Numerical simulations are conducted to define the bending deformation capacity of large-diameter spiral-welded tubes, towards efficient strain-based design. Under bending loading, the principal failure mode of those tubes is local buckling (wrinkling) of the tube wall. Bending moment, curvature and ovalization are monitored through the numerical analysis, and comparison is conducted with available test data on two 42-inch-diameter tubes, with D/t ratio of 67 and 119, described in detail elsewhere. The analysis accounts for the actual material properties. Initial geometric imperfections (profile, thickness, ovalization) are obtained from the tested specimens. Furthermore, residual stresses are also considered in the analysis, as computed by a numerical simulation of the cold bending process. A parametric analysis is also conducted on the influence of material properties, geometric initial imperfections and residual stresses on local buckling of spiral-welded tubes. Finally, a comparison with design equations for tube bending deformation capacity is conducted.
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