Research Program 1 - Materials
More Efficient Use of Materials for Energy Pipelines
The overall aim of Research Program One was to lower the cost and extend the life of energy pipelines by using materials more efficiently and avoiding material-related problems that result in economic losses.
A focal point of the program was welds and welding techniques. A key goal of this focal point was to produce a user friendly industry tool for the prevention of weld metal hydrogen assisted cold cracking.
The program also supported research into the use of higher strength steels by providing information and expertise regarding methods of manufacture, specification and joining.
Finally, the program had projects assisting with the specification of line pipe steels and the determination of the mechanical properties of the steel.
The Steering Committee overseeing RP1 was chaired by John Piper and the Program Leader was Professor Madeleine du Toit (University of Wollongong).
Key Program Areas

Examining the safe operating envelope for welding to maintain high productivity levels whilst avoiding weld metal hydrogen cracking.

Supporting the use of higher strength steels for pipelines.

Developing the basis of specification of high strength pipeline steels.
Projects
RP1-01A: Girth Weld Real Time Monitoring - Development of Options
RP1-01B: Online Monitoring System
RP1-02A: Effect of Restraint on WMHACC
RP1-02B: Effect of Microstructure on WMHACC
RP1-02C: Safe Envelope Modelling of WMHACC
RP1-02D: Effect of Consumable Chemistry on WMHACC
RP1-02E: Effect of Plastic Strain on WMHACC
RP1-03: High Strength Pipes/Pipelines
RP1-04A: WMHACC Scoping Study
RP1-04B: WMHACC of X70 Linepipe Steel
RP1-05: Cracking in polyethylene distribution pipe scoping study
RP1-06: Cracking in Polyethylene Pipelines
RP1-07: Cracking in Polyethylene and other Polymer Pipelines
RP6.1-01: Effect of Ti and N on HAZ
RP6.1-01B: Effect of Ti and N on HAZ Toughness Phase 2
RP6.1-02A: Industry Specification for Linepipe
RP6.1-03: AS2885.1 Toughness Review
RP6.1-04: Pipe Size Effect in DWTT
RP6.1-05: Review of Mechanised GMA Girth Welding of Pipelines
RP6.1-06: PipeStrain Repair, Validation and Development