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Pipeline Dent Strain Assessment Using ASME B31.8
Pipeline Dent Strain Assessment Using ASME B31.8
Pipeline Dent Strain Assessment Using ASME B31.8
8
More info about this article: http://www.ndt.net/?id=25447
David D. MACKINTOSH
Acuren Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
david.mackintosh@acuren.com
Abstract
ASME B31.8-2018 Appendix R provides a method for assessing strain in pipeline dents based mainly on
measured surface curvature. Strain is one indicator of whether a dent may develop a leak or rupture. In
practice, there can be some confusion when different technologies – for example manual assessment,
laser scanning, and inline inspection – appear to produce different strain results. With any method, it
can be a challenge to find the curvature that actually represents local wall bending without being over-
sensitive to small surface variations or under-sensitive to short, sharply-bent areas. This paper
summarizes the rationale and theory behind ASME B31.8-2018 Appendix R and suggests some practical
tips for accurate and consistent results. This paper discusses strain but does not cover pressure-cycle
fatigue.
Keywords: pipeline, ASME B31.8, dent, strain, direct assessment, laser scanning, inline
inspection.
Contents
1 Why calculate dent strain? .................................................................................................... 2
2 What is in ASME B31.8R?....................................................................................................... 2
3 How is surface curvature determined? ................................................................................. 4
4 Do the different methods usually agree? ............................................................................ 10
5 Should the strain be calculated over the whole dent surface? ........................................... 11
6 What are the accept-reject criteria for dent strain in code?............................................... 11
7 When should ASME B31.8R not be used? ........................................................................... 12
8 What is the strain in very shallow dents? ............................................................................ 12
9 What’s the final word on ASME B31.8R?............................................................................. 13
10 Appendix: Theory ................................................................................................................. 16
1
1 Why calculate dent strain?
As part of the ongoing battle to keep steel pipelines operating safely, operators face the
challenge of determining which dents need repair and which can be left in safe operation.
Although enshrined in code, depth measurement is not a great help since plain dents (those
without stress concentrators such as cracks, welds, corrosion, or gouging) often have minimal
effect on burst pressure [1, 2].
Dents with cracks (Figures 1a and 1b) are generally dangerous and require expedited repair [3].
Dent strain – local elongation or compression – is one indicator of whether a dent may develop
cracking or other material damage that could cause a leak or rupture [4]. This paper outlines
some methods and practical considerations for estimating dent strain according to ASME
B31.8R, which is an abbreviation for ASME B31.8-2018 – Gas Transmission and Distribution
Piping Systems, Nonmandatory Appendix R, Estimating Strain In Dents [5]. This paper does not
cover pressure-cycle fatigue. For pressure-cycle fatigue, see other standards such as API 579
[6], BS 7608 [7], or API 1183 (still only in draft form when this article was published).
ASME B31.8R strain is mainly determined from dent curvature: the sharper the dent, the higher
the strain (Figure 2). Curvature is mainly affected by the shape of the indenter: a sharp rock
makes a sharp dent. Rosenfeld et al. state that “there is almost no relationship between dent
depth and strain...” [8], which was confirmed in a study by Rafi et al. [9].
Note that ASME B31.8 does not “preclude the use of other strain estimating techniques” [10]
and allows strain to be calculated using “other engineering methodology” [11] (as does
Canadian CSA Z662 code [12], which references ASME B31.8).
2
Corrosion Crack Gouging
Flow
Figure 1a: Sample dent with corrosion, crack, and gouging. (See also Figure 1b.)
Brush
marks
Flow
Figure 1b: The dent from Figure 1a viewed from the inside of the pipe showing the crack.
Surface brush marks from inline tools can also be seen.
3
L
Figure 2: Visual comparison of low- and high-strain dents. Note that in the high-strain dent, the
sharpest part of the bend covers only a short length L (see Section 3.3).
Figure 3: Surface curvatures and sign conventions for ASME B31.8R strain calculations (adapted
from ASME B31.8-2018).
4
3.2 What software and mathematical methods are used?
One simple strategy to determine curvature is to plot a circle at the point of interest and use
visual judgment to select the correct radius (Figure 4). If this task is performed using software,
caution is strongly recommended if viewing the data with a zoom much greater than 1:1 scale,
since small surface blemishes can begin to look like major deformations.
