The small artificial surface defects in the coarse-grain steel are studied. The size of the used defects is smaller than the most relevant microstructural unit of steel, i.e. the average grain size. The samples of coarse-grain steel are prepared using a welding thermal-cycle simulator and a laboratory furnace. The defects are made by indenting with a Vickers pyramid. One of the final results of the defect making is the existence of local residual stresses. The influence of residual stresses on the crack initiation from those artificial defects is discussed in the article.

Mechanical properties of the pipeline samples that had been cut in annular and axial directions were investigated. The methodology of modeling and calculation of the real stress-strain state was described. The stable state during in the deformation process was defined. The results of the experimental researches were used as a test variant during examination of pipe strength.