,02
2500 1,19 2
mwc = 11,03 mwc
0,3272 2 9,81
To convert this unit to Pa (N/m2) we introduce the relationship :

p
p
gh
pressure (N/m2 = Pa)
density of water (1000 kg/m3)
acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2)
=
=
=
=
A.2-6)
This gives : p = 1000 9.81 11.03 Pa = 108204 Pa

If we divide this figure with 105 we get the unit (bar), and if we divide it with 106 we have
the unit Mpa.
p=
A.2.2
108204
bar = 1.08 bar
100000
p=
108204
MPa = 0.108 MPa
1000000
Coefficient for singular head losses

Part two of formula A.2-1) represent the singular pressure drops (hs) :
h s =
v2
2g
A.2-7)
The expression k means a sum of discrete head losses.

Head losses arise for instance in bends, in diameter changes, in inlet and outlet of pipe, in beads,
in valves, in screens, in water meters and in diffusers.
Side 20 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Table A.2.1.1 gives guiding values for singular coefficients.
Singular headloss k-factor

k-factor
V
Inlet 1
k = 1,0
Inlet 2
k = 0,5
Outlet
k = 1,0
Elbow
k=1,1.( 90o )
Smooth bend
k= 0,2 . sin (rough)

k= 0,1 . sin (smooth)
k = 16
Diffuser
Intake
screen
k = 0,03
Bead
Gate valve (open)
Non return valve
k = 0,03
k= 0,2
k= 10
Table A.2.1.1 Guiding coefficients for singular head losses.

Example 4
The pipe described in example 1 is equipped with 3x90 elbow, 25 beads and has an outlet
in a elevated reservoir. Calculate the total head loss.
Solution :
From table A.2.1.1 we find the coefficients :
90 elbow
k = 1,1 (
Bead
Outlet
k = 0.03
k = 1.0
90 2
) = 1.1
90
Total sum of coefficients comes to :

Total singular head loss:
k = 3 1.1 + 25 0.03 + 1.0 = 5.05

h s = 5.05
1.19 2
mwc = 0.36 mwc
2 9.81
Side 21 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.2.3
Density head loss

Term 3 in formula A.2-1) describe the density head loss (called saltwater resistance) when
water is flowing into a recipient where the density of the water (for instance seawater) is higher.
A.2-8)
y
o
This term normally comes into account only when dealing with outfall pipelines if difference in density
between wastewater and recipient water.
h =
Difference in density can be due to content of salt in water or difference in temperature.

Example 5
Calculate the saltwater resistance for an outlet pipeline installed to 50 depth in the sea.
Density for wastewater is 1000 kg/m3 while density for seawater is 1025 kg/m3.
Solution :
h =
Formula A.2-8) gives the result:
1025 1000
50 mwc = 1.25 mwc
1000
As we see the saltwater resistance reaches a significant value and must always be taken into
consideration for outfall pipelines in saltwater recipients.
A.2.4
Hydraulic capacity
In previous chapters we have calculated the pressure drops for a given pipe diameter and a given
design flow.
Sometimes the case is opposite. We know the available pressure and flow and want to decide
the actual diameter.
We therefore have to calculate the diameter from the formulas A.2-1) and A.2-3).
This gives the equation :
g (h
y) 2 D 5 k 8 Q 2 D 8 f Q 2 L = 0
o
A.2-9)
The equation of degree 5 for the diameter, D, can not be solved explicitly.
We therefore have to make a simplification.
Since the singular head loss normally is small compared to the friction loss, we neglect term 2 in A.29) and find an approximately diameter:
2
8f Q L
D=
2
g
(
h
y
)
1
5
A.2-10)
The factor f is chosen to be 0.02.

After we have decided the theoretical diameter from A.2-10), we pick the nearest standard diameter
above in the manufacturers programme.
This diameter is put into formula A.2-1 to check that the total pressure drop is less than
the allowable.
Side 22 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Another approach to the problem is to solve the flow (Q) from equation A.2-9)
1
2
y) D g
2 (h
2
o
D
Q=
4
f L + k D
A.2-11)
If we choose the value f = 0.02, only the diameter D is unknown on the right side in the equation A.211)
By choosing values for D in steps, it is possible to solve the problem by iteration.
The diameter (D) that gives the correct flow (Q) is the solution in the equation.
Equation A.2-10) is applied to find the start value in the iteration process.
Knowing the flow and diameter it can be useful to control the friction coefficient from Moodys chart,
fig. A.2.1.1.
If necessary the value is corrected and a new iteration carried out.
Example 6
Find the optimal diameter, D, for the pressure drops given in example 3, 4 and 5 for a requested flow
Q = 100 l/s. SDR = 11.
Solution :
We find the approximately diameter from A.2-10)
1
5
8 0.02 0.12 2500
D=
m = 0.325 m = 325 mm
2
9.81 (11.03 + 0.36 + 1.25 1.25)
The nearest standard diameter above for SDR11 is 327.2 mm ( 400 mm).
This diameter value is inserted in A.2-11).
Hence:
0.3272 2
Q=
4
2 (11.03 + 0.36 + 1.25 1.25) 0.3272 9.81 2

3
= 0.1 m / s = 100 l / s
0.02 2500 + 5.05 0.3272
q.e.d.
By the system of formulas previous described in chapter A.2, we can do exact hydraulic calculations
for subwater pipelines.
In cases where a roughness estimate is required, we can use diagrams based on work carried out
of Colebrook-Prandtl-Nikuradse.
In fig. A.2.4.1 is shown a chart for absolute roughness k = 1.0 mm [3].
If we know the friction drop available in 0/00 (=
h
1000) we can find the necessary diameter
L
when the flow is given.

Generally we can solve one of the quantities Q, h, D when 2 of them are known. In the chart you
also can read the velocity.
Side 23 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
I = h 1000 = Friction loss (%)

L
(v)
(D
)
(v)
(D)
Q = Flow (l/s)
Fig. A.2.4.1 Hydraulic capacity, = 1 mm

Example 7
An outfall pipeline is 2500 m long and ends at 50 m depth. The design flow is 100 l/s and available
pressure drop is 13 mwc. Density in the sea water is 1025 kg/m3.
Estimate the necessary pipe diameter when neglecting the singular head losses.
Solution :
1025 1000
50 mwc = 1.25 mwc
1000
First we calculate the density loss :
Total available friction drop is :
h f = (13 1.25) mwc = 11.75 mwc
We find the incline of

the friction drop line (I) :
I=
11.75
1000 o / oo = 4.7
2500
/ oo
We enter chart A.2.4.1 with the quantities

Q = 100 l/s and I = 4.7 0/00.
The intersection point gives :
D = 340 mm
We choose the nearest standard diameter above to include the singular head losses. For SDR11
this gives 450 mm, di = 368.2 mm.
Example 6 is similar to example 7. In the last case we got a one step bigger diameter.
The approximate cost difference between the two results for a 2500 m long pipeline amount
to 70.000 Euro.
This example can be a motivation to carry out proper hydraulic calculations.
Side 24 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.2.5
Self cleaning velocity

Another important factor for subwater pipelines is to prevent deposits inside the pipe and to prevent
accumulation of air/gas.
To check the pipelines capacity for self-cleaning, we introduce the flows shear stress () :
D
I
4
density of water (kg/m3 )
acceleration of gravity (= 9.81 m/s2)
h
incline of friction drop line
L
= g
g
D
=
=
=
A.2.12)
To be self-cleaning the shear stress shall be 4 N/m2

Example 8
Check if the pipeline 400 mm PE SDR11 in example 6 is self-cleaning?
Solution:
We must find the incline of the friction drop line: I =
Hence using A.2.12):
= 1000 9.81
11,03
= 0.0044
2500
0.3272
0.0044 N/m = 3.5 N/m 2
4
As we see the shear stress is < 4.0. We therefore must expect some deposits in the pipeline.
In such a case it can be useful to install equipment for flushing and use of cleaning pig.
A.2.6
Air transport
Air and gas accumulations are the worst enemies for subwater pipelines.
To handle the problems there are 2 possible solutions:
a)
b)
Prevent air from entering the pipeline

Provide a sufficient velocity in the pipe to transport air/gas through the pipeline
Air/gas accumulations in a pipeline will/can bring :

reduce the hydraulic capacity
entail flotation or vertical displacement
If possible, we recommend method a) to be the safest solution.
For an outfall pipeline the outlet chamber must be constructed in a way that air can not enter the
pipeline. It means that you have to take into account :
Lowest low water level in recipient / source (LLW)

Vortex
Fluctuations in water level due to sudden change in flow
In most cases this means that top of the outfall pipeline in the point where it leaves the chamber shall
be in the range 0.5-1.5 m below LLW.
For inlet pipelines the maximum under-pressure shall be less than 4 mwc to avoid air release from
the water. Siphon constructions are normally not recommended.
For both outfall pipelines and intake pipelines, we recommend avoiding high points in the trace.
Side 25 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
For transit pipelines it must be possible to remove air in the manholes at the shoreline when starting
up the water transport during general operation and in case of repair work.
For sewage transport the retention period must not exceed the time limit for H2S emission.
As an indicator, 4 hours retention period should not be exceeded (depends however on operating
temperature).
In solution b) the critical speed, Uc, must be obtained by the flow to remove air bubbles present
in the pipe.
Uc = f (Di sin )
The critical speed of water, Uc, is given by :

Di
=
=
A.2.13)
pipe internal diameter (m)

pipe gradient
A simplified expression gives Uc as a function of
gD i
U c = k gD i
g
A.2.14)
acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2 )
The factor k is displayed in Fig. A.2.6.1 as a function of sin

The curve of k in Fig. A.2.6.1 is applicable for = 0 90.
U
K = g cD
i
1,2
1,0
0,5
5o
0,1
0,2
1o 2o
> 5o
0,3 0,4
5o
10o
0,5
0,6 0,7
20o
0,8
0,9 1,0
30o 40o 50o 60o 90o
sin
()
Fig. A.2.6.1 Critical velocity for transport of air in a pipeline.
Example 9
Calculate the critical velocity for transport of air in a pipeline with slope = 10 and internal
diameter Di = 500 mm.
Solution :
From fig. A.2.6.1 gives :
k = 0.75
If we insert this value in A.1-13 we got : Uc = 0.75
9.81 0.5 m/s = 1.66 m/s
As we see, the system requires quite a high velocity to transport air.

Side 26 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
If the velocity in the pipe is higher than 1.66 m/s, air bubbles are carried away with the water.
If the speed is less than 1.66 m/s, air bubbles will move backward to be released onshore provided
there are no high points in the trace.
This is a theoretical consideration. In the real case there is a diffuse transition for Uc.
Formula A.2-13 gives however an qualified indication.
Side 27 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.3
Static design
In this chapter we will present formulas to decide the wall thickness of the pipe taking into account
internal and external forces acting on the pipeline.
The internal diameter of the pipe is decided by the formulas in chapter A.2.
We will underline that quite a few of these calculations are necessary to carry out in a real
project. It is important to sort out the significant factors with respect to the pipes service life.
A.3.1
Internal pressure
The internal pressure will create stress in the pipe wall both in the hoop direction and the longitudinal
direction. The stress in the longitudinal direction is dependent on the way the pipeline is able to
move (fixed or free movement).
A.3.1.1 Hoop direction

Fig. A.3.1.1.1 indicate the static system.
N
Fig. A.3.1.1.1 Static system for
internal pressure, cut pipe.
pP
Dm
S
r
No shear stress will occur due to the internal pressure. There will only be a tensile force (N) in
the ring direction.
If we integrate the pressure components we find the following result based on equilibrium of
forces :
A.3-1)
2 N = p Dm
N
p
Dm
=
=
=
tensile force (N)

pressure (N/m2 = Pa)
mean diameter (m)
Introducing the ring stress (r) and the wall thickness (s), we can develop the following formulas :
N= r S
r =
S=
p Dm
2S
=
=
A.3-3)
p Dm
2 r
Since Dm = D s
r
D
A.3-2)
A.3-4)
s=
pD
( 2 r + p)
A.3-5)
design stress (see table A.1.2)

external diameter
Side 28 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Example 1
Find the wall thickness for a 200 mm PE80 pipe exposed to a design pressure of 1Mpa (10 bar)
Design safety factor = 1.6.
Solution :
The wall thickness (s) is found from formula A.3-5). is taken from table A.1.2
s=
1 0.2
m = 0.0182 m = 18.2 mm
(2 5 + 1)
The stress () for a given pipe in the hoop direction exposed to a pressure (p) can be calculated from
the formula :
r =
p
(SDR 1)
2
where SDR=
D
s
A.3-6)
Example 2
Given a PE100 pipe SDR 17.6 exposed for a pressure of 0.8Mpa (8bar). Calculate the stress in the
pipe wall and the safety factor against burst after 50 years of loading ?
Solution :
Formula A.3-6) gives the hoop stress :
r =
Safety factor confer A.1-1) :
C=
0.8
(17.6 1) MPa = 6.64 MPa
2
10
= 1.50
6.64
A pipe is always exposed to additional forces besides the internal pressure, for instance temperature
forces, forces in bends and reducers, depth of backfill in trenches, water hammer, forces from
current and waves, installation forces etc.
You have to consider the factor of safety (design factor) taking into account these other forces.
The method process is to calculate all acting forces and find the maximum combined stress.
This is the method adopted in the consecutive chapters.
A.3.1.2 Longitudinal direction

