API TR 2PSI

Abstract

API funded a project to perform a review of low normal stress interface shear tests performed over the past two decades as part of an effort to update industry guidance on pipe-soil interaction (PSI) testing, interpretation, and analysis. The work builds on efforts by laboratories to develop standardized approaches to PSI testing in relation to quantifying parameters used in calculations of axial resistance of seabed pipelines. This report presents the updated database and recalibrations of relevant model parameters, as well as guidance for best practice applications of testing and interpretation. The scope of work is divided into four tasks:

1. Collect and catalog project-specific interface shear test data from various laboratories to establish an updated database of fine-grained interface shear test data and supplementary soil parameters;
2. Review of the updated test database to establish a framework for data set definition and refinement;
3. Recalibrate and refine existing design models to the updated data sets; and
4. Develop guidance for best practice.