Assessment of the consolidated breakout response of partially embedded subsea pipelines

The changing soil strength due to consolidation around a subsea pipeline can alter the lateral breakout resistance. Results of elasto-plastic coupled consolidation finite-element analyses are presented that quantify the effect of consolidation on the undrained breakout resistance and trajectory of partially embedded seabed pipelines. Breakout resistance is presented in terms of failure envelopes in vertical–horizontal load space, which also allow the trajectory of the pipe during breakout to be determined by normality. Observed responses for consolidated undrained breakout are described by simple algebraic expressions as a function of initial pipe embedment, pipe self-weight (and consequent consolidation pressure) and breakout load path. Consolidation and the associated enhancement of the shear strength of the surrounding soil can have a significant effect on the breakout response. The assumption in current practice of unconsolidated undrained soil behaviour may lead to underestimation of pipeline breakout resistance and inaccurate prediction of the trajectory of the pipe during breakout.