Researchers have conducted a comprehensive study to assess the performance of large-diameter segmented pipelines under transverse loading, focusing on vulnerabilities in connection joints during natural hazard events like earthquakes. Using a 4-point bending test on a 48-inch HDSS ductile iron pipe by US Pipe, the team employed distributed fiber optic sensors to monitor strain development in longitudinal and circumferential directions. The findings provide critical insights into the behavior of such pipelines, offering valuable data to improve joint designs and enhance resilience against seismic damage.
Figure 1. Large-Diameter Pipe Bending Test