Fig. A.3.1.2.1 below shows the stress and strains for a pipe exposed to internal pressure.
l
l
Q
r
L r
Fig. A.3.1.2.1 Pipe exposed to internal pressure

The internal pressure will give a deformation in the longitudinal direction if the pipe is free to move.
The tube will try to be shorter due to contraction :
Side 29 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
l
r
=
=
=
l = r
strain in longitudinal direction
strain in ring direction
Poissons figure (0.4-0.5)
A.3-7)
If there is no friction force acting against the movement, there will be no permanent stress in the
longitudinal direction and the shortening (L) will be fully developed as indicated by formula A.3-8).
This is the case for a pipeline floating free in surface position :
L = L r
=
length of pipe
A.3-8)
To estimate r we have to introduce Hooks law :

r
E
stress in ring direction (ref. formula A.3-6)
modulus of elasticity (creep modulus) (ref. table A.1.2)
r =
r
E
=
=
A.3-9)
This gives :
r =
p
(SDR 1)
2E
A.3-10)
L =
Lp
(SDR 1)
2E
A.3-11)
Example 3
Calculate the shortening of a PE80 pipe SDR11 exposed to an internal pressure p=1.2Mpa and able
to move free. The length of pipe is 100 m. Short time E-modulus can be set to 800 Mpa and
Poissons figure is 0.5.
Solution :
The task is solved applying formula A.3-11)
L =
0.5 100 1.2

(11 1) m = - 0.375 m
2 800
As we see the shortening can be significant. If the end coupling for such a pipeline is not tensile,
leakage will occur. We also see that the result is independent of the diameter.
In most cases the movement of the pipe is prevented due to anchor blocks, soil cover etc.
It means that stresses will occur in the longitudinal direction.
The maximum stress appears when the strain is zero :
lmax = r
lmax =
p
(SDR 1)
2
A.3-12)
A.3-13)
The stress will be a tension.
Side 30 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Example 4
Calculate the maximum longitudinal stress for the data given in example 3.
Solution :
By use of formula A.3-13) we get :
lmax =
0.5 1.2
(11 1) MPa = 3 MPa
2
As we see the longitudinal stress can reach the half of the hoop stress.
The stress in the longitudinal direction will decrease by time due to relaxation in the PE-material.
This is due to a permanent strain while the E-modulus is reduced by time. This fact can be seen
from Hooks law :
= E
A.3-14)
Constant
Decreasing
Example 5
Discover the long-term stress in longitudinal direction for a fixed pipe exposed to a constant
pressure 1Mpa. Assume SDR = 11, short time E-modulus = 800 Mpa, long time E-modulus =
150 Mpa and = 0.5.
Solution :
First we calculate the stress from A.3-13) :
The corresponding strain from A.3-14) :
Long term stress for this constant fictive
strain can also be found from A.3-14) :
0.5 1
(11 1) MPa = 2.5 MPa
2
2.5
= =
100% = 0.31 %
E 800
l =
l,long term = 150 0.0031 MPa = 0.465 MPa
0.465
100% = 18.6% of the short-term stress in
2.5
longitudinal direction. The relaxation is significant.
As we see the long-term stress is
Compared to the hoop stress, which is constant over time, the stress in longitudinal direction
0.465
reach
100% = 9.3% after about 50 years of operation.
5
A.3.2
External loads / buckling

In this chapter we shall study the risk for buckling of a PE pipe exposed to external loads.
These loads for subwater pipes can be :
Under-pressure
Soil cover in trench
The under-pressure can be created in several ways :
Friction and singular losses in intake pipes
Pressure surge
Under-pressure during sinking of pipe
External water pressure on air filled pipes used as buoyancy elements
Side 31 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Buckling occurs when compressive forces in the pipes hoop direction exceed the stability of the
material.
Fig. A.3.2.1 shows buckling pictures for a pipe in firm soil trench and in loose soil/air/water.
Firm soil
Loose soil
water or air
n>2
n=2
Fig. A.3.2.1 Different types of buckling
There is a significant difference for a pipes

resistance against buckling if it is installed
in a trench or installed at sea bed.
A.3.2.1 Buckling of unsupported pipe

A pipe during sinking or laying on the seabed can be considered as unsupported for normal
distances between the concrete weights.
The buckling pressure for an unsupported pipe can be calculated by the formula :
p buc =
Pbuc
E
=
=
s
Dm
k
=
=
=
=
2E
1
s 3
) k
Dm
A.3-15)
buckling pressure (Mpa)

modulus of elasticity (For long lasting loads the creep modulus shall be applied.
For pressure surge we apply the short term modulus of elasticity)
Poisons figure (0.4-0.5)
wall thickness (m)
mean diameter (m)
correction factor due to ovaling, ref. fig. A.3.2.1.1
k
1,0
0,9
0,8
0,7
0,65
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
Fig. A.3.2.1.1 Correction factor due

to ovaling.
0,2
0,1
%
Degree of ovaling
Side 32 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Formula A.3-15) can be transformed by introducing the SDR ratio (SDR =

p buc =
2E
1
D
):
s
A.3-16)
(SDR 1) 3
From fig. A.3.2.1.1 we realize that the ovaling of the installed pipe is of significant importance
regarding the capacity against buckling. For a standard pipe an ovaling corresponding
1-1,5% is acceptable. This gives a reduction factor k = 0.65.
Example 6
Calculate the buckling pressure capacity pbuc for an unsupported pipe 900 mm PE100, SDR26
exposed to pressure surge. Short time E modulus is 1050 Mpa. Assume ovaling 1% and = 0.4.
Solution :
By use of formula A.3-16) and fig. A.3.2.1.1 we get :
p buc =
2 1050
1 0,4
0,65
(26 1) 3
MPa = 0,099 MPa = 10 mwc
In practice this means that the pipe for a short period of time can withstand full vacuum.
It is, however, usual to introduce a safety factor, F=2.0, for such calculations.
We will not recommend to expose the actual pipe for an under-pressure greater than
p buc 10
= mwc = 5 mwc
F
2
Example 7
Calculate the safety factor against buckling for an unsupported PE100 pipe, SDR33 used as an
intake pipeline. The pipeline is exposed to a constant under-pressure 2 mwc in the most critical
point. Long term E-modulus can be set to 200 Mpa. Ovaling is 1% and = 0.4.
Solution :
Using formula A.3-16) and. fig. A.3.2.1.1 we obtain :
2 200
0,65
MPa = 0,0094 MPa = 1 mwc
p buc =
2
1 0,4 (33 1) 3
Factor of safety :
F=
p buc
1
= = 0,5
p appear 2
The pipe will buckle due to under-pressure before it reaches a lifetime of 50 years.
Theoretically the pipe will buckle when the E modulus equals 400 Mpa. This will happen already
after 1-2 years of operating (ref. fig. A.1.1).
Underwater pipelines exposed to under-pressure can be supported by concrete weights if the
distance between the weights is small enough. Hence the capacity against buckling will increase.
If the distance (l) between the supports (weights or rings) is in the range :
4
s Dm
1.56 s
< l
2
(s/D m ) 0.5
A.3-17)
Side 33 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
The buckling pressure pbucl can be written :

p bucl =
l
pbuc
s
k
F
=
=
=
=
=
2.2 s E
k
p buc
l
F
A.3-18)
length between the supports (centre distance width of support)

buckling pressure for unsupported pipe (ref. formula A.3.16), k=1.0)
wall thickness
reduction factor due to ovaling, ref. fig. A.3.2.1.1
safety factor (2.0)
Example 8
The pipe described in example 7 is equipped with concrete weights with a centre distance of 3 m.
The width of the blocks is 0.4 m and the diameter of the pipe is 600 mm.
Calculate the safety factor against buckling.
Solution :
600
mm = 18,2 mm
33
The wall thickness is :
s=
Distance between the supports :
l = (3-0.4) m = 2.6 m
Buckling pressure for unsupported pipe, assumed k= 1.0 in formula A.3-16) :

p buc =
2 200
1 0.4
1
(33 1) 3
MPa = 0.0145 MPa 1.5 mwc
We apply formula A.3-18) with F = 1.0 :

p bucl =
2.2 18.2 200

0.0145 0.65 MPa = 0.017 MPa 1.7 mwc
2600
The safety factor against buckling is :
F=
1.7
= 0.85
2.0
As we see the safety factor has increased from 0.5 to 0.85, but the pipe will still buckle.
Buckling will happen when the creep modulus. E, is approximately 275 Mpa. This happens after
about 10 years of operation (ref. fig. A.1.1).
To reach a safety factor of 2.0 in this specific case, the following solutions can be considered :
Shorter distance between the concrete weights

Support of steel rings
Installation of the pipe in a trench
Increase of pipe diameter to reduce the under-pressure caused by friction
Increase the wall thickness to improve the capacity against buckling
The choice of solution must be based on a technical/economical assessment. For more advanced
calculations see [12].
In next chapter we will consider buckling of a pipe installed in a trench.
Side 34 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.3.2.2 Buckling of pipe in trench / soil pressure

A pipe installed in a trench has a significant better capacity against buckling than an unsupported
pipe. The most important factors are :
Ring stiffness of the pipe

Modulus of elasticity for the soil (tangential modulus)
The buckling pressure (q) can be estimated by formula A.3.19) [8]:

q
SR
SR
=
=
5.63
SR E t1
F
1 3
D
ring stiffness, short term
E
=
=
12 (SDR 1) 3
2 Es1 = tangential modulus for the soil
secant modulus for the soil (ref. fig. A.3.2.2.1)
=
=
ovaling ( 0.05)
safety factor (should never be less than 2.0)
Et1
Es1
D
F
A.3-19)
A.3-20)
A.3-21)
Secant Modulus
E`s MN/m2
Filling height
H m
Fig. A.3.2.2.1 Secant modulus for granular soil versus filling height
in submarine trenches.
For a pipe installed in a trench we have to add the pressure caused by soil cover to the underpressure caused by hydraulic flow.
The soil pressure (qs) around a PE-pipe is considered to be uniformly distributed along
the perimeter.
qs
w
h
=
=
=
=
(-w)h
specific gravity of soil
specific gravity of water
height of soil cover
A.3-22)
Side 35 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Example 9
Let us return to example 7 and 8.
We choose to dig down the pipe in a trench with 1 m soil cover. Decide the safety factor against
= 0.05, = 20 kN/m3
buckling in this case. Assume short time E-modulus for pipe = 1000 Mpa,
D
and mod. Proctor for soil = 80%.
Solution :
1000 1000
First we decide the pipes ring stiffness from A.3-21) :
SR =
Correction factor, , due to ovaling is taken from A.3-20) :
= 1 - 3 0.05 = 0.85
Es1 is found from fig. A.3.2.2.1 :
12 (33 1) 3
kPa = 2.54 kPa
Es1 = 600 kPa Et1 = 2 600 kPa = 1200 kPa
Using formula A.3-19) assuming F= 1.0 we get the buckling pressure :

q=
5.63
2.54 1200 0.85 kPa = 264 kPa = 0.264 MPa 27 mwc
1
We realize that the pipe now can withstand an external pressure corresponding to approximately
27 mwc.
Compared to example 7 and 8 there is an external soil pressure caused by the cover, ref. formula
A.3-22)
qt = (20-10) 1 kN/m2 = 10 kN/m2 = 0.01 Mpa 1 mwc
Total external pressure is :
qt = under-pressure + soil pressure = (2 mwc + 1 mwc) = 3 mwc
Safety factor against buckling :
F=
q 27
=
9
qt
3
By installing the pipe in a trench with soil cover the safety factor has increased from 0.85 to 12.
This indicates that we ought to install pipes in trenches if they are exposed to significant external
forces and the SDR class is high.
Regarding subwater pipelines it may be economically favourable to reduce the SDR-class compared
to installing the pipe in a trench.
A.3.3
Water hammer
Water hammer (pressure surge) occurs in a pipeline when there is a sudden change in the flow.
The result is a pressure wave going backwards and forwards in the system.
The most common reason for pressure surge is sudden start and stop of pumps or closing/opening
of valves. Even if there is installed frequency converter on pumps the electric power supply can fail.
Exact calculations of water hammers are complicated and must be carried out by computer
programs.
However there is a simplified method that gives an indication of the maximum and minimum
amplitude of the pressure wave. This method will be presented below.
For intake and outfall pipelines water hammer is normally not a problem if the pipes are not directly
connected to the pump, but suddenly closing of gates must be avoided.
Change in flow will be damped in the intake and outfall chambers.
The area of the chamber should be designed for the expected variations in flow.
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Pipelife Norge AS
In such cases the amplitude of the fluctuations will be in the range of 1 m above maximum and
below minimum operating level respectively.
For transit pipelines and intake and outfall pipelines connected directly to pumps, the water hammer
can imply damage to the pipe if the pressure class is too low.
The most critical is normally the under-pressure which can reach values >10 mwc if there are
significant high points in the trace.
To reduce the pressure surge, we can install flywheel mass on the pumps or connect pressure
vessels.
Such solutions are most often economic favourable compared to reduction of the SDR ratio for the
pipe, but depend on the length of the pipeline and the diameter.
It shall also be mentioned that pressure surge can occur during sinking of PE-pipes [12].
The size of the water hammer is derived from the general relationship of surge
p =
v c
g
A.3-23)
The surge pressure/water hammer is said to linearly depend on the pressure wave speed, c, in water
inside a pipe. v is the change of water flow speed (acceleration/retardation) and
g = 9.81 m/s2. The pressure wave speed, c, is given by :
c=
Eo
s
Dm
=
=
=
=
=
2
(1 ) D m
Eo
1/ 2
A.3-24)
short time modulus of elasticity, ref. table A.1.2.

