Center for Reliable Energy Systems

Pipeline Construction

  • Pipeline installation stress management
    1. Stress analysis for various installation methods and different terrain conditions
    2. Confirmation of code compliance
    3. Design of hydrostatic testing
    4. Planning and execution of tie-in procedures
  • Lift and lowering-in stress management
    1. Correlate operational parameters (lift height, offset, number of sidebooms) with stresses in pipes
    2. Set windows of operational parameters to keep stress to acceptable levels
  • Assessment of new pipeline installation method and its impact on integrity
    1. Potential fatigue issues related to the use pneumatic hammer in HDD
    2. Stresses in microtunnelling
    3. Stresses during Direct Pipe installation
  • Management of potential damage from rocks in bedding and backfill materials and from falling rocks
    1. Dent and ovality acceptance criteria and allowance for engineering assessment (EA) in regulations and codes/standards
    2. Recommended EA methods
    3. Guidance on EA of dents and ovalities
    4. Case-specific analysis to justify or establish the limits of post-construction dents and ovalities
  • Linepipe specifications for improved tolerance to strains, including strain-based design
    1. Understanding denting threats of varying rock size
    2. Determination of minimum cover depth to protect pipes from damage by falling rocks

Example Projects – Pipeline Construction in Mountainous Areas

Representative Publications