"February, 2004." / Bibliography: leaves 231-249. / xxvii, 261 leaves : ill. (some col.), plates, photos (col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Examines ways of reducing the risk of hydrogen assisted cold cracking in pipeline construction by modifying the construction procedure to reduce residual stress and hydrogen concentration. A numerical model of the pipeline construction procedure capable of modelling the process in a transient sense was created. Experimental validation of the model involved using the "blind hole drilling" strain gauge method of residual stress measurement. The diffusion of hydrogen during welding was modelled using a scheme based on Fick's Second Law of Diffusion, finding that the parameters which dominate the rate of diffusion are the timing of the weldment process, joint geometry, pre-heating and post-heating. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Mechanical Engineering, 2004