0.4-0.5 = Poisson ratio
density of water
wall thickness
Do-e
With rewriting, we get an equation of c as a function of the pipe SDR class :

c=
Eo
2
A.3-25)
(1 ) (SDR 1)1 / 2
Surge is a short time condition (few seconds) under which a PE pipe, applied to a constant long term
stress, returns to its initial E-modulus at time zero.
In table A.3.3.1, we have calculated the pressure wave speed for PE100 and PE80 materials as
a function of SDR class.
Polyethylene Pipe
Pressure wave speed in water inside a PE-pipe c m/sec

SDR33 (PN322) SDR26 (PN4)
SDR17.6 (PN6)
SDR11 (PN10)
PE100
2
Eo = 1050 N/mm
203
230
282
263
PE80
2
Eo = 800 N/mm
180
200
250
320
= 0.45
Table A.3.3.1 Pressure wave speed for PE

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Pipelife Norge AS
In practice, v in A.3-23) may be positive or negative :

positive,
as caused by shutting a valve at the end of a transmission line,

or by starting a pump
negative,
as caused by a pump failure or by a sudden change of hydraulic

conditions that reduce the flow-rate and speed.
Example 10
Find the size of the water hammer for a PE100 pipe SDR 17.6 if the change in water velocity
= 0.15 m/s (reduction).
Solution :
From table A.3.3.1 we get
c = 282 m/s
Hence using formula A.3-23) :
p =
0.15 282
= 4,3 mwh = - 0.44 bar
9.81
The pressure is an under-pressure.

This result must be added to other external loads to check the risk for buckling.
Assuming the required space of time to shut a valve to be from one to two minutes, when operated
properly, the maximum surge pressure should be in the range :
pmax = 10 15 % times the pipes pressure rating PN (bar)
If water hammer repeats regularly over a pipes service life, it may cause fatigue failure.
As a rule of thumb, a PE-pipe can sustain 107 oscillations of amplitude + 0.5 x nominal pressure
without diminishing its service lifetime.
Under-pressure will never lead to fatigue, only ovalisation.
A.3.4
Temperature stresses
If a pipe is exposed to a change in temperature, it will try to adjust its length if it can move freely.
The change in length L can be expressed :
Lo
T
=
=
=
L = L o T
thermal expansion coefficient ( 0.210-3 C 1)
initial length at installation
change in temperature
A.3-26)
As we see the change in length is independent of the diameter and the wall thickness.
Example 11
How much shorter will a PE-pipe be if it is installed in sea water at 4C when it had a length of
3000 m at 20C in the production factory ?
Solution :
We apply formula A.3-26) and get :
L = 0.2 10-3 3000 (4-20) m = -9.6 m
There have been some real examples where subwater pipelines have been too short due to change
in temperature.
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Pipelife Norge AS
If this is not discovered in time, it can cause conflicts and extra costs.
When estimating the length of a pipe, we always have to take into consideration temperature
changes before placing an order.
If the movement of the pipe is prevented, stress in the pipe wall will be the result.
Concrete weights, anchor blocks or cover in trenches can prevent the pipes movement.
If the pipe is totally fixed, the stress (T) can be expressed :
T = E T
modulus of elasticity (creep modulus) (Mpa)
A.3-27)
A positive value is regarded as a tension stress. As A.3-27) indicated, the stress is independent
of the pipe length and the diameter. The stress will be reduced by time as the E-modulus decreases
due to relaxation in the PE-material.
Example 12
A submarine pipeline is installed in the winter when the sea temperature is 4C. In the summer the
temperature can reach 20 C. The pipe is a PE100 315 mm SDR11 and can be considered to be
totally fixed by the concrete weights.
Calculate the stress caused by change in temperature the first summer assuming E=500 Mpa.
What happens after 50 years ?
Solution :
Formula A.3-27) gives :
T = - 500 0.2 10-3 (20-4) Mpa = -1.6 Mpa
A compression stress will occur since the sign is negative.

After 50 years the E-modulus is reduced to 200 Mpa, ref. table A.1.2. This gives :
T,50 = - 200 0.2 10-3 (20-4) Mpa = -0.64 Mpa
The stresses are acting in the longitudinal directions of the pipe and must be added/subtracted to
other stresses caused by internal pressure, water hammer and soil cover.
So far we have considered a homogenous temperature change over the whole pipeline.
Another situation can be described as a temperature difference over the pipe wall.
There can be one temperature in the water flowing through the pipe and another in the surrounding
water outside the pipeline.
In this case both extra compression and extra tension stresses can occur.
The stresses will act in the ring direction.
The maximum stresses can be calculated from formula A.3-28) :
E (Toutside Tinside )
=
2
A.3-28)
A negative sign means compression stress, while a positive sign indicates tension stress.
These stresses will also undergo a relaxation as the time passes.
Example 13
Calculate the maximum stress in the hoop direction if the temperature in the water inside the pipe is
20 C and the ambient water has a temperature of 4 C ?
Assume E=800 Mpa and = 0.2 10-3 C -1.
Solution :
800 0.2 10 3 (4 20)

MPa = - 1.28 MPa
2
The stress nature is compression.

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Pipelife Norge AS
Bending stresses
A PE-pipe can, due to its flexibility, be bent to a certain curvature. However, there is a minimum
radius that can not be exceeded if buckling should be avoided.
During such bending it will occur stress and strains both in longitudinal and radial direction of
the pipe.
When the bending radius is too little, the pipe will buckle.
Especially during sinking of a subwater pipeline it is necessary to ensure that the bending radius
is greater than the critical buckling radius.
During installation the balance between forces; weight of the concrete block, forces from boats,
buoyancy forces, forces from currents and waves or other man made forces defines the
configuration and the maximum curvature.
When a pipe is bent to a curvature with radius R in axial direction there will occur a strain, a, in
the pipe wall. This strain can be expressed :
a =
r
R
D
=
=
=
r
D
=
R 2R
A.3-29)
pipe radius
bending radius
pipes outside diameter
a
The case is shown in fig. A.3.5.1.
r
D
A.3.5
Fig. A.3.5.1 PE-pipe under pure bending
To bend a pipe to this radius, R, it must be subject to an external moment caused by the forces
mentioned earlier. The moment (M) can be expressed :
M=
E
I
=
=
D
d
=
=
EI
R
A.3-30)
modulus of elasticity (creep modulus)
(D 4 d 4 ) (moment of inertia)
64
outside diameter
inside diameter
A.3-31)
The maximum stress in the pipe wall can be estimated from Hooks law (ref.A.3-14) :
a = E a = E
r
D
=E
R
2R
A.3-32)
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Pipelife Norge AS
The stress is a tension in the outer curve and a compression in the inner curve.
The value of the stress will decrease by time due to relaxation in the PE material.
We often introduce the ratio
R
=a.
D
Formula A.3-29) and A.3-32) can be rewritten :

a =
1
2a
A.3-33)
a =
E
2a
A.3-34)
Note that the stress and strain in longitudinal direction are independent of the pipes SDR class.
Example 14
Estimate the maximum bending stress in a 1200 mm PE100 pipe bent to a radius 30 D
during sinking. Assume E-modulus = 700 Mpa.
Solution :
First we decide the radius of curvature :
R = 30 1.2 m = 36 m
The stress is, for instance, calculated from formula A.3-32) : a = 700
1.2
MPa = 11.71 MPa
2 36
If we look back to table A.1.2, we can find the burst stress for short-term loads to be 15 Mpa.
15
= 1.3
The safety factor against rupture is F =
11,7
For practical purposes a bending radius of 30 D can be considered to be minimum radius for
a PE-pipe during sinking (SDR < 26).
As we have seen the bending stresses can be significant.
When a pipe is permanent installed in a curve over lifetime, these stresses can contribute to
a reduction in allowable pressure.
As a rule of thumb, in situations with combined loads e.g. pressure, temperature loads, waves etc.,
we recommend :
R min = 60 D
As mentioned earlier the relaxation in the PE material will reduce the stresses due to bending
more than the reduction in the burst stress for the material. Hence the factor of safety will increase
as time passes.
A.3.5.1 Buckling of PE pipe during bending

When a pipe is bent continuously it will sooner or later buckle. Theoretically there are 2 possible
cases :
Axial buckling
Radial buckling
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Pipelife Norge AS
For subwater pipelines the radial buckling will be critical unless the internal pressure is significant
[12].
The critical strain for radial buckling in the state of pure bending can be written :
s
crit ,r = 0.28
Dm
A.3-35)
The relationship between the axial and radial strain is given by Poissons figure :
r = a
A.3-36)
If we choose = 0.50 and put A.3-36) into A.3-35) we can find the critical strain
in axial direction crit,a :
crit ,a =
SDR
Dm
s
=
=
0.28 s
0.56
=
Dm SDR 1
A.3-37)
D
s
mean diameter
wall thickness
If we now combine A.3-37) and A.3-33), we can determine the critical bending ratio for a PE-pipe
in axial direction :
acrit =
SDR 1
1.12
= 0.89 (SDR 1)
A.3-38)
It is normal to introduce a safety factor, F = 1.5 for such calculations.
a allowable, F =1.5 =
Hence allowable bending ratio :
R
= 1.34 ( SDR 1)
D
A.3-39)
Example 15
Make a table showing allowable bending ratio (R/D) for the SDR classes 33, 26, 22, 17, 11 and 9,
assuming a safety factor of 1.5.
Solution :
We use formula A.3-39) and get table A.3.5.1.1 below :
SDR-class
Allowable bending
R
F= 1.5
ratio
D
33
26
22
17
11
9
44
34
28
21
13
11
Table A.3.5.1.1 Allowable bending ratio during sinking.

If the pipe is exposed to an internal pressure during bending, the ovaling will be reduced and the
critical strain will increase.
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Pipelife Norge AS
Fig. A.3.5.1.2 shows the effect on a pipe with an internal overpressure of 1 bar for SDR-classes 26,
17.6 and 11.
Fig. 3.3.1.2 Increase in allowable strain due to internal pressure of 1 bar

Fig. A.3.5.1.2 indicates that the internal pressure has a significant stabilizing effect on
SDR-class 26 (27 %).
For PE-pipe SDR11 or lower, the stabilizing effect of an internal overpressure is more or less
insignificant.
Example 16
What will the allowable bending ratio (R/D) be for a SDR26 pipe if it is subject to an internal pressure
of 1 bar during sinking? Assume a safety factor of 1.5.
Solution :
From table A.3.5.1.1 in example 15 we find the bending ratio without any internal pressure. a = 34
Since the bending ratio is in inverse ratio to the allowable strain (ref. formula A.3-37) and A.3-38))
we get by use of fig. 3.5.1.1 :
k = 1.27
a p =1bar =
34
= 27
1.27
As we see the bending ratio has decreased from 35 to 28.

If the pipe has been a 1000 mm, the bending radius would have been reduced from 35 m
to 28 m.
For low pressure pipes ( PN4) internal pressure will increase the safety factor against buckling.
A.3.6
Other stresses
So far we have discussed stresses caused by :
Internal pressure
External pressure (water and soil)
Water hammer
Temperature changes
Bending
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Pipelife Norge AS
More or less there can be other forces acting on a subwater pipeline, for instance :
Concentrated load where the pipe is resting on rock or stone
Weight of hovering pipeline
Current forces
Wave forces
A.3.6.1 Current and wave forces

Current and wave forces will be studied in next chapter in accordance to design of concrete weights.
There will be both drag and lift forces caused by these elements. For a pipeline lying stable on the
seabed, the forces can be considered to be uniformly distributed along the pipe section between the
supports (concrete weights), but limited by the crest length of the waves.
The magnitude of these forces can be described roughly by the formula :
v2
f = CD
2
f
C
D
=
=
=
=
=
A.3-40)
force pr. unit m pipe

coefficient
external diameter
density of surrounding water
speed of surrounding water vertical to the pipe axis
For wave forces we also have to consider the inertia forces, especially for large diameters (see
chapter A.4.6).
Example 17
Find a rough estimate for the magnitude of current and wave forces assuming combined maximum
speed 3 m/s and coefficient C = 1.0. Diameter of pipe is 1.0 m and = 1025 kg/m3
Solution :
32
N / m = 4612 N/m = 4.6 kN/m
2
This indicates that these forces can be significant and must be taken into consideration when
deciding the design factor for the project.
If the pipe in example 17 has been SDR-class 22 the unit mass is 140 kg/m 1.4 KN/m in air.
The current and wave forces are in this case approx. 3.3 times the pipes unit weight.
For high SDR-classes this ratio can be about 6 and for low SDR-classes it can reach about 2.5.
We apply formula A.3-40) :
f = 1 1 1025
We have to underline that the example above only is an indication of the maximum magnitude of the
forces from current and waves. For proper design, comprehensive calculations must be carried out.
We will also mention that the wave forces are significantly reduced as the water depth increases.
When we know the acting uniform force pr. unit length of the pipe, the stresses can be calculated by
well-known formulas from static beam design.
If we for instance choose the case fixed beam, we get :
4 f l2 D
max =
3 (D 4 d 4 )
f
l
D
d
=
=
=
=
A.3-41)
force pr. unit length

distance between supports
outside diameter
inside diameter
If we go back to example 17 and assume SDR = 22 and l =10 m we get :

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Pipelife Norge AS
max =
4 4.6 10 3 l0 2 1
3 3.14 (14 0.909 4 )
MPa = 0.60 MPa
Compared to a design stress of for instance 5 Mpa this stress amount to 12 %.

