Abstract: A method of predicting rupture failure for corroded transmission pipelines uses a model that accounts for the effects of residual and thermal stresses, and settlement of the pipe following installation. The pressure required for failure under a fixed bending moment is different from the pressure required wherein the same bending moment is produced by the settlement of the pipe because the bending compliance increases with plastic straining. The failure criterion depends upon whether or not the hoop strain exceeds the difference between the ultimate hoop strain limit of the material and the remaining hoop strain capacity needed for the material to shed the axial stresses due to bending.