Learn about START-PROF pipe stress analysis software
Surface-laid pipelines on ground or seabed are continuously supported but not buried.
Model exposed pipelines with horizontal friction forces using multiple resting supports spaced approximately 5D apart.
Friction coefficients range from 0.4 to 1.0 based on soil type and pipe coating material:
φ - Soil internal friction angle
nm - Soil-pipe adhesion factor dependent on insulation coating. Use nm=1.0 for bare steel pipe, nm=0.7 for polyethylene coating.