Another strategy is, instead of selecting a radius, to select the length of the segment to which
the circle will be mathematically fit (Figure 5). Too short a segment can be overly noise-
sensitive, and too long a segment can smooth over a sharp dent. To obtain the right balance,
one manufacturer suggests selecting a segment length that covers an area of similar curvature
at the point of interest [14]. This segment would also lie within the points of inflection at each
end of the profile. Our experience suggests that this strategy may be less user-dependent than
simply selecting the radius visually.
For inline inspection (ILI) tool data, which requires mass processing, a host of techniques have
been developed which we will not attempt to review here. One example technique is to
interpolate between data points using B-splines,* from which curvatures can be mathematically
extracted [15].
For accurate results, the measurement grid needs to be fine enough to capture the sharpest
curvature in a dent. Based on a study of dent assessment by laser, for reliable and repeatable
results Arumugam et al. recommend a grid resolution of 2 mm or finer [16]. Figure 6 shows a
laser profile plotted with manual depth readings, which were spaced too widely for this dent at
10 mm (0.4 inch), leading to an under-call of strain. This assessment might be improved by
aligning the grid to the point of interest but preferably by using a finer grid. Note that for many
smoother dents, a 10 mm grid could be quite adequate.
Filtering, smoothing, or averaging out noise and surface roughness is usually essential, as
Lukasiewicz et al. observed in processing ILI data [17]. For example, an algorithm that uses only
three neighboring data points to calculate curvature, without smoothing, would tend to over-
react to noise [18]. In Figure 7, the hypothetical ‘noise-sensitive’ algorithm under-calls the
radius and over-calls strain. ASME B31.8R states that suitable smoothing techniques should be
used to minimize noise.
*
A spline is a mathematical function that behaves similarly to a flexible strip of wood that is used to
draw smooth curves between defined points.
5
Because some software (or software settings) may incorrectly flag small surface variations as
high strain, it could be tempting to simply screen out all short variations. However, Figure 2
illustrates that a sharply-bent area may also be short. It is therefore important not to ignore
short areas where the dent profile can be seen to converge to a sharp bend.
Radius correct
Figure 4: A dent profile obtained from laser scanning showing correct and incorrect circle-fitting
for dent strain assessment. (Back wall profile is estimated.)
selected segment
Figure 5: Example of a method where the user selects the length of segment to which the circle
will be fit, over an area of similar curvature. (Same dent profile as in Figure 4.)
6
Figure 6: Comparison of manual and laser dent longitudinal profiles. The manual data points are
shown joined by straight lines because in this case no interpolation was used.
Figure 7: Sketch of results that might be obtained using different circle-fitting algorithms.
The data are from a laser-generated dent profile with simulated noise added.
7
Another manual measurement method is to use a straight-edge placed on ring spacers (Figure
9), which help to maintain a constant offset if there is nearby corrosion or distortion. Depth
measurements can be taken on a 2D grid, which allows strain calculations both at the apex and
at other points on the dent.
Straight edge
Profile
measurement
Ring
spacer
Dent
Figure 9: A straight edge with ring spacers can be used to obtain a dent profile or grid.
8
Figure 10: A dent strain plot calculated from laser data.
9
3.7 What are the strengths and limitations of each method?
Table 1 summarises three common methods for determining dent strain along with their
strengths and weaknesses.
10
4.2 Changes with pressure
Dent shapes may change with operating pressure, which can cause discrepancies if the different
measurement methods were applied at different times [28]. Also, excavating a dent for direct
assessment can cause a dent to reround (spring back) to a shallower depth [29] due to the
removal of the indenter or load on the pipe.
Straight-edge #1
Straight-edge #2
11
elongation data), although safe passage of inline devices is also a requirement for acceptance
[36]. A dent affecting a ductile pipe weld, rejected by depth, can be rendered acceptable by
engineering analysis, but not if its strain exceeds 4%.
The ASME B31.8R model assumes a simple, well-behaved, symmetrical dent geometry with
axes aligned with the pipe [40]. Gao et al. recommend that “For dents with complex geometry,
critically located in high consequence areas ... FEA [finite element analysis] methods should be
used” to calculate strain [41]. Based on this recommendation, the operator can take the
appropriate action if a complex dent (for example multi-apex) is reported.
12
9 What’s the final word on ASME B31.8R?
Although there is ongoing discussion on the accuracy of ASME B31.8R equations compared to
other methods [43], according to Okoloekwe et al. the ASME B31.8R equations provide a
‘reasonable estimate’ [44], and Gao et al. state that on the whole ASME B31.8R gives a simple,
easy, and useful method for determining dent strain [45].
Acknowledgement
The author would like to thank Ted Hamre and Kelly Cisar for their valuable input. Any errors or
omissions are solely the author’s.
