Influence of mechanical properties including heterogeneity and anisotropy on crack driving force of pipeline girth weld flaws.

The strain capacity of flawed pipeline girth welds is influenced by the strength properties of the involved materials. Heterogeneity and anisotropy of weld and pipe are not adequately covered by current assessment procedures and will be investigated in this research. Their effects will be explored using previously developed numerical and experimental tools which will be extended for this specific purpose.