Application scope of LSAW steel pipe piles

Currently, the application of LSAW pipes has expanded to numerous fields. In addition to long-distance oil and gas pipelines, they are also being developed for marine structures such as offshore platforms and floating cranes. Submerged arc welded pipes offer distinct advantages for use in marine structures, including uniform wall thickness, simple manufacturing processes, minimal impact of pipe manufacturing processes on performance, ease of achieving high strength and toughness requirements, and flexible specifications to accommodate varying pipe diameters. However, because the service environment for marine pipes differs from that of terrestrial fluid transport pipes, they operate in harsh marine environments such as waves, tides, storms, and cold, drifting ice. Therefore, in addition to general pipeline performance, these pipes also place higher demands on strength, toughness, and weld quality.

1.Introduction to LSAW Steel Pipe Piles

LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding) steel pipe piles are manufactured from hot-rolled steel plates using double-sided submerged arc welding technology. This process ensures uniform wall thickness, tight dimensional tolerances, and excellent welding strength. Because of their ability to withstand high pressure and heavy loads, LSAW steel pipe piles are essential for deep foundations and offshore constructions.

2. Applications in Civil Construction

LSAW steel pipe piles are commonly used in bridges, highways, and building foundations. Their strong load-bearing capacity ensures stability even in soft or loose soils. In bridge construction, they serve as foundation piles, providing vertical and horizontal support to resist dynamic loads caused by traffic or environmental factors.

In high-rise buildings, these pipe piles provide excellent axial and lateral stability, ensuring that the structure remains secure during earthquakes or strong winds. Their use in retaining walls and harbor structures also enhances overall soil stability and erosion resistance.

3. Use in Marine and Offshore Projects

Marine and offshore engineering heavily depend on LSAW steel pipe piles. They are widely used in port construction, offshore platforms, and seawalls. Their corrosion resistance and mechanical performance under harsh conditions make them ideal for environments exposed to seawater and dynamic loads.
In offshore oil and gas platforms, LSAW pipe piles provide the main structural foundation, ensuring safety and durability. They are also used in wind farm installations, where the foundation must endure high waves, strong winds, and deep-water pressure.

4. Energy and Pipeline Infrastructure

Another important area of application is the energy industry. LSAW steel pipe piles are often used as transmission lines for oil, gas, and water pipelines. Their excellent internal weld quality and pressure-bearing capability ensure safe transport of fluids over long distances.
In power plants and refineries, these pipes function as structural supports for heavy machinery and pipeline systems. Their adaptability to coating and anti-corrosion treatments allows long-term performance even in chemically aggressive environments.

5. Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering

LSAW steel pipe piles are frequently used in environmental and geotechnical projects. For riverbanks, dams, and flood protection systems, they act as retaining and barrier piles that prevent soil erosion and provide water resistance.
In tunneling and underground construction, they offer lateral support to prevent soil collapse. Their durability and ease of installation make them an efficient choice for projects involving deep excavation or unstable ground.

6. Advantages for Large-Scale Projects

LSAW steel pipe piles are favored in large-scale construction due to their customizable dimensions and superior weld consistency. They can reach diameters up to 1422 mm and wall thicknesses exceeding 50 mm, offering greater strength than traditional welded pipes.
Their fabrication allows quick installation and reliable performance under static and dynamic loads. Additionally, advanced surface coatings such as epoxy or polyethylene extend their lifespan in corrosive conditions.

Wide Applications of LSAW Steel Pipe:

Straight seam steel pipe is primarily used in water supply projects, the petrochemical industry, the chemical industry, the power industry, agricultural irrigation, and urban construction.
For liquid transportation: water supply and drainage.
For gas transportation: gas, steam, and liquefied petroleum gas.
For structural applications: pipes for piling, bridges, docks, roads, and building structures.

Requirements and Inspection for LSAW Steel Pipes as Steel Pipe Pipes:

According to GB/T3091 "Welded Steel Pipes for Low-Pressure Fluid Transportation," the nominal diameter of welded pipes ranges from 6 to 150 mm, with a nominal wall thickness of 2.0 to 6.0 mm. Welded pipe lengths typically range from 4 to 10 meters, and can be shipped in fixed or multiple lengths. The surface quality of the steel pipes must be smooth, with no defects such as folds, cracks, delamination, or lap welds. Minor surface defects such as scratches, scrapes, weld misalignment, burns, and scarring, which do not exceed the negative deviation of the wall thickness, are permitted.