13
(a) External dent surface as
seen in 3D laser scan data.
Figure 12: Laser analysis of a dent that has a point of maximum strain away from the apex. See
also Figure 13.
14
(a) Radius of curvature is (b) Radius of curvature is
smaller at point of maximum larger (lower strain) at
strain. apex.
100 mm
Figure 13: In the dent from Figure 12, dent contours are shown (a) through point of maximum
strain and (b) through dent apex. The superimposed circles indicate why, in this dent, the strain
is higher (smaller radius of curvature) away from the apex.
Figure 14: Three scenarios where a sharp rock creates dents of different depths – but are the
strains the same?
15
10 Appendix: Theory
10.1 What are the ASME B31.8R equations?
Table A1: Notation
Wall thickness t
Measured dent depth d
Measured dent length L
Pipe nominal radius R0
Measured dent curvature in circumferential direction R1
Measured dent curvature in longitudinal direction R2
Bending strain in circumferential direction ε1
Bending strain in longitudinal direction ε2
Extensional strain in longitudinal direction ε3
Effective strain at inside surface of pipe εi
Effective strain at outside surface of pipe εo
Maximum effective strain εeff
Based on the notation in Table A1 and Figure 3, the ASME B31.8R-2018 equations are:
1 1
= − (A1)
2
= (A2)
2
1
= (A3)
2
2
= + ( + )+ ( + ) /
(A4)
√3
2
= − (− + ) + (− + ) /
(A5)
√3
= max , (A6)
Note that in Equations A1 and A2 a heavier wall (t) is the worst-case scenario and yields a
higher strain. Equations A4 and A5 combine the component strains to give the effective inside-
surface and outside-surface strains, εi and εo. The maximum effective strain (A6) is the
maximum of εi and εo at the point of interest (sometimes misunderstood to mean the
maximum strain in the entire dent).
16
10.2 What is an example of dent strain calculation?
Below are sample metric calculations for a dent in an NPS 20 pipe per ASME B31.8R-2018.
Calculations in inch units are on the next page.
Nominal OD D0 508 mm
Wall thickness t 9.53
Measured dent depth d 10
Measured dent length L 250
Pipe nominal radius R0 254
Measured dent curvature in circumferential direction* R1 -300
Measured dent curvature in longitudinal direction R2 200
* In this example we assume that the circumferential profile is convex (indented), as in
Figure 3(b); therefore R1 is set negative. In the 2018 code, for a longitudinal profile that is
convex, the radius of curvature R2 is set positive.
9.53 1 1
= − = 0.0346 = 3.46% (A7)
2 254 −300
9.53
= = 0.0238 = 2.38% (A8)
2 × 200
1 10
= = 0.0008 = 0.08% (A9)
2 250
The reported maximum effective strain εeff is the maximum of the results from A10 and A11,
which is 5.95% strain.
17
The calculations on the previous page are repeated here using inch units with some slightly
different input values.
Nominal OD D0 20 inch
Wall thickness t 0.375
Measured dent depth d 0.400
Measured dent length L 10
Pipe nominal radius R0 10
Measured dent curvature in circumferential direction* R1 -12
Measured dent curvature in longitudinal direction R2 8
In this example we assume that the circumferential profile is convex (indented), as in
Figure 3(b); therefore R1 is set negative. In the 2018 code, for a longitudinal profile that is
convex (i.e. a dent), the radius of curvature R2 is set positive.
0.375 1 1
= − = 0.0344 = 3.34% (A7b)
2 10 −12
0.375
= = 0.0234 = 2.34% (A8b)
2×8
1 0.375
= = 0.0008 = 0.08% (A9b)
2 10
The reported maximum effective strain εeff is the maximum of the results from A10b and A11b,
which is 5.89% strain.
18
L
t neutral
Figure A1: Linear bending strain model. Top: original plate. Bottom: bent plate.
10.3 What is the basic theory behind the B31.8R strain equations?
Using a simplistic, linear model, the strain of a bent plate can be estimated from its radius of
curvature [46]. Figure A1 shows a straight segment of plate which is then bent to a radius R,
which could represent the longitudinal profile of a pipeline dent. The neutral (unchanged) axis
is assumed to be mid-wall. With a linear model the length of an arc is proportional to the radius
[47], so at a radius of R + t/2 the increase in length ΔL is given by:
∆ ∆ /2
= = == (strain) (312)
2
(same as Equation A2).
