Effect of surrounding soil on stress–strain response of buried pipelines under ground loads

In order to determine the stress–strain response of buried pipelines under the ground load, the pipeline–soil coupling finite element model was established. The mechanical behaviours of buried pipelines in the soil stratum and the rock stratum, as well as the effects of surrounding soil's elasticity modulus, Poisson's ratio and cohesion on stress and strain of buried pipelines were investigated. The results show that the maximum von Mises stress, high stress area, axial strain and plastic strain increase with the increasing ground load. Buried pipeline in the soil stratum is more prone to failure than in the rock stratum under the same ground load. The maximum axial compressive strain appears at the bottom of buried pipelines when there is no buckling, and the maximum tensile strain appears on the two sides. High stress area, the axial strain, the plastic strain and the plastic area decrease with the increase of the soil's elasticity modulus and cohesion. But the surrounding soil's Poisson's ratio has a small effect on the stress and strain of buried pipelines under the ground load. The results can provide a theoretical basis and reference for safety evaluation, repair and maintenance of buried pipelines.