Design aspects for connections, supports, and expansion loops in pipelines made from composite materials

IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT sufficient methods and design codes exist for the design of connections and supports, as well as expansion loops, for pipelines made by carbon steel. However, since the fibre-reinforced composite materials are not widely used for pipelines fabrication, there is still a lack of design rules. The aim of the present work is to provide theoretical tools for dimensioning of joints, supports and expansion loops for pipelines made by composite materials. The derived formulae are based on the classical lamination theory. In order to avoid complex equations that are non-convenient for practical use, reasonable assumptions are adopted. Numerical results and practical design suggestions are provided.