(Applying Equation A12 at a radius of R - t/2, the ‘indented’ surface, the plate is in compression
and ε2 is negative.) In the circumferential direction the nominal (unstrained) pipe has a radius of
R0 = OD/2, so the strain in Equation A12 is adjusted by t/2R0 as follows:
1 1
= − = − (313)
2 2 2
(same as Equation A1).
19
Equation A3 — the formula for extensional strain (stretching rather than bending) in the
longitudinal direction — was developed empirically from finite element simulations [48].
Equations A4 and A5 were developed by Lukasiewicz and Czyz et. al. [49] based on plastic strain
theory where an incompressibility requirement implicitly includes the radial strain in the results
[50].
10.4 How can we compensate for the difference in external and internal curvatures?
As mentioned in Section 4.1, the curvatures on the inside and outside surface of a dent are
different and would yield different calculated strains. In the linear model (Figure A1) the
curvatures of the convex and concave surfaces are R+t/2 and R-t/2 respectively, whereas the
strain indicator is the radius of curvature of the neutral axis, R. To improve consistency between
methods operating on the inside and outside surfaces of a pipe (and subject to engineering
approval by the pipeline operator), it would seem reasonable to adjust curvatures by ±t/2 to
obtain R. Remember that R is the dent curvature, not the pipe radius, so t is not necessarily
very small compared to R.
10.5 What are the limitations of the ASME B31.8R strain equations?
For sharp dents, it appears that the ASME B31.8R equations produce a severity indicator rather
the true strain. For sharp or kinked deformations, API 579 tells us that ‘traditional shell theory’
gives inaccurate results and that advanced evaluation methods are needed [51]. API 579
defines a ‘sharp’ deformation as R < 5t, where R is the local radius of curvature (which Cosham
and Hopkins note is an approximate definition [52]). Note that plugging R = 5t into equation A2
gives a longitudinal bending strain of 10%.
The ASME B31.8R equations do not take shear strain, circumferential extensional strain, and
the pressure at the time of dent formation into account, all of which can have significant effects
on dent strain [53, 54]. These unaccounted-for components could lead to inaccuracy in
estimating actual dent strain.
10.6 Why have the B31.8R equations changed over the years?
The ASME B31.8R strain equations have been updated twice with a view to improving accuracy.
• The 2003 version had “t” instead of “t/2” in equations A1 and A2, leading to a 2×
overcall of strain.
• The above problem was fixed in the 2007 version by replacing “t” with “t/2” in the
equations [55], which reduced the calculated strain by a factor of 2.
• The 2018 version introduced the equations for combined strain of Lukasiewicz and Czyz
(Equations A4 and A5), which moved the calculated strain back up again by a factor of
around 2 [56]. (Note: the 2018 version also changed the sign convention to make the
longitudinal curvature of a dent a positive number (Figure 3), with a corresponding
change in sign in Equation A2 to keep ε2 positive for dents.)
20
Endnotes
1 Escoe, A. Keith (2006). Piping and Pipeline Assessment Guide, 1st ed., Gulf Professional
Publishing, Burlington, MA. Page 179.
2 Rosenfeld, M., Pepper, J., and Leewis, K. (2002a). ‘Basis of the New Criteria in ASME B31.8
for Prioritization and Repair of Mechanical Damage,’ 4th International Pipeline
Conference, Calgary, Canada, paper no. IPC2002-27122. Pages 649 and 652.
3 Escoe (2006). Page 180.
4 Rosenfeld et al. (2002a). Page 649.
5 ASME B31.8 (2018), Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems. American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY.
6 API 579-1 / ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service, 3rd ed (2016). American Petroleum Institute,
Washington, DC.
7 BS 7608:2014+A1:2015, Guide to fatigue design and assessment of steel products. BSI
Group, London, UK.
8 Rosenfeld et al. (2002a). Page 649.
9 Rafi, A., Das, S., Ghaednia, H., Silva, J., Kania, R., and Wang, R. (2012). ‘Revisiting ASME
Strain-Based Dent Evaluation Criterion,’ Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology 134 (4).
Page 5.
10 ASME B31.8-2018. Para R-1.
11 ASME B31.8-2018. Para 851.4.1.
12 CSA Z662 (2019), Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems. Canadian Standards Association, Ottawa,
Canada. Para 10.10.4.1.
13 Okoloekwe, C., Aranas, N., Cheng, J., Adeeb, S., Kainat, M., Langer, D., Hassanien, S.
(2018). 'Improvements to the ASME B31. 8 Dent Strain Equations'. Journal of Pressure
Vessel Technology, 140(4):041101. Page 2.
