Finite Element Stress and Fatigue Analysis of Buried Steam Distribution Pipelines for District Heating in Philadelphia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRMME25916Keywords:
Finite Element Stress, Fatigue Analysis, Buried Stream, Distribution Pipelines, District Heating, PhiladelphiaAbstract
This study presents a comprehensive finite element investigation of stress distribution, fatigue life, and deformation behavior in buried steam distribution pipelines serving Philadelphia’s district heating network. Aging pipelines in urban environments are subjected to complex loading conditions, including thermal cycling, internal pressure, soil–pipe interaction, and geometric discontinuities, all of which significantly influence long-term structural integrity. The analysis reveals that weld joints, elbows, and fixed support locations experience the highest stress concentrations due to multi-axial loading and constrained thermal expansion. Fatigue life predictions show accelerated crack initiation in areas where thermal gradients and soil stiffness variations overlap, particularly in neighborhoods with soft clay soils and shallow-burial installations. Field inspection images corroborate the numerical findings by showing visible cracking and deformation in high-stress regions. Thermal cycling emerged as the dominant fatigue driver, while insulation effectiveness proved crucial in moderating deformation severity. A combined evaluation of soil conditions and operational temperature fluctuations highlights the need for targeted engineering interventions. Recommendations include reinforcement of critical sections, improved insulation strategies, soil stabilization, and deployment of real-time monitoring systems such as fiber-optic strain sensing and thermal imaging. The study’s findings provide actionable insights for district heating operators, emphasizing the importance of risk-based asset management and integration with smart city monitoring frameworks. Overall, this research enhances understanding of the failure mechanisms governing buried steam pipelines and offers practical guidance to improve reliability, safety, and long-term performance within Philadelphia’s district heating infrastructure.
References
Aalto, H., Karjalainen, S., Korpela, T., & Kosonen, R. (2020). District heating networks in future energy systems: Operational challenges and development needs. Energy and Buildings, 224, 110204.
Agbaje, B. A., & Idachaba, E. (2018). Electricity consumption, corruption and economic growth: Evidence on selected African Countries. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 6(4), 193-214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol6.iss4.1023
Almaliki, A. A. M. (2025). Evaluating fatigue life in energy pipelines subject to complex loading conditions [Conference paper]. Sar Council Journal of Engineering and Computational Sciences.
Almaliki, A. A. M. (2025). Finite Element Analysis of Fatigue in Pipelines Due To Slug Flow [Conference publication].
Arumugam, S., Marri, R., & Somasundaram, D. (2020). Numerical investigation of thermal stress development in buried district heating pipelines. Energy Reports, 6, 1243–1252.
Ayinde, T. O., Adeyemi, F. A. & Ali-Balogun, B. A. (2022). Modelling oil price shocks and exchange rate behaviour in Nigeria – A regime-switching approach Opec Energy Reviewhttps://doi.org/10.1111/opec.12263 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/opec.12263
Banushi, G., & Soga, K. (2025). Transition frequencies and dynamic amplification of buried lifelines: Implications for structural performance. arXiv.
Basha, S., & Mohanty, S. (2024). Finite element modeling of thermal and mechanical loads in underground energy pipelines. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice, 15(1), 04023045.
Cantrell, A. G. (2024). Buried pipeline performance under surface loading using finite element modeling [Master’s thesis]. University of Louisville.
Hussain, M., Zhang, T., & Dwight, R. (2024). Pipeline integrity management and condition assessment: Predictive modeling challenges. Energy Pipeline Integrity Review.
Hussain, M., Zhang, T., Dwight, R., & Jamil, I. (2024). Energy pipeline degradation condition assessment using predictive analytics. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpse.2024.100178
Kebir, T., Belhamiani, M., Daikh, A. A., & Benguediab, M. (2023). Investigating the effects of crack orientation and defects on pipeline fatigue life through finite element analysis. Fatigue of Aircraft Structures, 15(1), 1–13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fas-2023-0001
Li, W., Wang, Y., & Miao, Q. (2021). Optimization and reliability of district heating systems in urban environments. Applied Energy, 291, 116824.
