The strain-based design method for buried pipelines in the collapsible loess areas

The self-weight collapsibility of loess may threaten the safe operation of pipelines in the collapsible loess areas. In this paper, displacement calculation methods of collapsibility in typical loess areas in China are investigated, and a finite element model considering pipe and soil interaction is established to calculate the strain for pipeline design. Moreover, the method to determine the allowable strain for pipeline is proposed. Taking Xinjiang-Guangdong-Zhejiang Pipeline which is in the collapsible loess areas as an example, the strain-based design method is analyzed. As a result, the relation between strain distribution and collapsible displacement is identified. This study provides foundation for design and safety evaluation of buried pipeline in the collapsible loess areas.