14 Creaform, Inc (2020). Contextual Help for Pipecheck 6.0.0 (2020.06.29). Lévis, QC, Canada.
15 Okoloekwe et al. (2018). Page 3.
16 Arumugam, U., Tinacos, K., Gao, M., Wang, R., and Kania, R. (2014). "Parameters Affecting
Dent Strain Using 3D Laser Scan Profile." Proceedings of the 10th International Pipeline
Conference, Volume 2: Pipeline Integrity Management. Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
17 Lukasiewicz, S. A., Czyz, J. A., Sun, C., Adeeb, S. (2006). ‘Calculation of Strains in Dents
Based on High Resolution In-Line Caliper Survey’, 6th International Pipeline Conference,
Calgary, Canada, paper no. IPC2006-10101. Page 5.
18 Umbach, D, and Jones, K. (2003). "A Few Methods for Fitting Circles to Data," IEEE
Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. vol. 52, no. 6, p. 1881–1885, Dec.
2003.
19 Creaform, Inc (2020). Pipecheck software version 6.0.0 (2020.06.29). Lévis, QC, Canada.
20 Rosenfeld, M., Porter, P., and Cox, J. (1998), “Strain estimation using Vetco deformation
tool data”. ASME 2nd International Pipeline Conference, Calgary.
21 Lukasiewicz et al. Page 5.
22 Lukasiewicz et al. Page 2.
21
23 Noronha, D. Jr, Martins, R., Jacob, B., and Souza, E. (2005). “The Use of B-Splines in the
Assessment of Strain Levels Associated with Plain Dents,” Rio Pipeline Conference &
Exposition 2005, paper no. IBP 1245_05. Page 3.
24 Noronha et al. (2005).
25 Okoloekwe et al. (2018). Page 8.
26 API Std 1163 (R2018) In-line Inspection Systems Qualification Standard, 2nd ed (2013,
reaffirmed 2018). American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC. Para 9.3.
27 Rosenfeld et al. (2002a). Page 649.
28 ASME B31.8-2018. Para R-1.
29 Rosenfield et al. (2002). Page 648
30 Noronha, D., Martins, R., Jacob, B., and Souza, E. (2010), “Procedures for the Strain Based
Assessment of Pipeline Dents,” Int. J. Pressure Vessels Piping, 87, pp. 254–269. Cited in
Rafi et al. (2012).
31 ASME B31.8-2018. Para 841.2.4(c)(1).
32 CSA Z662-2019. Para 10.10.4.1.
33 Rafi et al. (2012). Page 1.
34 ASME B31.8-2018. Para R-1.
35 Rafi et al. (2012). Page 5.
36 ASME B31.8-2018. Para. 851.4.1.
37 CSA Z662-2019. Para. 10.10.4.2.
38 Rosenfeld, M.J. (2002b). “Factors to Consider When Evaluating Damage on Pipelines.” Oil
and Gas Journal, September 9, 2002.
39 Rosenfeld et al. (2002a). Page 650.
40 Okoloekwe et al. (2018). Page 2.
41 Gao, M., McNealy, R., Krishnamurthy, R., Colquhoun, I. (2008) 'Strain-Based Models For
Dent Assessment – A Review', 7th International Pipeline Conference, Calgary, Canada,
paper no. IPC2008-64565. Page 4.
42 Young, W. and Budynas, R. (2001). Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain, 7th ed.
McGraw-Hill Education, New York. Page 589.
43 Okoloekwe et al. (2018).
44 ASME B31.8-2018. Para R-1.
45 Gao et al. (2008). Page 5.
46 Hibbeler, R. C. (2003), Mechanics of Materials, SI Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle
River, NJ. Page 571.
47 Rafi et al. (2012). Page 2.
48 Baker, Michael Jr (2004). Dent Study, OPS TTO10, Delivery Order DTRS56-02-D-70036,
Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety, Washington, DC. Page 9.
49 Lukasiewicz et al. (2006).
50 Okoloekwe et al. (2018). Page 2.
51 API 579-2016. Para 8.4.4.3(c).
52 Cosham, A. and Hopkins, P., 2003. The Effect of Dents in Pipelines – Guidance in the
Pipeline Defect Assessment Manual, Proceedings of ICPVT-10 International Council for
Pressure Vessel Technology, Vienna, Austria, 7-10 July 2003. Page 2.
53 Rafi et al. (2012). Page 6.
22
54 ASME B31.8-2018. Para R-1.
55 Rafi et al. (2012). Page 2.
56 Gao et al. (2008). Page 4.
23