Abstract
This paper presents the results of the research work performed by the authors aiming at highlighting and quantifying the reinforcement effects (restoring of the mechanical strength) on transmission pipelines, generated by applying composite material sleeves in the areas in which the steel pipes of these lines have local surface defects (metal loss – like flaws). The models proposed to that purpose have been confirmed by performing some experimental programs, the first one consisting of the examination of the behaviour of some full-scale steel pipe specimens, with metal loss – like flaws (made by machining), on which reinforcing wraps made of composite material have been applied (with polymeric matrix and fiberglass fabric), subjected to internal pressure loading, up to bursting, and the second one aiming at the determination of the state of stress and strain in the pipelines on which reinforcing wraps made of composite material have been applied and which are subjected to internal pressure loading, in the elastic range. The items discussed and the results presented in the paper are mainly useful for the development and qualification of the composite materials repair systems for the transmission pipelines, according to the requirements of the standards ASME-PCC2 and ISO 24817.
Keywords: Transmission pipeline; Local metal loss – like defects; Repair by applying composite material sleeves; Reinforcement effects of composite sleeves / wraps