If the pipe has been SDR 33 the corresponding percentage would reach 17.5 %.
A.3.6.2 Hovering pipeline

If we now return to the case of a hovering pipeline, the situation is quite similar to what we have seen
regarding a uniformly distributed load from current and wave forces. In this case we get an extra
force component from the concrete weights over the length, l, between the supports. This means
that the stresses in the pipe wall also increase. Such situations can be the fact in very rough under
water terrain. There are several examples from Norway.
If we look to example 17 and assume a loading percentage equal 30 % of the displacement, the
weight pr. unit length from the concrete weights will amount to 2.4 KN/m. This is about 50 % of
the current and wave forces.
However the current component will mainly act in the horizontal direction for a hovering pipeline,
while the concrete weights will act in the vertical direction.
The wave components will act in all directions as the wave passes.
If we assume the wave component to be 2/3 and the current component to be 1/3 , we get the
maximum force including concrete weights :
f max = (4.6 1 / 3) 2 + (0.5 4.6 + 4.6 1 / 3 2 kN/m = 5.6 kN/m
If we put this result into formula A.3.41) we get a maximum stress of 0.73 Mpa for a span of 10 m.
If we can accept a stress in longitudinal direction for instance equal 2 Mpa, the maximum span in this
case can reach :
2
l max =
10 m = 27 m
0.73
This example shows that it is important to put effort into the work finding an optimal trace and
location for a subwater pipeline.
A.3.6.3 Concentrated loads

Where the pipeline is resting on a rock or a stone extra stresses will occur. The magnitude of
the stresses depends mainly on :
number of concrete weights hovering on both sides of the attack point
surface area of attack point
It is a good idea to repair all concentrated loads by putting extra protections material between pipe
and stone/rock.
The magnitude of the stress caused by concentrated load can be estimated roughly from the
formula :
3 P
con =
A.3-42)
2 s2
P
=
total concentrated load
s
=
wall thickness
We generally recommend avoidance of contact with stones. In a lot of cases however, we
experience that this ideal situation is impossible without including enormous costs.
Example 18
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Pipelife Norge AS
A 1000 mm PE80 SDR 17.6 is resting on a stone in such a way that 2 concrete weights on each
side of the stone are hovering. The weight in water for each concrete weight is 14 KN.
Estimate the maximum stress in the pipe wall due to the concentrated load.
Solution :
First we find the wall thickness :
s=
1000
mm = 56.8 mm
17.6
We apply formula A.3.42) and get, assuming that 2 of the weights is contributing to the concentrated
load :
con =
3 2 14 10 3
2 0.0568 2 3.14
MPa = 4.2 MPa
As we see this stress will be significant and can reduce the lifetime of the pipe.
The pipeline must be moved sideways to a better position or a protection material, with sufficient
thickness, must be placed between the pipeline and the stone.
A.3.7
Combined loads
In chapter A.3 we have considered different types of forces that can act on a subwater pipeline
in operation.
These forces create stresses and strains in the pipe wall.
Some stresses are compressive and some are tensile. Some are acting in the longitudinal direction
and some are acting in the hoop direction. In some situations there can also be shear stresses, but
we will not deal with them in this technical catalogue.
For a subwater pipeline, shear stresses will not be critical.
When we have calculated all actual stresses (ref. A.3.1-A.3.6), we sum them up in the hoop direction
and in the longitudinal directions.
Tensile stresses are positive and compressive stresses are negative.
n
h =
i=1
i, h
A.3-43)
i, l
A.3-44)
l =
i=1
h
i,,h
l
i,l
=
=
=
=
total stress in hoop direction

stress no.i in hoop direction
total stress in longitudinal direction
stress no.i in longitudinal direction
To find a combination/comparison (comp) stress, one often use Von Mises criteria:
comp = h 2 + l 2 h l
A.3-45)
As the formula express a combination of compressive stress in one direction and tensile stress in the
other, is more critical than only compressive stress or tensile stress in both directions.
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Pipelife Norge AS
Example 19
Calculate the comparison stress for a situation where the total stress in hoop direction h = 4 Mpa
and in longitudinal direction is l = - 2.5 Mpa (compressive) for a PE80 pipe ?
Solution :
We apply formula A.3-45) : comp = 4 2 + (2.5) 2 4 (2.5) MPa = 5.7 MPa
This comparison stress should be compared to the allowable stress for the PE-material
(ref. table A.1.1)
We see that even if the values for l and h is less than the design stress 5.0 Mpa,
the comparison stress exceeds 5.0 Mpa.
This is a motivation to include all relevant stresses in a proper design, especially when dealing with
low design factors (e.g. C = 1.25).
As we have mentioned earlier in this catalogue (for instance chapter A.1, A.3.1.2) the PE
material will undergo creep and relaxation. This means that the stresses and strains due to a
certain load situation will be a function of time. We therefore have to check both short term
and log term situations.
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Pipelife Norge AS
A.4
Design of loading by concrete weights

Submarine pipelines of PE material will float due to buoyancy if they are not loaded by concrete
weights, since the specific gravity of PE material is less than the surrounding water.
The purpose of the weights is also to provide stability against :
A.4.1
Air and gas accumulation (although preferably this is not solved by weights)
Current forces
Wave forces
Degree of loading
Dependent of the projects technical specifications, we have to calculate the amount of loading.
This degree of loading is often related to the pipes displacement :
w cw
ad =
wcw
D
W
=
=
=
D2
w
4
100%
A.4.1)
weight of concrete weights in water distributed pr. m pipe

outside diameter
specific gravity of surrounding water
Another way to describe the degree of loading is to compare it to the buoyancy of internal volume of
the pipe. This is called the air fill rate, and is nearly always used in Norway to describe the degree of
loading:
aa =
w cw + w pipe w
wpipe w
d
=
=
d2
w
4
100%
A.4.2)
weight of pipeline in water (negative)

inside diameter
The degree of air filling tells us which degree of the internal pipe volume has to be filled with air to
make the pipe buoyant. This definition also includes the weight of the pipe. We have to underline
that an air fill rate of for instance 30% doesnt mean that we expect 30% of the internal volume
to be filled with air during operation, but is simply a practical way to describe the degree of
loading.
The difference between ad and aa is not so big. Fig. A.4.1 on next page gives an indication based on
the assumptions :
PE
C
w,sea
w
= 950 kg/m3
= 2400 kg/m3
= 1025 kg/m3
= 1000 kg/m3
(density PE)
(density concrete)
(density sea water)
(density fresh water)
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Pipelife Norge AS
SDR 11
Degree of air filling

aa (%)
110
SDR 17,6
100
SDR 26
90
SDR 41
80
70
60
52%
50
Sea water
45%
Fresh water
40
30
30%
20
10
0
-10
Fig. A.4.1
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Relationship between degree of displacement and

degree of air filling for concrete weights.
Degree of displacement
ad (%)
Normally we are speaking about air filling rates in the range 10-60 %.
If a pipe is loaded in accordance to an air-filling rate of 30%, it mean that 30% of the pipes internal
volume must be filled with air to obtain equilibrium in the system.
It can often be useful to know the relationship between the weight of a body in air and in water.
This can be written :
ww
wa
=
=
=
=
w w w
=
wa
weight in water
weight in air
density of body
density of water
A.4.3)
Example 1
A 500 mm PE80 SDR22 pipe is loaded with concrete weights with centre distance 5 m.
The weight in air pr. concrete weight is 5.6 kN. The weight of the pipe in air is 0.35 kN/m.
Assume PE = 950 kg/m3, w = 1025 kg/m3 and c = 2400 kg/m3
Calculate the air filling rate aa.
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Pipelife Norge AS
Solution :
First we find the weight of the concrete weights and the pipe in water by use of A.4.3) :
w cw = 6.5
w cw =
2400 1025
kN= 3.2 kN
2400
(a piece)
3.2
kN / m= 0.64 kN/m
5
w pipe w = 0.35
(pr. m pipe)
950 1025
kN / m = 0,28 kN/m
950
The internal diameter of the pipe is :

2 500
d = (500
)mm = 454.6 mm
22
We apply formula A.4.2) to calculate the degree of air filling :
(0.64 0.028) 100
aa =
% = 37.5%
0.4546 2
3.14
1025 9.81
4
The corresponding degree of displacement can be found from fig. A.4.1 by interpolating between
SDR 17.6 and SDR 26 for sea water.
This gives :
ad 32 %
For all practical situations will aa > ad
A.4.2
Types of concrete weights

There are 3 types of concrete weights by reference to the shape :
Rectangular
Circular
Starred
These are schematic shown in fig. A.4.2.1.
Rectangular
Rectangular
Circular
Circular
Starred
Starred
Fig. A.4.2.1 Different types of concrete weights

All weights are to be bolted on the pipe. The fix force should be sufficiently to avoid sliding during
sinking and rotation on seabed.
As a rule of thumb, the bolt force shall be in the range 2-3 times the weight of the concrete weight in
air.
Between the concrete weight and the pipe wall there shall be a rubber band, type EPDM or
equivalent. In most cases we also recommend rubber compensators in the bolts to reduce local
stresses in the pipe wall caused by internal pressure.
Side 50 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
It is obvious that the weights shown in fig. A.4.2.1 have different grip on the seabed when they are
subject to a wave or current force.
The rectangular weight is the classic shape. It has an overall good performance and can be utilised
in most cases.
Circular shaped weights are used in trenches, in smooth water and in places where fishing and
anchoring take place.
Star shaped weight may conveniently be applied in cases where the impact from waves and currents
is significant. The special shape gives increased stability.
Below are listed approximate friction coefficients for the 3 types of concrete weights :
Type
Friction
coefficient
Rectangular
Circular
Starred
0.5
0.2
0.8
Table A.4.2.1 Guiding friction coefficient for concrete weights
A.4.3
Stability of PE-pipeline on the seabed

We will now establish formulas to check the stability of an underwater pipeline subject to
air/gas accumulation and external forces from currents and waves. The situation is shown
in fig. A.4.3.1.
FB
FL
n a
sea
w
Wp
FD
P
FN
Ff
Wc
Wcw
Ww
Fig. A.4.3.1 Stability of PEpipe on seabed
Wp
Wa
We suppose that the forces from current and waves can be decomposed in a drag force, FD, in
horizontal direction and a lift force, FL, in vertical direction acting simultaneously on the pipeline.
To avoid sliding, these two forces must be overcame by the weight of the system and the friction
force between the concrete weights and the sea-bottom.
Side 51 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Force balance in vertical direction gives pr. unit m of pipe:

A.4.4)
FN = wCw + ww + wP + wa FB - FL
FN
wcw
ww
wp
wa
FB
FL
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
normal force against seabed

submerged weight pr. m pipe of concrete weights
weight in water pr. m inside pipe
weight of pipe pr. m in air
weight of air/gas pr. m inside pipe
buoyancy of pipe pr. m
lift force
Force balance in horizontal direction gives :
Ff FD
Since Ff = FN we get the criteria for stability :
FD
FN
A.4.5)
A.4.6)
The coefficient of friction should be greater than the ratio drag force/normal force.
The elements in formula A.4.4) can be expressed more exactly as follows :
sea
w cw = w ca c
c
Wca
=
weight of concrete weights in air pr. m pipeline
=
specific weight of concrete
c
=
specific weight of seawater
sea
d2
w
4
amount of air filled section, e.g. 30%, = 0.3
internal diameter
specific gravity of water inside the pipe
w w = (1 n )
n
d
w
=
=
=
d2
a
4
=
specific gravity of air inside the pipe
a
wa can in most cases be neglected.
wa = n
D2
sea
4
external diameter of pipe
FB =
D
A.4.7)
A.4.8)
A.4.9)
A.4.10)
We have now a complete set of formulas to check the pipelines stability on the seabed when the
drag force, FD, and lift force, FL, are known. For calculation of FD and FL, see chapter A.4.5 and
A.4.6.
Example 2
A 500 mm PE100 pipe SDR22 is laying on the sea bottom and is attacked by waves
and currents.
Design drag force is FD = 0.4 kN and design lift force is FL = 0.2 kN.
Degree of air accumulation is assessed to be n = 0.15. On the pipeline there are installed
concrete weight for every 3 m. The concrete weight has a weight of 5.6 kN in air.
The weight of the pipeline is 0.345 kN/m.
Assume specific gravity of concrete to be 23.5 kN/m3, specific gravity of seawater to be
10.05 kN/m3 and specific gravity of sewage water to be 10 kN/m3
Specific gravity of air/gas can be neglected. Is the pipeline stable on the seabed ?
Side 52 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Solution :
We use formulas A.4.4) A.4.10) to solve the problem.
First we calculate the weight of concrete weights pr. m pipeline in seawater by formula A.4.7) :
w cw =
5.6 23.5 10.05
kN / m = 1.068 kN/m
3
23.5
Then we apply A.4.8) to find the weight of water inside the pipe pr. m :
w w = (1 0.15)
0.4546 2
10 kN/m = 1.379 kN/m
4
The buoyancy is given by formula A.4.9) :

