Modeling a pipeline resting on gravel

Question

I have a 26" API-5L-B carbon steel pipeline around 1300 meters long running downhill at 10% slope and is resting on gravel the full length of the pipeline. What is the recommended way of modeling this pipeline? I have modeled this section of the pipeline with closely spaced supports @ 1meter interval using V-Stop with coefficient of friction of 0.3. Please advise if my approach is acceptable.

John Tabora · Accepted Answer

Thanks Mike...I created 3 separate models
using 0.3, 0.4 & 0.6 coefficient of friction and results indicate that
the worst case is at the higher CoF of 0.6. 
 
 See below for the table of Friction
Factors I used as reference: 
 
 
 
 
 Regards, 
 John 
 
John Tabora |
 FLUOR CANADA LTD -
Mining & Metals |
Principal Design Engineering Specialist | 1075 West Georgia St. Vancouver
B.C. Canada | john.tabora@Fluor.com | Vancouver BC: 0 +1.604.488.2278 |
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Mike Dattilio · Answer

Hello John, 
 Your approach is ok, but who is to say what the friction of steel is on gravel. 
 Also See the following WIKI here: 
 Regards, 
 Mike Dattilio Bentley Product Advantage Group Analyst 
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Mike Dattilio · Answer

Hello Kevink, 
 
If you prefer to use a guide with two opposing restraint directions (ie. Up / Down or Left / Right) set to large gap values, then you are using the wrong support. Recommend using a Incline support. 
 
Regards, 
 
Mike Dattilio 
Bentley Product Advantage Group Analyst 
 
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