Non-linear analysis of pipeline installation

The paper presents an analytical basis for a very accurate yet extremely rapid analysis of the deformations of a pipe installed in any depth of water. The analysis is suitable for use on a desk-top computer and the speed of solution, 2-7 secs depending on water depth, permits a real-time assessment of the pipeline conditions during installation. The very rapid solution time of the method described here means that it can be used in real-time to monitor the lay-down geometry of a pipeline during installation and therefore can be an aid to minimising the occurrence of spans. The analysis of a practical case shows the accuracy of the procedure and allows to draw a comparison with a finite element approach