FB =
0.5 2
10.05 kN/m = 1.972 kN/m
4
The normal force, FN, is decided by putting values into A.4.4) :

FN = (1.068+1.379+0.345+0-1.972-0.2) kN = 0.62 kN
The minimum friction coefficient is calculated from A.4.6)
min =
0.4
= 0.65
0.62
If the pipe shall avoid sliding, the friction coefficient between concrete weights and sea bottom
must be greater than 0.65.
If we return to table A.4.2.1., we see than only the starred weight can perform this friction coefficient.
The conclusion is that the pipe is stable only if the concrete weights have a starred shape.
Else it will slide sideways.
To get it stable by rectangular or circular weights, we have to increase the weight of the concrete
weights to 6.54 kN and 9.34 kN respectively.
It is also possible to adjust the centre distance to 2.57 m and 1.8 m and keep the original weight.
The corresponding air filling rate is given by formula A.4.2). This gives :
Starred weight :
aa =
Rectangular weight :
aa =
Circular weight :
aa =
1.068 0.027
0.4546 2
10
4
1.247 0.027
0.4546 2
10
4
1.781 0.027
0.4546 2
10
4
100 % = 64.2 %
100 % = 75.2 %
100 % = 108.1 %
In reality it is not possible to use circular weights without introducing buoyancy elements temporary
during sinking/installation of the pipe.
Side 53 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.4.4
Recommended air filling rate for subwater pipelines

As mentioned earlier the loading by concrete weights on a subwater pipeline depends on :
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Buoyancy of PE-material
Air/gas accumulation
Current forces
Wave forces
Fishing equipment
i)
Buoyancy of the PE-pipeline is dependent of the diameter and the SDR-class, but will
normally be within the range 0.3-2.5 % measured as air filling rate aa
ii)
How much air/gas that will be accumulated in a subwater pipeline, depends on the project
design and must normally be calculated accurately.
Especially for outfall pipelines air/gas accumulation can be a problem. The topography in
the trace is critical.
Generally we will advice air filling rate as shown in table A.4.4.1 below :
Type of pipeline
Type of transport/topography
Gravitation
Pumping
Big highpoints
Potable water
10 %
15 %
20 %
Sewerage water
25 %
30 %
50 %
Table A.4.4.1 Guiding air filling rates for subwater pipelines

with respect to air/gas accumulation.
iii)
iv)
v)
Current forces can be significant for subwater pipelines installed directly on the bottom,
especially in rivers.
If the forces are too big, the pipeline has to be buried in a trench.
Stability calculations (ref. A.4.3) must be carried out for each project.
Generally, in rivers, pipelines must be buried, especially when crossing the stream direction.
In the sea and in lakes, it will often be sufficient to increase the air filling rate with 10%
to obtain stability. This extra amount shall be added to the values in i) and ii)
Wave forces must be calculated separately. Generally we advise to bury the pipeline to
a water depth where the wave is breaking. This will normally mean 10-15 m water depth
in exposed areas.
Further we recommend a total air filling rate in the range 70-30% dependent on
the projects characteristics.
This loading is kept to a depth corresponding to half the wavelength of the design wave.
On deeper water the general rules given in i), ii) and iii) are applied.
It can be accepted that the pipeline moves a little on the seabed when the waves are
passing.
Experiences show that the tube will move back and forth within a limited area if the airfilling rate is properly calculated. In such cases starred weights are always applied. The
movements of the pipe are actually both rotation and sliding. Comprehensive computer
programmes must be used for such calculations.
It is not normal to design the air filling rate to include influence from fishing equipments like
fishing nets and trawls.
However, the concrete weights can be shaped to avoid the equipment to be stuck in the
pipeline. In these cases we apply circular weights.
As a summary, we can say that the degree of loading for a PE-subwater pipeline will correspond to
an air filling rate in the range : 15-60 %.
Side 54 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
In some cases, it can be economically favourable to secure the pipeline against under-pressure (ref.
A.3.2.1) by reducing the centre distance for the concrete weights. The air filling rate in such cases
will be higher than indicated above.
Example 3
A gravitation sewerage pipeline 500 mm PE80 SDR22 shall be installed as an outfall pipeline
in a lake. There is a significant high point in the trace. We can neglect forces from currents and
waves.
Can you advice a design air filling rate ?
Solution :
We go through the points i), ii), iii), iv) and v) :
i)
aai = 2.5 %
(assume the highest value, can eventually be calculated)
ii)
We use table A.4.4.1 by input values :

- sewerage water
- big highpoints
aaii) = 50%
iii)
iv)
v)
give no extra contribution
Overall result : aa = 52.5 %

We shall underline that this air-filling rate is only representative in the high point area.
Generally aa = 27.5 % will be more suitable.
A.4.5
Current forces
Calculations of current forces acting on a pipeline can be complicated. In the following chapter we
shall deal with a simplified method to estimate the forces roughly. For concise calculations experts
in the field must be contacted.
When a current attacks a pipeline, it will be subject to a force. The force can be split into two
elements, a drag force, FD, and a lift force, FL, ref. fig. A.4.5.1.
FL
Fig. A.4.5.1 Current forces

acting on a pipeline
v
FD
The amount of the forces is mainly dependent on :

Side 55 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Current velocity (v)

Pipe's diameter (D)
Density of streaming water ()
Pipe's distance above seabed (f)
The forces can mathematically be expressed as follows :

FD
FL
CD
CL
v
D
FD
FL
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
1
v2 D
2
1
CL v2 D
2
CD
A.4-10)
A.4-11)
drag coefficient
lift coefficient
density of streaming water (kg/m3 )
current velocity (m/s)
external diameter of pipe (m)
drag force (N/m)
lift force (N/m)
The coefficients FD and FL are in principle dependent of Reynolds number and roughness of the
bottom.
Reynolds number (ref. A.2-1) can be expressed :
vD
A.4-12)
Re =
=
viscosity of water 1.3 10-6 (m2 /s)
CD
The coefficients will normally vary within the range 0.5-1.2. Values for a pipeline laying on the
seabed can be taken from fig. A.4.5.2 and A.4.5.3 .
Re
Fig. A.4.5.2 Drag coefficient, CD
Side 56 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
CL
Re
Fig. A.4.5.3 Lift coefficient, CL
The lifting force will be reduced as the distance (f) between pipe and seabed increases.
If f = 0.5 D the lifting force will be approximately 10% of the lifting force for a pipeline laying directly
on the seabed. This is a vital detail in design of concrete weights.
Example 4
A current is attacking a pipeline at an angle 45
from the centreline as shown beside.
V= 1 m/s
The pipe's diameter is 500 mm.

Density of water is 1000 kg/m3 .
Assume that CL = 0.20 and CD = 1.0.
Calculate the drag force and the lift force.
Solution :
The velocity component perpendicular to the pipeline
can be written :
vN
v sin
Inserting this expression into A.4-10) and A.4-11) we get :

1
C D v 2 sin 2 D
=
FD
2
1
C L v 2 sin 2 D
=
FL
2
Putting in values from example 4 gives :
1
1.0 1000 12 sin 2 45 0.5 N/m = 125 N
=
FD
2
1
0.2 1000 12 sin 2 45 0.5 N/m = 25 N
=
FL
2
= 45o
D= 500mm
A.4-13)
A.4-14)
A.4-15)
Side 57 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
As we can see, the forces are reduced significantly if the attack angle, , is small. It is therefore
a good idea to avoid the current to run perpendicular to the pipe.
Finally we should mention that formulas A.4-14) and A.4-15) must be corrected taking into account
the shape and area of the concrete weights, if comprehensive calculations are done. In this case we
can introduce a "shadow coefficient" k. Usually k will be in the range 1.0-1.5.
This means that the forces calculated in example 4 can be 50 % higher if the concrete weights are
taken into account, dependent on shape, dimension and centre distance.
A.4.6
Wave forces
Waves will apply big forces on a subwater pipeline installed directly on seabed.
The main factors are :
Wave height
Wave period
Pipe diameter
Distance between pipe and sea bottom
Angle between pipeline and the wave's moving direction
Depth of water
Condition of seabed
Waves approaching the shore will be influenced by the bottom conditions and soon or later they will
reach a depth where they are breaking.
A breaking wave will release a big amount of energy that eventually can damage the pipe structure.
A good rule is therefore :
"Burry the pipeline to a depth equal or greater then the depth

where the design wave is breaking"
Practically speaking this mean a depth in the range 5-15 m dependent on the site's local conditions.
Description of waves and wave forces involves a complicated basis of formulas.
There are several theories, but a common feature is the dividing of the force components into
3 elements :
-
Drag force
Lift force
Inertial force
The movement of water particles in a wave take place in circular or elliptic orbits as shown in
fig. A.4.6.1.
L
Shallow water
h
L
1
20
Semi deep water

1
<
20
h
L
<
1
2
Deep water
h
L
>
1
2
Fig. A.4.6.1 Movement of particles in a wave

Side 58 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
As shown in fig. A.4.6.1, the orbits for the particles at deep water are circles. The deep is so great
that the movement of the wave does not "touch the bottom"
L
Deep water is defined as the water depth (h) deeper than half the wavelength (h > )
2
Wave forces will never influence a pipeline installed at deep water.
L
L
At semi deep water (
< h < ) the forces can be significant while they can reach
2
20
L
extreme values as shallow water (h >
)
20
Since the wave particles are moving continually by time, the wave forces will change both direction
and magnitude.
At a fixed moment, forces acting in one direction will influence a section of the pipeline
while another section will be exposed to forces acting in opposite direction.
To check the stability of the pipe it is sufficient to know the extreme values of the forces.
These can be calculated by the following formulas :
D 2 H o
Ci f
A.4-16)
Fi
=
4
Lo
FD
FL
Fi
FD
FL
f
Ci
CD
CL
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Ho
Lo
CD f 2
D 2 H o H o
4
Lo D
A.4-17)
D 2 H o H o
4
Lo D
inertial force
drag force
lift force
refraction factor
inertial coefficient
drag coefficient
lift coefficient
specific gravity of water (N/m3 )
external diameter of pipe (m)
wave height on deep water (m)
(vertical distance from wave bottom to wave crest)
wave length on deep water (m)
CL f 2
A.4-18)
There is a phase angle between Fi, FD and FL, which indicates that they never occur
simultaneously. For instance the Fi is 90 out of phase with the FL force.
If the wave hits the pipeline under an angle , the forces must be corrected by the factor sin .
As the formulas A.4-16), -17) and 18) indicate there are several values which must be known to
calculate wave forces.
Subsequently we shall discuss the most important factors.
Force coefficients
The coefficients Ci, CD and CL are decided experimentally. The coefficients are dependent of the
distance between the pipeline and the seabed (ref. fig. A.4.5.1).
If there is a passage for the water under the pipeline, the coefficients will be reduced.
Table A.4.6.1 below gives some practical values for calculations.
Coefficient
Ci
CD
CL
Distance to bottom = 0
Distance to bottom
3.3
1
2
D
4
2
0.7
0
Table A.4.6.1 Force coefficients for waves

Side 59 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Wave height and wave length

If there are no measurements of the wave heights, the heights can be decided on the basis of wind
statistics and "fetch length" for the wind.
The diagrams in fig. A.4.6.2 and A.4.6.3 give the significant wave height, H1/3 and the
corresponding wave period, knowing the wind speed and "fetch length".
In calculations we apply the maximum wave height (Ho) on deep water, which is :
Ho = 1.8 H1/3
A.4-19)
The wave period for Ho is assumed to be the same as for H1/3 and can be taken directly from
fig. A.4.6.3.
A.4-20)
To = T1/3
80
70
60
50
4.
0
15
10
5
0,
0
0,7 ,8
25
40
0,
6
1.
2
50
20
1
0, .0
9
30
20
30
14
.0
3
2 .0
2 .8
2. 2.4 .6
2 2
1 .0
1. .8
6
1.
4
60
70
80
90
100
0,
4
3
0,
Wind speed (miles/hour)
40
6.
0
5.
0
12
10 .0
9. .0
8. 0
7. 0
0
0,
2
10
0.1
0.2
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7
1.0
2.0
Fetch length
7.0
3.0 4.0 5.0
10
20
30
40
F (miles)
Fig. 4.6.2 Wave height H1/3 as function of wind speed and "fetch length"
80
70
7.
60
9.
6.
0
5.
50
4.
2
3.
4
3.
4.
40
2.
2.
1.
20
2.
1.
6
1.
4
1.
2
1.
0
Wind speed (miles/hour)
3.
30
10
0.1
0.2
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7
1.0
2.0
3.0 4.0 5.0 7.0
Fetch length
10
20
30
40
F(miles)
Fig. 4.6.3 Wave period as function of wind speed and "fetch length"
Side 60 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Note that the wave height, H1/3, is given in the unit feet when the wind speed is in miles/hour and the
"fetch length" is in miles ( 1 mile = 1609 m, 1 foot 0.3 m)
If statistic information is not available, one can apply the following formulas for a roughly calculation
of Ho and Lo [1].
Ho
0.045 u
Lo
=
=
=
0.56 u F
wind speed (m/s)
fetch length (km)
u
F
A.4-21)
This means that the abruptness of the wave,
A.4-22)
Ho
Lo
is approximately 8 %.
Variations within the range 7-9 % are usually.

