UPLIFT OF MODEL STEEL PIPELINES EMBEDDED IN POLYCRYSTALLINE ICE

The experimental behaviour of model pipelines embedded in polycrystall ine ice is studied to improve the understanding of the behaviour of a chilled buried pipeline subjected to frost heave. Two model pipelines with slightly different radius to thickness ratios were subjected to p rescribed displacement rates. Their behaviour was monitored until peak strains corresponding to current acceptable strain limits, often refe rred to as the wrinkling strains, were exceeded. The sizing of the mod el pipelines and experimental setup are described and detailed procedu res on polycrystalline ice sample preparation are given. Representativ e core samples of polycrystalline ice were tested to determine its ela stic and creep properties. The observed and predicted responses of str ain histories in the pipeline are compared and acceptable agreement be tween the responses is obtained.