Engineering Analysis of Buried GRP Pipeline Using ANSYS

With the development of the computer, the finite element method has been widely used as an effective numerical method for the analysis and design of underground structures, including calculation of stress and strain. This paper demonstrates application of the ANSYS finite element method for stress analysis of an underground pipe structure as an alternative to the traditional method. The results more reasonably reflect the actual situation, providing an improved design procedure, helping avoid pipe wear and breakage. The glassfiber reinforced plastics (GRP) pipeline is analyzed as an example, illustrating the basic finite element method, including modeling, and specification of the boundary conditions and applied loads. The results are generally consistent with that of the traditional method, using the CECS190 standard, based on the maximum long-term vertical deformation.