Formulas A.4-21) and A.4-22) tend to give a little to high values and should therefore be on the safe
side.
We recommend to use wave statistics if available for a given project.
When the wave period is known, the wavelength on deep water can be calculated by formula :
Lo = 1.56 T1/32
A.4-23)
Refraction factor
This factor tries to describe how the waves are influenced by the bottom conditions when the waves
are approaching the shore.
Mathematically this factor can be expressed :
f=
=
=
2a
sin
Ho
A.4-24)
wave particles amplitude in orbit at the bottom (ref. fig. A.4.6.1)

angle between wave's speed direction and pipeline
There exist diagrams for the refraction factor based on certain conditions. These assume that the
contour intervals on the bottom are straight lines and parallel to the shoreline.
The input values in the diagrams are :
=
=
angle between wave's speed direction and perpendicular to the shoreline

angle between pipeline and perpendicular to the shoreline
Fig. A.4.6.4, A.4.6.5 and A.4.6.6 give possibilities to decide a value for f [4].
Side 61 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
av
ed
ire
c
tio
n
e
Pip
Shore line
Fig. A.4.6.4 Refraction factor for = 0

Side 62 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
The breaking depth (hb) for a wave can roughly be calculated by formula A.4-25)
hb
Lo
=
=
0.05 Lo
wave length at deep water (ref. A.4-22) and A.4-23))
A.4-25)
On the following pages we shall deal with some examples where we apply the formulas for
calculation of wave properties and wave forces.
Example 5
Find the wave height, Ho, and wave length, Lo, at deep water for a wind speed u = 30 m/s
(strong storm) and a fetch length, F = 10 km.
Apply both the method with diagrams and the method with formulas.
Compare the results. At which depth will the wave break ?
Solution :
a)
Use of wind statistic :

First we find the wind speed in miles/hour and the fetch length in miles.
30 60 60
u = 30 m / s =
miles / h = 67 miles / h
1609
F = 10 km =
10000
miles = 6.2 miles
1609
By use of diagrams in fig. A.4.6.2 and fig. A.4.6.3 we get :

H1 / 3 = 7 feet = 2.1 m
T1 / 3 = 5.3 s
Maximum wave height is given by formula A.4-19) :

Ho = 1.8 2.1 m = 3.8 m
Wavelength can be calculated by formula A.4-23) :
Lo = 1.56 5.32 m = 44 m
b)
Use of formulas :
We apply formulas A.4-21) and 22) :
Ho = 0.045 30 10m = 4.2 m
Lo = 0.56 30 10m
c)
= 53 m
Comparison of results :
If we compare the results from a) and b), we find that the formula method gives higher
values than the method applying wind statistics.
The differences expressed in percentage are :
Wave height
4.2 3.8
100% = 10 %
3.8
Wavelength
53 44
100% = 20 %
44
Side 63 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
d)
Breaking depth :
Formula A.4-25) gives an estimate of the breaking depth.
a) hb = 0.05 44 m = 2.2 m
b) hb = 0.05 53 m = 2.6 m
The pipeline has to be buried to a depth minimum equal the breaking depth.
Normally we bury the pipe to a depth equal the maximum wave height, H.
In example 5 this recommendation gives a trench to approximately 4 m water depth.
Example 6
Consider the wave data calculated in example 5 by the wind statistic method (Ho = 3.8 m
Lo = 44 m).
Fig. A.4.6.7 shows that the waves speed direction hits the perpendicular to the contour intervals
under an angle o = 45 .
An outfall pipeline 500 mm PE is installed perpendicular to the contour lines, it means = 0
The pipeline is buried to 5 m depth.
Decide the refraction factor f and calculate the forces attacking the pipeline at 20 m depth.
Assume that the pipeline is laying directly at the seabed (no space between pipe and bottom)
Assume = 10000 N/m3
W ave front
o=
45 o
-20
-15
-10
= 0 o
-5
0
Trench
Outfall Cham ber
Fig. A.4.6.7 Outfall pipeline attacked by waves

Solution :
We apply fig. A.4.6.4, = 45,
h
20
=
= 0.45
L o 44
This gives a refraction factor : f = 0.1

The wave forces maximum values can be found by the formulas A.4-16), -17) and 18).
Force coefficients are taken from table A.4.6.1.
Inertial force :
Fi = 3.3 0.110000
Drag force :
FD = 1 0.12 10000
0.5 2 3.8
N/m = 180 N/m

4
44
0.5 2 3.8 3.8
N/m = 15 N/m
4
44 0.5
Side 64 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Lift force :
0.5 2 3.8 3.8

FL = 2 0.1 10000
N/m = 25 N/m
4
44 0.5
2
As we see the inertial force is the dominating force. It is out of phase with the lift force and the drag
force.
For stability calculations we can assume FD to be zero when Fi = Fi,max and vice versa.
Thus we get the following critical combination :
Horizontal 180 N
Vertical 25 N
For stability calculations see point A.4.3.
Side 65 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.5
Design of parameters for the sinking process

The critical phase for installations of a PE-pipe is the sinking.
Fig. A.5.1 below shows the situation during sinking of a PE-pipeline.
P
aaH
(1-aa)H
Fig. A.5.1 PE-pipeline during sinking

To carry out a safe installation we should consider the balance between the forces acting downward
(q1)
and the forces acting upwards (q2). The downward forces are created mainly by the concrete
weights on the pipeline and the upward forces are due to buoyancy of the air filled section.
To start and to continue the sinking process, the downward forces must be a little greater than
the upward forces.
To control this difference is essential and the main challenge during sinking.
We must try to avoid acceleration forces on the system. This can be controlled by recording
the sinking speed (v) and regulating the internal pressure (p).
If the speed is increasing, we can increase the air pressure and vice versa.
For regulation of the air pressure we apply valves and compressor.
The most critical situation for the pipeline regarding damage, is buckling at the sea surface or at
the bottom due to "exceeded" buckling radius, ref. A.3.5.1.
To secure a sufficient radius it is necessary to apply a pulling force (P) in the end of the pipe.
With reference to fig. A.5.1, we have the following parameters available for control and regulations
during sinking :
Air pressure
(p)
Pulling force
(P)
Sinking velocity (v)
In the next chapters we shall give some recommendations for calculation of these parameters.
If we can carry out a slowly sinking, the installation will be successful from the pipeline's point
of view.
Side 66 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.5.1
Internal air pressure

The internal pressure is dependent of loading from the concrete weights. Calculation of the loading
is described in A.4. The important parameter is the air filling rate, aa (ref. A.4-2).
To obtain an air filled section in fig. A.5.1, which will balance the weight of the concrete collars, we
must apply an internal pressure (p) in the pipelines.
p
p
aa
H
=
=
=
=
aa H
internal pressure (mwc)
degree of air filling
water depth (m)
A.5-1)
As we see from formula A.5-1) the internal pressure is dependent of the water depth. This means
that we have to increase the pressure as the depth increases. The compressor must have capacity
to produce sufficient air against a pressure corresponding to maximum depth including pressure drop
in the transmission pipelines.
If we know the longitudinal section for a pipeline, we can calculate the balance pressure in each
point.
This curve or table will be the basis for a successful installation.
We have to use the pipe sections as reference regarding the length. For instance every 50 m of the
pipe must be marked.
Example 1
Calculate the internal balance pressure for a 500 mm PE80 SDR22 which has a loading degree of
concrete weights corresponding to an air filling rate aa = 30 %.
Assume the depths to be 10 m, 20 m and 30 m.
Solution :
P10m = 0.3 10 m = 3 mwc = 0.29 bar
P20m = 0.3 20 m = 6 mwc = 0.59 bar
P30m = 0.3 30 m = 9 mwc = 0.88 bar
Notice that the internal pressure is independent of the pipe diameter.
A.5.2
Pulling force
The pulling force in the end of the pipe is applied to control the pipe's position and to increase
the bending radius in the S configurations (ref. fig. A.5.2)
If the loading percentage is less than 50 %, which normally is the case, the critical radius will be
at the sea surface. Otherwise it will be at the seabed.
To carry out a proper calculation of the sinking process is complicated and must be done by
computer programs.
However, there is a simple method to find an estimate for the pulling force. This method is based on
the chain link theory and is valid for deep water.
Fig. A.5.2 shows the situation.
Side 67 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
controlled air ventilation

Pulling force
P
air under pressure

water level inside pipe
water into pipe
R1min
R1
W1
EJ
W2
T
R2
R2min
H
Fig. A.5.2 Process, shape and technical parameters for a PE-pipe during sinking
Deep water is defined as :
H > 12 D
A.5-2)
In shallow water (start phase of the sinking) it is impossible to apply a force in the end before
the pipe is connected to a fixed installation. When submerging the end for connecting the pipe,
we have to check that the bending radius is greater than the buckling radius (ref. table A.3.5.1.1).
Formula A.5.3) can be applied for this purpose :
L2
R=
2H
R
L
H
=
=
=
A.5-3)
bending radius
submerged length of pipe ("cantilever length")
connection depth
It can be necessary to use several attack points for submerging the pipe during connection (not only
in the end)
If we return to fig. A.5.2, we have the following parameters :
H
h
w2
w1
P
T
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
depth (m)
internal water height (m)
net buoyancy in air filled section (N/m)
net weight of water filled section (N/m)
pulling force (N)
tension force in turning point (N)
angle between pipe axis and horizontal in turning point ( )
Side 68 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
R1
R2
EJ
=
=
=
bending radius in water filled section (m)

bending radius in air filled section (m)
pipe stiffness
Following mathematical relations can be developed :

P
R1 min =
w1
P
R2 min =
w2
T = P + w1 h
P
cos =
P + w1 h
A.5-4)
A.5-5)
A.5-6)
A.5-7)
As mentioned earlier w2 > w1 if the design air filling rate is less than 50 %. The radius R2
at surface will be critical in this case, ref. A.5-4) and A.5-5).
The relationship between w1 and w2 can approximately be written :
1 aa
w1
aa
air filling rate (a > 20%)
w2 =
aa
A.5-8)
From formula A.5-4) and A.5-5) we can find the necessary pulling force using the critical radius,
Rmin, from table A.3.5.1.1.
P1 = w1 Rmin
A.5-9)
P2 = w2 Rmin
A.5-10)
The greatest force of P1 and P2 will be the pulling force to be applied in the project.
Example 2
A 500 mm PE80 SDR26 pipe is to be installed to 50 m water depth.
The pipeline has a loading degree corresponding to 25% air filling. The sinking shall be carried out
using a safety factor 2.0 against buckling. Density of seawater can be set to 1025 kg/m3
Decide the following factors :
a)
b)
c)
d)
Minimum bending radius

Necessary pulling force in the end of the pipe
Maximum tension stress in pipe wall
The angle, , at the return point in the S-curve
Solution :
a)
Minimum bending ratio is taken from table A.3.5.1.1 :
SDR = 26
R
= 34
D
Rmin = 35 0.5 m = 17 m
Side 69 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
b)
To decide the puling force we have to know w1 and w2.

