Improving Structural Integrity of Buried Pipelines under Ground Movements by Reducing Strain Demand and Advanced Strain Monitoring

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Ground movements can be very detrimental to buried pipelines that are extensively used in oil and gas industry as key Canadian infrastructure. Although pipeline failures caused by ground movements are not frequent, they often result in major spills that could be extremely costly in damage control and clean, compromising the entire pipeline's functionality and resulting in significant economic losses, environmental issues or even fatalities. Current technologies provide advanced tools to identify areas with high probability of ground movements and their expected direction and magnitude. A practical and advanced mitigation measure can help pipeline industry to prevent pipe rupture due to ground movements in one hand and to protect the environment and the public on the other hand. This research project aims to provide test-based design and modelling tools for a novel mitigation technique, which consists of special type of orthotropic geomaterial blocks placed adjacent to the pipe in areas susceptible to ground movements to prevent pipeline failure due to excessive deformations. Our research project focuses on four key objectives: 1) evaluate using field testing the global stability and strain response of buried pipelines enhanced by Geobuffer under ground deformation; 2) develop mechanics-based analysis method for buried pipelines enhanced by Geobuffer; 3) propose monitoring guidelines for buried pipelines; 4) develop numerical modelling technique for simulating the soil-Geobuffer-pipe interaction. To achieve these aims, the research team will perform field tests and employ advanced strain monitoring techniques, numerical modelling and mechanics-based analyses. We will provide improved monitoring, modelling and design recommendations to pipeline engineers for their daily work, resulting in increased safety and reliability for pipelines while protecting Canadian environment.