DNV-RP-F110

Covers — global buckling design for subsea pipelines under thermal expansion and internal pressure: axial force build-up, controlled lateral buckling on the seabed, and upheaval buckling of buried/trenched lines.

Does NOT cover (exclusions) — pipeline design basis → DNV-ST-F101; free-span VIV → DNV-RP-F105; on-bottom stability → DNV-RP-F109.

F110 manages the axial-force-driven buckling of hot subsea pipelines within the DNV framework.

F110 provides buckling design methods:

• Axial Force — effective axial force from temperature and pressure in a restrained line.
• Lateral Buckling — controlled (engineered) buckling on the seabed with acceptable strain.
• Upheaval Buckling — required cover/download for buried/trenched lines to prevent upheaval.

DNV-RP-F110 addresses global buckling of high-temperature/high-pressure subsea pipelines. A hot, restrained line accumulates a large effective axial compressive force that relieves itself by buckling — laterally on the seabed for surface-laid lines, or upward (upheaval) for buried/trenched lines. Both can overstrain the pipe.

F110 offers two strategies: prevent buckling (rock cover, anchors) or allow controlled lateral buckling at engineered trigger locations with acceptable strain. It works within DNV-ST-F101 alongside the stability (F109) and free-span (F105) RPs.

Engineering Note: For HP/HT lines, either fully restrain or deliberately design controlled buckles — an uncontrolled, unplanned buckle concentrates strain and is a leading cause of subsea pipeline failure, so this must be engineered, not left to chance.