We apply formula A.4-2) to estimate w1 (w1 = wcw + wpipw w)
w1 = a a
c)
d2
w
4
w 1 = 0.25
0.4618 2
1025 9.81 N/m = 420 N
4
1 0.25
N = 1260 N
0.25
w2 can be estimated from A.5-8) :
w 2 = 420
The maximum pulling force

is given by formula A.5-10) :
P = 1260 17 N = 21.4 kN
Maximum tension force in the pipeline will appear in the return point.
Formula A.5-6) gives :
T = P + w1 (1-aa) H
T = (21400 + 420 (1-0.25) 50 ) N = 37.2 kN
The corresponding stress in the pipe wall can be decided to :

=
T
37200
=
N/m 2 = 1.3 MPa
(D 2 d 2 )
(0.5 2 0.46182 )
4
4
In addition there will be a stress in longitudinal direction due to internal pressure and
Poissons number, ref. A.3.1.2. Formula A.3-13) gives :
l max =
0.5 0.125
(26 1) MPa = 0.78 MPa
2
Maximum tension stress is the sum of and max :

max = (1.3+0.78) Mpa = 2.08 Mpa
From table A.1.2 we see that short time burst stress is 8 1.6 Mpa = 12.8 Mpa
for PE80.
12.8
= 6.15
Safety factor regarding tension stress becomes: C =
2.08
This result underlines that buckling is the most critical damage that can occur during
sinking (C = 2.0)
d)
The angle, , at the return point is given by formula A.5-7) :
cos =
21400
= 0.58
21400 + 420 (1 0.25) 50
= 54
As shown in example 2, we can calculate the pulling force, P, to secure a safe installation combined
with internal pressure.
Experiences indicate that the pulling force calculated by the formulas in this chapter, give
higher values than more advanced methods.
Side 70 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
A.5.3
Sinking velocity
To avoid acceleration forces on the pipeline the sinking speed shall be kept as constant as possible
during installation.
Since there will always be some variations in the velocity during a practical installation, it is also
important to keep the speed at a low level.
If we look at Newtons law;
K =m
K
m
v
t
=
=
=
=
v
t
A.5-10)
acceleration force
mass in movement
change in speed
change in time
v
will create a big force K to act on the water string and on
t
the pipeline. If v is kept low, we will secure that v also is low for a given time t.
We see that a big change in
As a rule of thumb, it has often been recommended that the sinking velocity should not exceed
0.3 m/s 1 km/h.
There are, however, several examples from successfully projects where the sinking speed has been
greater than 0.3 m/s.
The sinking speed is governed by the flow, Q, entering the pipe.
This flow is again dependent on the available driving pressure.
h = a a H p i
h
H
pi
aa
=
=
=
=
A.5-11)
available pressure drop (mwc)

depth (m)
internal pressure (mwc)
design air filling rate
The pressure drop can be expressed, ref. A.2-1) :

L v2
v2
h = f
+ ks
D 2g
2g
f
L
D
v
g
ks
=
=
=
=
=
=
A.5-12)
friction factor ( 0.02)

length of water filled section (m)
velocity (m/s)
gravity acceleration ( 9.81 m/s2)
singular loss coefficient
If we combine A.5-11) and A.5-12) we can express the sinking velocity as :

1
2 g D (a a H p i ) 2
v=
f L + ks D
A.5-13)
From A.5-13) we see that v is dependent of the length of water filled section (L), the depth (H) and
the internal pressure (pi). Other parameters are nearly constant. To keep a constant speed the
internal pressure (pi) must be regulated in accordance to the changes in L and H.
Side 71 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Since the relation between L and H is known for a given project, it is possible to calculate a "sinking
curve" for pi as a function of L. This curve is essential during installation.
h will appear as an under-pressure in the pipe and must be controlled against risk of buckling, (ref.
A.3-16).
To make the regulation of the sinking speed easier in the initial phase of the submerging procedure,
it is an advantage to have a high value for the singular loss coefficient, ks. This can be done by
using a reduced inlet diameter (T-pipe) compared to the main pipe. A suitable diameter can be in
the range 1/3 D to 1/20 D (under-pressure must be checked).
We recommend to keep this opening constant during sinking.
There is a maximum sinking speed at which the sinking PE-pipe has a risk to oscillate.
This speed can be estimated roughly from the formula :
v=
k
S
D
H
n
E
=
=
=
=
=
=
k D2
2 S H2 n
E
)2
2 SDR
A.5-14)
support factor (k = 1.0 for freely supported, k = 2.25 for a fixed situation)
Strouhals number ( 0.2)
external diameter (m)
maximum installation depth (m)
safety factor (assume n = 2.0)
modulus of elasticity (short time) (kN/m2)
mass of pipe, content (water) and oscillating water pr. unit of pipe volume
( 3.0 t/m3 /m)
If we assume E = 8105 kN/m2 , k = 2.0, and maximum depth = 50 m, formula A.5-10) can be
transformed to :
v = 1.2 D 2 (SDR )
1
2
A.5-15)
Formula A.5-15) gives an indication about the maximum sinking speed, but the buckling risk must
also be considered. For small diameters, the formula is a bit conservative compared to experiences.
Oscillations during sinking will normally not harm the pipe.
Example 3
Calculate the maximum sinking speed for a PE-pipeline as a function of diameter SDR classes
26 and 33. Assume maximum depth to be 50 m and D 600 mm.
Solution :
We use formula A.5-15) and plot
the result graphically
as shown in fig. A.5.3.
V
(m/s
0,9
0,8
0,7
0,6
SDR = 26
SDR = 33
0,5
0,4
0,3
Fig. A.5.3 Maximum sinking

speed to avoid
oscillations
0,2
0,1
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
D(mm)
Side 72 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Fig. A.5.3 indicates that a speed 0.3 m/s can be applied for pipe diameters 1200 mm without risks
for oscillations.
For 1600 mm the maximum sinking speed with respect to oscillations is 0.6 m/s for SDR26.
For practical purposes the sinking speed will be in the range 0.1 0.6 m/s for a controlled
submerging.
Example 4
Assume a 1200 mm PE80 SDR26 to be sunk to 50 m depth.
The longitudinal section of the bottom is given by table A.5.1 below :
L (m)
0
100
200
300
H (m)
5
15
20
30
L (m)
400
500
600
700
H (m)
35
40
45
50
Table A.5.1 Longitudinal section

The intention is to sink the pipe by a constant velocity of v = 0.3 m/s.
The loading is equal to an air filling rate, aa = 30 %.
Assume the inlet opening for water during sinking to be 1/4 of the pipes internal diameter.
Calculate the balance pressure inside the pipe and the sinking pressure.
Find the maximum speed regarding buckling.
Solution :
Formula A.5-1) is used to calculate the balance overpressure :
pb = aa H
This gives :
L (m)
0
100
200
300
aa = 0.3
H (m)
5
15
20
30
b (mwc)
1.5
4.5
6.0
9.0
L (m)
400
500
600
700
H (m)
35
40
45
50
b (mwc)
10.5
12.0
13.5
15.0
Table A.5.2 Balance pressure

Formula A.5-13) must be used to estimate pi. We can rewrite this formula :
v 2 ( f L + k s D)
i = a a H 2gD
Input values :
1107.6 mm
=
D
0.02
=
f
=
0.5 (4)2 = 8
ks
9.81 m/s2
=
g
0.3 m/s
=
v
A.5-16)
The result is given in table A.5.3 :

L (m)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Table A.5.3
H (m)
5
15
20
30
35
40
45
50
pb (mwc)
1.5
4.5
6.0
9.0
10.5
12.0
13.5
15.0
pi (mwc)
1.46
4.46
5.95
8.94
10.43
11.92
13.42
14.91
ai (%)
29.2
29.8
29.8
29.8
29.8
29.8
29.8
29.8
Internal sinking pressure.

Side 73 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
As we see there is a very low under-pressure in the pipe (0.04-0.09 mws) during sinking.
It can be difficult to regulate the pressure with sufficient accuracy. The manometer must
have a scale designed for the purpose.
In this case it can be favourable to reduce the inlet area for water in order to increase ks
(singular loss coefficient). If, for instance, a valve is applied and the inlet diameter
is equivalent to 1/20 D, the pressure drop will add to 0.83 mwc.
From formula A.3-16) we can find the buckling pressure :
p=
2 800
1 0.4
0.65
(26 1) 3
MPa = 0.079 MPa = 8.0 mwc
If we introduce a safety factor 2.0, available pressure drop is approximately 4.0 mwc.
If we put this value for (aa H pi) into formula A.5-13) we get :
1
v max ,o
2 9.81 1.107 4.0 2

=
m/s = 3.13 m/s
0.02 0 + 8 1.107
1
v max ,700
2 9.81 1.107 4.0 2

=
m/s = 1.95 m/s
0.02 700 + 8 1.107
Critical speed in the start point is 3.13 m/s and 1.95 m/s in the end point regarding buckling.
The maximum speed will be limited by the drag force due to the current appearing when the pipe
moves through the water, ref. A.4-10).
As we see there will be no risk for buckling of the pipe if a controlled sinking is carried out.
To control the sinking speed in reality, it can be adequate to record the time between, for instance, 3
consecutive concrete weights disappearing from the water surface.
If the centre distance is known, the speed is :
v=
c
t
=
=
3c
t
A.5-17)
centre distance between concrete weights

recorded time for 3 times c
The recorded/calculated speed should be compared to the design speed and necessary actions
carried out if the speed is too high (e.g. close valve, start compressor)
As you have noticed there is no exact theory to decide the maximum sinking speed for a pipeline.
A good idea is to keep the speed low in case of waves, current, failure in pulling force equipment,
failure in internal air pressure, regulation equipment etc.
As an information we can tell you that two successful sinking operations were carried out as follows
i)
1600 mm PE80 SDR26

Length
= 2500 m
Max. depth
= 50 m
Max. pulling force = 500 kN
= 28 %
Weighting, aa
vmax
= 0.46 m/s
Side 74 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
ii)
800 mm PE8 SDR17.6

Length
= 500 m
Max. depth
= 200 m
Max. pulling force = 40 kN
= 15 %
Weighting, aa
vmax
= 1.0 m/s
If we derive a formula based on a simple energy balance where kinetic energy is transformed to
elastic energy in the pipe, and only consider the axial direction, we get the expression :
1
v max =
vmax
m
m
a
T
F
E
d
D
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
m
2
d2
(
(1 2 )) 2
F
E
D
A.5-18)
critical sinking speed (m/s)

a - T
stress (Mpa)
design stress (5.0 Mpa)
stress created by pulling force and weighting ( 2.5 Mpa)
factor of safety / correction factor
Modulus of Elasticity (800 Mpa)
internal diameter
external diameter
density of water (kg/m3 )
If we put in values and assume the pipe to be thin-walled, we get the formula :
7.9
v max =
F SDR
A.5-19)
If we now compare this formula to the real projects i) and ii) we get the safety factors / correction
factors :
Fi)
= 3.4
Fii) = 1.9
If we, for instance, use the mean value of the two factors we get the result (F = 2.65) :
3.0
v ctitical =
SDR
A.5-20)
This formula gives an indication of the maximum sinking speed during a controlled sinking
(pulling force in the end) before the pipe is damaged.
We will, however, not recommend to use these speeds without risk analysis.
Table A.5.4 gives the critical sinking speeds :
SDR-class
Critical sinking
speed (m/s)
SDR-class
Critical sinking
speed (m/s)
41
33
27.6
26
22
0.47
0.52
0.57
0.59
0.64
17.6
17
13.6
11
9
0.72
0.73
0.81
0.90
1.00
Table A.5.4 Critical sinking velocity for PE-pipes
Side 75 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
B.
Installation
This chapter gives some practical information to the contractor regarding installation of subwater
pipelines. We also refer to chapter 0.2.
B.1
Jointing of PE pipes
Various jointing methods have been developed since polyethylene pipes first came on the market in
the early 1960s.
To day there are many jointing methods suitable for all sizes of PE pipes :
-
butt fusion welding

electro-fusion fittings
stub end with steel backing ring
mechanical couplers
Fusion welded joints are by far the most common.

Butt fusion can be used on all sizes of PE pipes, but is mainly used on pipes from 110 mm to
1600 mm in diameter.
Electro-fusion couplers are now available in sizes up to 500 mm and in the future even bigger
diameters will be available.
A stub end with backing ring is mainly used for jointing longer sections of pipes together, for
connections to valves or manholes or to pipes made of other materials.
Butt fusion welding of pipe strings combined with stub end / backing rings are usual for the larger
PE pipes for installation on land or in marine environments. Butt fusion and electro fusion fittings are
mainly used for the smaller pipe sizes.
Mechanical fittings for all sizes of PE pipes are now available in various metal and plastic designs.
They are preferable under conditions of :
extreme short-term bending stress as during submerging and laying
difficult or impossible welding conditions
under water jointing of repair of pipes in general
In case of using long prefabricated sections towed by boat to the site, it can be favourable to join
them together with support sleeves and stub ends as shown in fig. B.1.1.
Support sleeves are also used in connecting PE pipes to grouted flanges in manholes. They may be
delivered to fit all sizes of pipes and can be adjusted to suit customer preferences for length and
corrosion protection.
Fig. B.1.1 Support sleeve
Side 76 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
B.2
Butt fusion of PE pipes

The standard butt fusion cycle, according to DS-INF-70/INSTA 2072, is shown in fig. B.2.1.
Fig. B.2.1 Butt fusion cycle.

