Mechanical Damage SRP: Phase 1 Deliverables Available and Phase 2 Launch

The Mechanical Damage Strategic Research Priority (MD SRP) represents a long running, multi year PRCI initiative aimed at transforming how the pipeline industry detects, characterizes, assesses, and manages mechanical damage, particularly dents and interacting features.

Building on more than two decades of research and culminating in the first industry consensus document, API 1183, the SRP integrates extensive metallurgical studies, in line inspection (ILI) performance evaluations, full scale testing, fatigue and failure pressure modeling, and development of engineering assessment tools. It also includes systematization of 20 years of mechanical damage knowledge, verification and improvement of screening tools, guidance for engineering critical assessments, and foundational work that informed both regulatory consideration and industry adoption.

All deliverables for the first phase of the Mechanical Damage SRP have now been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone for the initiative. These accomplishments collectively advance safer excavation practices, more consistent ILI data interpretation, improved strain based and fatigue life assessment methods, and enhanced decision making for repair and remediation—ultimately closing long standing gaps and charting a coordinated pathway for the second edition of API 1183 and future MD SRP Phase II research.

• • PR214 213800 R01 Evaluation of API RP 1183 Dent Fatigue Analyses using In Service Dents Data
• • PR214 223810 R01 Improvement in Dent Assessment and Management Tools
• • PR 214 203805 R01 Performance Evaluation of ILI Systems for Dents and Coincident Features
• • PR 214 223808 R01 Verification of Screening Tools for Classifying ILI Reported Dents with Metal Loss Features
• • PR 328 223807 R01 Development of Guidance Document for Performing Dent ECA in Accordance with Megarule
• • PR 214 203820 R01 Performance Evaluation of ILI for Dents with Cracks and Gouges
• • PR 328 203803 R01 Improve In Line Inspection (ILI) Sizing Accuracy
• • PR 644 213803 R01 Fatigue Life Models for Pipelines Containing Dents and Gouges
• • PR214 203804 R01 Systematize 20 Years of Mechanical Damage Research

The second phase of the Mechanical Damage SRP will begin this year, launching with three approved projects. Alongside ongoing research funded outside the SRP, this next phase advances and refines methods to further strengthen pipeline integrity management.

• • Mechanical Damage Prevention Techniques
• •  Gouges and Arc Burns
• •  Dents, Wrinkles, and Bends
• •  Mechanical Damage Threat Management