Comparison of 3D Solid and Beam–Spring FE Modeling Approaches in the Evaluation of Buried Pipeline Behavior at a Strike-Slip Fault Crossing

Validated 3D solid finite element (FE) models offer an accurate performance of buried pipelines at earthquake faults. However, it is common to use a beam–spring model for the design pipelines, and all guidelines are fitted this modeling approach. Therefore, study has focused on (1) improvement techniques in FE approach reproduction realistic (2) determination appropriate damage criterion models. For paper, after verification by pull-out lateral sliding tests, pipeline was evaluated strike-slip fault crossing using nonlinear Material nonlinearity, contact geometrical nonlinearity effects were considered analyses. Based results, pressure shear forces caused movement deformation around high curvature zone cause local confinement soil, soil stiffness locally increases. This increases soil–pipe interaction zones. The guidelines, because uniform assumption spring along pipe, do not consider phenomenon. prevent underestimation pipeline, recommended Moreover, drastic strain responses good evaluation pipeline.