Tue, 17 February, 2026
Interested parties are invited to join a new Joint Industry Project (JIP) to investigate the failure of reinforced thermoset resin (RTR) pipelines and non-metallic components in RTR pipe and joint systems.
RTR pipes and pipelines have been a solution for the transport hydrocarbons, water and chemicals for the oil and gas industry for over 50 years. Offering excellent corrosion resistance, RTR pipes deliver cost savings and reduce the frequency of inspection, maintenance and replacements.
Despite this, failures still occur in RTR pipe installations, leading to a requirement to understand the causes and develop failure analysis protocols so as to prevent future instances of failure.
These failures can occur for a range of reasons, including design, materials selection or manufacturing issues. However, a focus purely on manufacturing and material issues ignores other potential external factors such as those related to transport, installation, commissioning and operation. Indeed, a combination of intrinsic and external factors could be the cause of an RTR pipe failure, with each case likely to present its own unique set of circumstances. Uncertainties around the causes of failure can lead to delays, misinformed actions and increased expense to resolve issues.
However, an understanding of commonalities in past pipeline failures could result in a more streamlined investigative approach, resulting in both time and cost savings.
About the Project
Our new project, ‘Understanding the Damage Mechanisms and Developing Failure Analysis Protocol for RTR Pipes,’ will seek to understand the most frequently observed failure modes, failure mechanisms and root causes of damage to RTR pipes and joints.
An examination of the current body of knowledge for failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) related to RTR pipe and joint systems will lead to a root-cause failure analysis (RCFA) method to link failure modes and potential root causes. The project will then define the analytical methods and tests required to support failure investigations and efficiently resolve the root cause(s) for specific failure modes, before the development of a failure investigation protocol to analyse failures in RTR pipes and joints. In addition, this project will deliver a provisional database of failures in RTR pipes and joints.
Project sponsors will be able to offer input into the project as well as receiving access to the outcomes of the research.
As with all of our Joint Industry Projects, sponsor investment will be pooled to provide access to research valued above the cost of their individual investment.
You can find out more about the project, including details of how to join, here:
https://www.twi-global.com/what-we-do/research-and-technology/research-programmes/joint-industry-projects/understanding-the-damage-mechanisms-and-developing-failure-analysis-protocol-for-rtr-pipes