Pipeline SCC in near-neutral pH environment: Results of full-scale tests

Stress corrosion cracking of pipeline steels in a near-neutral soil environment was studied by testing full-scale pipes in actual soil. Crack growth has been reproduced in both grades of steel used, i.e., X-52 and X-60. Dynamic loading was found to be a key factor in affecting crack growth rate. Growth rates in the order of 10^-8 mm/s were measured for most of the cracks on the X-60 pipe at a stress level of 98% SMYS (81% of actual yield), with …