P1
P2
P3 *
P4
t1
t2
t
t3,1
t3,2
*)
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
heating pressure, high (Mpa)

heating pressure, low (Mpa)
welding pressure (Mpa)
cooling pressure (Mpa) P3
heating time (s) with high pressure
heating time (s) with low pressure
change-over time (s)
pressure build-up time (s)
cooling time (s), relative to a cooling pressure P3
The welding pressure may differ from that stipulated in DS-INF-70/INSTA 2072, as it depends
on the welding criteria stated in the standard
In next chapter there is given some guidelines regarding the welding parameters.
B.2.1
Welding parameters
The welding parameters listed below are average of guideline values. Wall thickness (e) and
diameter (de) are stated in millimetres.
1. Welding Temperature T
The welding temperature, T, shall be in the range of T = 210C 10C and shall be measured
continuously and verified for each weld using a thermo stick.
2. Heating-up Pressure (high) P1
The heating-up pressure shall be P = 0.18 N/mm2 0.01 N/mm2
3. Heating-up Time - t1
This is the bead formation time in seconds. It shall be recorded. See item 4.
Side 77 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
4. Bead Width - A
The bead width A, at the end of the heating-up time, is a function of the wall thickness, e :
A = 0.5 mm + 0.1 x e
5. Heating Soak Pressure (low) P2
The heating soak pressure is normally zero and shall be no more than 0.01 N/mm2
6. Heating Soak Time t2
The heating soak time is a function of the wall thickness, e : t2 = 15e e (sec.)
7. Change-over Time - t
The change-over time, is a function of pipe diameter, de : t 3 sec. + 0.01 de (sec.)
8. Pressure Build-up Time t3,1
The pressure build-up time, is a function of pipe diameter, de : t3,1 3 sec. + 0.03 de (sec.)
9. Welding Pressure P3
The welding pressure shall be P3 = 0.18 N/mm2 0.01 N/mm2
10. Cooling Pressure P4
The cooling pressure shall be P4 = 0.18 N/mm2
11. Cooling Time Under Pressure t3,2
The minimum cooling time shall be t3,2 = 10 + 0.5e (minutes)
During the cooling time, the pipe and welding structure shall rest completely and not be subjected to
any movement, in any direction.
For bigger projects we recommend to carry out a welding procedure and confirm the parameters by
destructive tensile tests.
B.2.2
Welding capacity
These are guideline figures based on eight-hours working days.
Dimension
mm
Number of welds
per day,
> SDR26
Number of welds
per day,
< SDR22
Dimension
mm
Number of welds
per day,
> SDR26
Number of welds
per day,
< SDR22
1600
1400
1200
1000
900
800
710
630
560
500
450
400
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
7
8
10
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
7
8
10
355
280
250
225
200
180
160
140
125
110
90
75
10
14
16
18
20
22
22
22
25
25
25
26
10
14
16
17
18
18
20
20
22
25
25
25
Side 78 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Fig. B.2.2 shows a welding machine for big diameters.
Fig. B.2.2 BW 1600 butt fusion welding machine.
B.3
Installation
As described in previous chapters a submarine pipeline will normally be installed as a combination of
trench installation and directly laying on the seabed installation.
B.3.1
Buried PE pipes
Whenever the water tables is higher than the centre of a PE pipe, the pipe may be subjected to
buoyancy forces when it is partly filled with water,
as illustrated in fig. B.3.1.
The buoyancy forces must be overcame
by the backfilling and the concrete
weights.
Fig. B.3.1 PE pipe in underwater trench
The backfill materials on top of pipe combined with the concrete weights provide the weight that
counterbalances the uplift due to buoyancy, preferable with a safety factor not less than 2.
Note that the specific gravity of soil is diminished when it is submerged in water :
sea = air - W
sea
air
W
=
=
=
specific gravity in sea

specific gravity in air
specific gravity of water
Side 79 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Compaction under water is not possible. If a compaction of more than DPR = 85 %

is required, it can be attained by using gravel with a natural degree of compaction
in the range of : DPR = 85 90 %.
If a pipe is laid in ground that has a constant water table close to the surface, which is the fact
for a sub marine pipeline, it can not be covered to counteract uplift. So it should be weighted using
ordinary concrete weights (2 half-pipes, mounted with bolts), ref. A.4.
Concrete weights are fixed to the pipe,
which is filled with air and floated into
position on water filled in an open-cut trench,
as shown in fig. B.3.2.
When in position, the pipe is filled with
water and will sink to bottom of trench.
The backfilling can now start.
If the water is deep and the trench
can not be seen from surface position,
the route has to be marked with buoys.
Fig. B.3.2 Installation in trench
Trenching in soft soil under water may be done using air or water jets to remove material, which is
then sucked up while the trench is flushed. Excavators on barge is however more efficient and has
greater capacity.
The trench depth depends on pipe diameter.
Recommended values of H,
for normal conditions (see fig. B.3.3) :
Do 500 mm
H = 1.75 2.0 m
Do 1000 mm
H = 2.25 2.5 m
Do > 1000 mm
H = 2.5 m
Fig. B.3.3 Trench depth in soil
Sea bed material (deposits) or gravel should be used for backfilling. After the pipe is laid, bed above
it should be restored to its original condition. Otherwise, waves and ocean currents will erode the
changed profile.
In areas where the seabed is exposed to erosion, gabions filled with gravel should be used for
protection.
Fig. B.3.4 illustrates trenching in rock. Rock trenching is considerably more expensive than
trenching in soft soil.
Side 80 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Rock is often located in the surf zone

close to shore.
To protect the pipe, it is recommended that
the top of a trench shall be covered with a layer
of concrete cast under water.
The layer of concrete should be
reinforced and anchored as illustrated
in fig. B.3.4.
Otherwise the lifting forces generated by wave
action might remove the concrete.
Fig. B.3.4 Trenching in rock

As an alternative, gabions filled with gravel can be used for the same purpose.
The pipe should have a backfill of gravel or crushed rock, with a high degree of self compaction,
say d = 22 32 mm.
B.3.2
Pipe laying on seabed

This procedure has briefly been described and calculated in chapter 0.2 and A.5.
Before sinking there has to be worked out a sinking procedure taking into account all relevant
conditions that can occur during installation.
A submarine pipeline is built by welding individual 10 m to 25 m lengths of pipe into a string or
"section" or by continuous extension of long lengths at the factory.
A string or section should be as long as possible, but its overall length depends on the space
available at the site. In general, lengths practically possible to handle are :
L (section) = 500 700 m
When produced in long lengths, each string or section could have an overall length of :
L (section) = 500 700 m
depending on pipe diameter and the towing conditions (open sea, weather conditions, etc).
The pipes should be weighted with concrete weights. The weights can be attached before the pipe
is launched into the sea, or on a barge if it is delivered in long lengths.
Pipes towed to a job site should be stored in a floating position, at a location protected from wind and
waves, and the sections should be securely anchored.
Skilled Marine Contractors can fix concrete weights onto the floating length of pipeline.
Fig. B.3.5 and B.3.6 shows schematic how a submarine pipeline is installed on seabed.
Side 81 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
F1
Fig. B.3.5 Installation of a transit pipeline in principal
Fig. B.3.6 Installation of an intake or an outfall pipeline in principal.

Pipeline systems are sunk in the direction from shore to the outer end, or other side of water.
Normally the whole pipe is sunk in one operation. If the ambient conditions are adverse and vary
from calm to rough sea, the pipe could be installed in sections, step-by-step. For practical reasons it
can also be convenient to install the pipe in sections.
After one section is sunk, its sealed flange end rests on the sea bed. In a period with calm weather,
the pipe is filled with air to lift its end to the surface, and the sinking proceeds, as soon as the next
section in connected to the flange. During connection there must be applied a pulling force to avoid
buckling.
There are also other methods to connect pipe sections in a step-by-step sinking. Dependent on the
contractors resources over and below sea-level, the connection can take place at seabed, semideep or in surface position.
Short pipe pieces may be needed for connection between section ends on seabed dependent on the
sinking method. Divers install those pieces after the sinking has taken place and the lengths are
based on exact surveying.
During the sinking of pipe, water can be filled in one of the following ways :
1.
Blind flange with a valve located onshore, and water delivered

by a pump or from a water main.
2.
Blind flange with a valve located offshore, at a depth of 2 to 5 meters,

with water filled directly by opening the valve
3.
Blind flange with valve in the inlet/outlet chamber,

pipe connected to separate flange in chamber wall.
Side 82 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
The sinking speed, v, should be regulated and should not be greater than the
calculated vmax (ref. A.5.3).
In the outmost end there must be a valve arrangement for air release and pressure control and a
compressor for air filling.
The pulling force, F1, and the internal air pressure should be applied according to the calculations in
chapter A.5.1 and A.5.2.
The sinking speed shall be checked and recorded during sinking. If the speed is too high the internal
pressure must be adjusted. The pulling force can be constant or adjusted to the water depth.
Before sinking, ensure that :
-
all bolts are re-tightened to their final torque. This applies to bolts for the concrete weights and
the bolts for flange connections.
all concrete weights are at their correct locations/positions ; verify by measurement
all ancillary devices needed are on hand, including :
air pressure gauge, increments of 0.01 bar
water valves of suitable diameter
blind flanges fitted with air valves, 1" to 2" (in/out)
water valve (in/out)
air compressor of sufficient capacity and pressure
eventually water pump of sufficient capacity and pressure
A tug boat or other vessel should be available to supply the necessary pulling force.
Its engine power at full speed must be known accurately, to within 10 %.
Small tug boats or other vessels may be used to provide transverse control of the floating pipe
as it is positioned along the route.
Experience shows that sinking of a PE pipeline is normally "a piece of cake" if the planning is good,
the resources sufficient and weather conditions taken into consideration.
Side 83 av 88
Pipelife Norge AS
Author : Tom A. Karlsen, Interconsult ASA

List of references :
[1]
Lars-Eric Janson and Borealis

Plastics Pipes for Water Supply and Sewage Disposal, 1995
[2]
Svensk Byggetjnst 1983

ISBN 91-7732-186-9
Rrbok yttre rrledningar
[3]
Frank M.White
Fluid Mechanics, 1986
ISBN 0-07-069673-X
[4]
Lars-Eric Janson
Plastrr i VA-tekniken, 1971
[5]
Aksel Lydersen
Kjemiteknikk, 1972
ISBN 8251900085
[6]
PRA 5.1, Vassdrags- og havnelaboratoriet

Ytre krefter p utslippsledninger, 1975
[7]
AS Byggemstarens Frlag
Bygg, huvuddel 1A og 1B
Allmnna grunder, 1971
[8]
Lars-Eric Janson and Jan Molin

Design and installation of Buried Plastic Pipes,
ISBN 87-983636-0-3
[9]
Thor Meland
Dimensjonering av fleksible rr i senkefasen og under drift
NIF-kurs 1979
[10]
NOU 1974:40
Rrledninger p dypt vann
[11]
Mabo, Einar Gann-Meyer

Polyethylene Pipe Systems
Handbook, 1997
[12]
Ian Larsen: Marine Waste Water Discharges 2002

Design of marine PE pipes for transient and long-term under-pressure
[13]
Ian Larsen: Marine Waste Water Discharges 2000

Controlling and installation of marine outfalls of large diameters PE pipes
[14]
Ian Larsen: Senking av HDPE ledningar. Dykarseminarium 1999, Bergen.
[15]
Torstein Langgrd: Installation of offshore pipelines, sinking procedure, Sogusku

Kumky, 1998.
Side 84 av 88

Installation of Submarine PE Pipes

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Installation of Submarine PE Pipes

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Pipelife Norge AS

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUBMARINE PIPELINES ............................................................... 4

SINKING OF SUBMARINE PE-PIPE, EXAMPLE FROM A REAL PROJECT. (SEE ALSO

HYDRAULIC AND TECHNICAL DESIGN ......................................................................... 15

TECHNICAL DATA FOR DESIGN OF PE-PIPELINES ........................................................ 15

HYDRAULIC DESIGN ................................................................................................. 18

STATIC DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 28

External loads / buckling ....................................................................................... 31

BUCKLING OF UNSUPPORTED PIPE........................................................................................................ 32

Water hammer ...................................................................................................... 36

HOOP DIRECTION ................................................................................................................................ 28

BUCKLING OF PE PIPE DURING BENDING............................................................................................... 41

CURRENT AND WAVE FORCES .............................................................................................................. 44

Combined loads .................................................................................................... 46

DESIGN OF LOADING BY CONCRETE WEIGHTS ............................................................ 48

DESIGN OF PARAMETERS FOR THE SINKING PROCESS ................................................. 66

JOINTING OF PE PIPES ............................................................................................ 76

BUTT FUSION OF PE PIPES ....................................................................................... 77

AUTHOR : TOM A. KARLSEN, INTERCONSULT ASA............................................................... 84

Different types of submarine pipelines

Special problems to be aware of :

Fig. 0.1.1.1 River water intake

Fig. 0.1.2.1 Sewerage river crossing.

Fig. 0.1.3.1 Outfall system to the sea from an iron plant.

Sinking of submarine PE-pipe, example from a real project.

1200 mm PE100 SDR26

Sinking of the pipeline

Fig.0.2.2.1 Storing the pipeline sections

Fig.0.2.2.2 Concrete weights are fixed to the pipeline

Fig.0.2.2.3 Two pipe sections are flanged together

Fig.0.2.2.4 PE-pipeline during sinking process.

Fig.0.2.2.5 The submerging process has started

Fig.0.2.2.7 Concrete weight system

Fig.0.2.3.1 Principle of sinking a diffuser as a beam

Hydraulic and technical design

Technical data for design of PE-pipelines

modulus of elasticity at zero loading time and low load (Mpa)

creep modulus, time > 0, stress > 0 and constant (Mpa)

relaxation modulus, time > 0, strain > 0 and constant

burst strength at time zero (Mpa)

creep strength at time > 0 (Mpa) (also called burst stress)

strain in the axial direction

strain in the ring direction

thermal expansion ( C -1)

For PE-pipes, 50 years operation time is usually chosen as service life.

= design factor (safety factor)

Table A.1.1 Design stress

Design stress 50years

* Safety factors are 1.6 and 1.25 respectively

Table A.1.2 Mechanical properties for PE-pipes.

Table A.1.3 Design values for equivalent roughness ()

coefficient of friction (see diagram fig. A.2.1.1)

The viscosity of water depends on the temperature.

First we calculate the velocity, v, from A.2-3)

Reynolds number is found from A.2-2)

absolute roughness, taken from table A.1.3 (mm)

To convert this unit to Pa (N/m2) we introduce the relationship :

This gives : p = 1000 9.81 11.03 Pa = 108204 Pa

Coefficient for singular head losses

The expression k means a sum of discrete head losses.

Table A.2.1.1 gives guiding values for singular coefficients.

Singular headloss k-factor

k= 0,2 . sin (rough)

Table A.2.1.1 Guiding coefficients for singular head losses.