Vol. 337 No. 1 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/1/4982
Support structure of aboveground main pipelines experiencing changes in ground temperatures
Relevance. The need to develop new support structures is substantiated by the requirement to understand mechanisms of interaction between pipeline transport of oil and gas in conditions of frosty soil heaving to solve current and future scientific and engineering problems. One of the main causes of main pipeline emergencies is the frosty heaving of the soil. During the operation of pipelines, due to frosty heaving of the soil, displacements of the supporting part occur, which leads to stresses on the pipeline and subsequently to defects. The main way to eliminate such defects is to use various supports that protect the pipeline from geological processes. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a new type of support part of aboveground main pipelines that can reduce the negative impact of frost heaving of the soil. Aim. To substantiate the proposed support structure for aboveground main pipelines, which will reduce the impact of frost heaving and preserve the design position pipelines. Methods. Numerical methods for calculating stresses on a linear section of an aboveground main pipeline with various supports, depending on the physico-mechanical properties of frozen soil. Results and conclusions. A numerical model has been developed for estimating stresses on a linear section of an above-ground pipeline under frost heave loads related to soil types and temperatures. The study found that with a decrease in ground temperature in the range from –1 to –10°C, the stresses on the pipeline increase, and due to the use of the developed supports, the stresses decrease by 10 times. The authors proposed new designs of aboveground main pipeline supports.
Keywords:
aboveground main pipeline, support structure, frost heaving of soil, pipeline stresses
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