Effects of Welded Pipe Trimming on Residual Stress Measurements: a new case study

Hill Engineering has published a new technical case study, Effects of Trimming on Welded Pipe Residual Stress Measurements, exploring how sectioning on a welded pipe influences the residual stress state within the weld region and what that means for accurate measurement planning.

Residual stress from welding plays a critical role in structural performance, combining with applied loads and potentially contributing to premature failure. In practice, welded pipes are often sectioned to make laboratory testing feasible. However, this trimming introduces new free surfaces that can redistribute residual stresses, raising an important question: how short can a pipe be cut before the measurements are significantly affected?

Using a three-dimensional finite element model of a girth-welded steel pipe, this case study evaluates how reducing pipe length alters hoop and axial residual stresses. The results show that longer sections preserve the original stress field well, while aggressive trimming can lead to substantial stress loss—particularly in hoop stress. Importantly, the study identifies a practical guideline for selecting an appropriate pipe length when sectioning is unavoidable.

For engineers and researchers planning residual stress measurements on welded pipes, this case study offers clear insight.

You can read the full case study here.