| Abstract: | The application of fracture mechanics to the "Fitness For Purpose" assessment of the fracture properties of pipeline girth welds is generally essential for the safe operation of oil pipeline systems. Based on the analysis of the fracture toughness requirements of the oil pipeline girth weld, a systematic study has been conducted on the fracture behavior of the API 5L X65 steel pipelin egirth weld made by two welding materials. The critical COD values of the pipe line girth weld under the different temperatures are tested. In the paper other influential factors on fracture behavior are also discussed, such as the welding materials, the welding positions (flat welding, vertical welding, overhead welding), the welded joint area (weld, heat-affected zone, fusion line and base metal) and the experiment temperature. The result shows that the welding material, the welded joint area and the experiment temperature have considerable influence on the fracture behavior of pipeline girth welds. It is also concluded that t he effect of the welding position is related to the welding process. The study provides a scientific basis for the welding of oil pipelines. |
