The residual strength evaluation of corroded pipeline carried out regularly was significant for guiding pipeline maintenance and operation safety. Effective Area Method, an important residual strength evaluation technique, was studied. A corrosion defect measure method was proposed, which was suitable for the Effective Area Method. The computer program was compiled according to the calculation model of Effective Area Method. The residual strength of an actual pipeline defect was evaluated by the Effective Area Method and Modified B31G respectively. The result showed that the Effective Area Method was less conservative than Modified B31G.

It is of great significance to predict the long distance oil pipeline residual life for avoiding leakage accidents and saving repair costs. For the two corrosiondefect points that were dug out on one domestic refined oil pipeline, the threedimensional finite element model of ellipsoidal defect of pipelines structure based on FEA was established. According to the measured dimensions of the two defects of pipeline, the stress analysis of corroded pipelines using nonlinear analysis technique and the remaining life prediction based on plastic limit state failure criterion was also done. The results show that the remaining life of the two corrosion defects were respetively 8 and 13 years. The predicted results could provide theoretical basis for pipeline maintenance and repair.