Evaluation of limit load data for cracked pipe bends under opening bending and comparisons with existing solutions

Abstract Most existing limit load solutions for cracked pipe bends under in-plane bending have been developed following the experimental work by Griffiths on bends with through-wall defects or by extrapolation of solutions developed for cracked straight pipes. No data exists for part-penetrating defects. This contribution summarises recently obtained experimental and finite element results from 13 tests on axially (at the crown) and circumferentially (at the intrados) cracked carbon steel pipe bends under opening bending loads. Comparisons with predictions by existing solutions for the cases investigated are reported. The solutions are shown to be excessively conservative and, on occasions, non-applicable to the cases for which they are intended. The presented data, together with results more recently made available in the open literature, could be used to form a working basis for revising the existing solutions.