The structural integrity of high-strength welded pipeline steels: a review

Abstract

Purpose

The key purpose of conducting this review is to identify the issues that affect the structural integrity of pipeline structures. Heat affected zone (HAZ) has been identified as the weak zone in pipeline welds which is prone to have immature failures

Design/methodology/approach

In the present work, literature review is conducted on key issues related to the structural integrity of pipeline steel welds. Mechanical and microstructural transformations that take place during welding have been systematically reviewed in the present review paper.

Findings

Key findings of the present review underline the role of brittle microstructure phases, and hard secondary particles present in the matrix are responsible for intergranular and intragranular cracks.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations of the present review are new material characterization techniques that are not available in developing countries.

Practical implications

The practical limitations are new test methodologies and associated cost.

Social implications

The fracture of pipelines significantly affects the surrounding ecology. The continuous spillage of oil pollutes the land and water of the surroundings.

Originality/value

The present review contains recent and past studies conducted on welded pipeline steel structures. The systematic analysis of studies conducted so far highlights various bottlenecks of the welding methods.

Citation

Singh, M.P., Shukla, D.K., Kumar, R. and Arora, K.S. (2021), "The structural integrity of high-strength welded pipeline steels: a review", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 470-496. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-05-2020-0051