Author(s)

Y. Theiner, H. Lehar & G. Hofstetter

Abstract

For pipelines laid in difficult ground, as frequently encountered in Alpine regions, a pipe system, consisting of individual pipes, made of ductile cast iron, which are connected at joints at the construction site, are a favourable type of construction. The paper deals with the development of such pipelines for high operating pressures. Because the joints have to sustain both the high operating pressure and high axial forces assuring water tightness, they are a critical part of such pipelines. In this contribution the synthesis of numerical simulations and experimental validation will be presented as an efficient approach for developing such pipes. The dimensions of prototypes are determined on the basis of the results of fully three-dimensional FE-simulations. These prototypes are then used to check the design by ultimate load testes and to compare the numerical prediction with the measured response. Keywords: penstock, pipelines, high operating pressure, ductile cast iron, sleeve joints, numerical simulation, material and geometric nonlinear behaviour, contact behaviour, load carrying behaviour, experimental validation. 1 Introduction In Alpine regions, frequently difficult ground conditions are encountered for the laying of pipelines. A suitable construction type for difficult terrain is a pipe system, consisting of individual pipes made of ductile cast iron, which are connected at joints at the construction site.

Keywords

penstock, pipelines, high operating pressure, ductile cast iron, sleeve joints, numerical simulation, material and geometric nonlinear behaviour, contact behaviour, load carrying behaviour, experimental validation