Thanks gwolf. Sorry for not being specific as my intention is just to tap the experience and views from anyone who have done such analysis. I have not met any problems currently in the planning stage but it is expected there will be difficulties associated with plotting the 3-D seabed profile (as well as pipe, temperature), pipe-soil interaction, the different operating conditions and also the potential convergence problems in gettting a solution.
The element you are referring to i believe is the pipe soil element in Abaqus. Have not come across any literature refering of the use of this element though.
Thanks