NUMERICAL CALCULATIONS IN GEOMECHANICS APPLICABLE TO LINEAR STRUCTURES
The article covers the problem of applicability of finite-element and engineering methods to the development of a model of interaction between pipeline structures and the environment in the complex conditions with a view to the simulation and projection of exogenous geological processes, trustworthy assessment of their impacts on the pipeline, and the testing of varied calculation methodologies. Pipelining in the areas that have a severe continental climate and permafrost soils is accompanied by cryogenic and exogenous processes and developments. It may also involve the development of karst and/or thermokarst. The adverse effect of the natural environment is intensified by the anthropogenic impact produced onto the natural state of the area, causing destruction of forests and other vegetation, changing the ratio of soils in the course of the site planning, changing the conditions that impact the surface and underground waters, and causing the thawing of the bedding in the course of the energy carrier pumping, etc. The aforementioned consequences are not covered by effective regulatory documents. The latter constitute general and incomplete recommendations in this respect. The appropriate mathematical description of physical processes in complex heterogeneous environments is a separate task to be addressed. The failure to consider the above consequences has repeatedly caused both minor damages (denudation of the pipeline, insulation stripping) and substantial accidents; the rectification of their consequences was utterly expensive. Pipelining produces a thermal impact on the environment; it may alter the mechanical properties of soils and de-frost the clay. The stress of the pipeline is one of the principal factors that determines its strength and safety. The pipeline stress exposure caused by loads and impacts (self-weight, internal pressure, etc.) may be calculated in advance, and the accuracy of these calculations is sufficient for practical implementation. Stress and strain caused by other factors (groundwater supports, anchors, fixing elements) may only be identified on location. The impact of other factors (temperature, permafrost thawing, karst phenomena and landslides, etc.) may be identified as approximate values.