Experimental research of buried pipelines

In structural engineering, is very often needed to monitor the tension in the structures by various reconstructions. Measurement of strain is used by the analysis of additional load effects on structures that were not designed. Particularly challenging is the task in the field, where the measuring system is exposed to extreme conditions that are vastly different compared to the laboratory. To achieve relevant results the right choice of sensors should be done, but also of quality of the design applications. Transit gas pipe-lines (TP) pass through different topography, in many cases the areas are endangered by landslides. Most endangered sites in Slovakia are Slanec and Kamenne Kosihy in which the stress measurements have been realized for several years. Movement of the area is monitored by inclinometer. Expected increases of stress level in lines can also be obtained from the complex theoretical finite element model of slope landslides. These models have great software and hardware requirements, therefore, difficult to use in industrial practice. Parametric study was prepared, which makes it possible to easily determine values of additional stress in different lengths and values of landslides from the graphs. Functionality of models and results of Graph methods have been validated by experimental tests in scale of 1:1. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and review under responsibility of University of Zilina, FCE, Slovakia.