Integrating the Shape Constants of a Novel Material Stress-Strain Characterization Model for Parametric Numerical Analysis of the Deformational Capacity of High-Strength X80-Grade Steel Pipelines

Pipelines typically exhibit significant inelastic deformation under various loading conditions, making it imperative for limit state design to include considerations for the deformational capacity of pipelines. The methods employed to achieve higher strength of API X80 line pipe steels during the plate manufacturing process tend to increase the hardness of the pipe material, albeit at the cost of ductility and strain hardenability. This study features a simple and robust material stress-strain characterization model, which is able to mathematically characterize the shape of a diverse range of stress-strain curves, even for materials with a distinct yield point and an extended yield plateau. Extensive parametric finite element analysis is performed to study the relationship between relevant parameters and the deformational capacity of API X80 pipelines subjected to uniform axial compression, uniform bending, and combined axial compression and bending. Nonlinear regression analysis is employed to develop six nonlinear semi-empirical equations for the critical limit strain, wherein the shape constants of the material model are adapted as dimensionless parameters. The goodness-of-fit of the developed equations was graphically and statistically evaluated, and excellent predictive accuracy was obtained for all six developed equations.