Liu, F. (2024). Thermal fatigue analysis of district heating pipelines under variable frequency regulation of circulating water pumps. Applied Thermal Engineering, 235, 121278. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4572238
Mahmood, D. N. (2024). Stress analysis of buried pipeline using finite element method. Journal of Babylon University Engineering Sciences.
Meibodi, S. S., Rees, S., & Loveridge, F. (2024). Modeling district heating pipelines using a hybrid dynamic thermal network approach. Energy, 290, 130346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.130107
O’Connell, N., Pinel, D., Nugroho, A., & Finn, D. (2019). District heating strategies for sustainable cities: A review of challenges and solutions. Energy, 182, 1034–1045.
Ocharo, D. O. & Omachi, A. (2022). Optimization of Microgrid-Controlled Chiller Plants for Data Center Cooling in the Northeastern United States International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Volume 9, Issue 3, pp.865-880, May-June-2022. Available at doi : https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST229345 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST229345
Ocharo, D. O. (2024). Integration of Photovoltaic-Thermal Systems with HVAC Infrastructure for Energy-Positive Buildings in Pennsylvania. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 3(5), 65–80. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i5.993 DOI: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i5.993
Ocharo, D. O., Omachi, A., Aikins, S. A., & Adaudu, I. I. (2024). SCADA-Enabled Predictive Maintenance Framework for Cogeneration Systems in American Manufacturing Facilities. International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology, 3(7), 30–44. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i7.947 DOI: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v3i7.947
Ocharo, D. O., Onyia, V. O., Bamigwojo, V. O, Adaudu, I. I. & Avevor, J. (2023). Structural and Thermal Behavior of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Facades in High-Rise Urban Buildings in Philadelphia International Journal of Scientific Research in Civil Engineering Volume 7, Issue 5, 161-192 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRCE237418 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRCE237418
Ojuolape, A. M. & Ajibola, A. & Agbaje, B. A. & Yusuf, H. A. (2017). "Economic Evaluation of Nigeria'S Quest for New Petroleum Refineries," Ilorin Journal of Business and Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, vol. 19(1), pages 248-266.
Rafati, A., & Shaker, H. R. (2024). Predictive maintenance of district heating networks: A comprehensive review. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102722
Rahman, M., Lee, J., & Ryu, S. (2021). Finite element fatigue assessment of steel pipelines under thermal cycling. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping, 193, 104531.
Saarinen, L., Jokisalo, J., & Kosonen, R. (2020). Condition monitoring approaches for district heating networks. Energy and Buildings, 224, 110242.
Shabarchin, O., & Mahdi, H. (2018). Failure analysis and risk assessment of urban district heating pipelines. Engineering Failure Analysis, 90, 323–334.
Shah, R., Bautista, J., & Kumar, R. (2024). Thermal performance and degradation modeling of steam distribution pipelines. Energy Conversion and Management, 295, 117556.
Song, M. J., et al. (2025). Evaluation of crack formation in heat pipe-welded joints. Materials. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18092028
Song, X., & Zhou, J. (2022). Structural degradation of high-temperature pipelines exposed to cyclic loading. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 19, 957–968.
Vilca, N. S., Gómez-Amador, A. M., & Jiménez de Cisneros Fonfría, J. J. (2023). Soil–structure interaction analysis using the finite element method in thin-walled steel pipes buried under haul roads. Applied Sciences, 14(1), 167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010167
Wang, G. (2024). Research on pipeline stress detection using magnetic coupling technology. Sensors. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196463
Zhang, H., Liu, Z., & Chen, G. (2023). Soil–pipe interaction and thermal effects in buried pipelines in urban environments. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 134, 104882.
Zheng, Q. (2023). Advances in mechanical behaviors of buried pipelines. Journal of Pipeline Engineering, 22(3), 145–160.
Zhou, Y. (2023). Pipeline collapse evolution and settlement prediction using PSO-LSTM model. Applied Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010393
