Pipeline On-Bottom Stability Analysis

The vertical and lateral stability of pipelines during installation, testing, and operation depends on the hydrodynamic forces imposed on the pipeline, submerged weight of pipeline, and the type of the seabed soil. There are several approaches for calculation of hydrodynamic force based on the water depth and wave characteristics.

To ensure on-bottom stability of pipelines, simplified methods as well as finite element modelling may be employed. Nonlinear FE modelling in time domain in
this case requires accurate soil behavior and hydrodynamics and can result in more economical design.