Advantages

A major advantage of SAGE profile is its capability to model the interaction of the pipeline with the seabed soils and the effect this can have on the pipe stresses. In areas where the pipe spans a depression or passes over a sandwave, SAGE Profile can account for pipe settlement into the highly loaded support area and giving a more realistic indication of bending stresses and pipe spans. If the bending moments are high, the non-linearity of the moment-curvature relation is modelled and a better estimate of bending stresses results

SAGE Profile offers the following benefits over existing software packages:

• Speed of analysis, and rapid identification of pipeline problems. Reduction in engineering for on-bottom analysis.
• A full finite element approach which does not rely on tested imperfection shapes, constant temperature profile etc. Written specifically for subsea pipelines.
• Versatility in inputting the pipeline parameters and review of output data in a graphical format.
• Rapid optimisation of remedial measures such as rock dumping.
• Long sections of pipeline are analysed allowing for full interaction of features, (imperfections, spans etc.).
• Variation of pipeline properties, loading (temperature), soil and backfill height and properties.
• Partially restrained sections are accounted for.
• Restraints can be applied anywhere along the pipeline (e.g. spoolpiece effects).
• Portability of software, i.e. can run on a portable PC.
• Annual license fees not required.
• Extensive knowledge of specialized FE software not required.