Pipeline integrity for an ever-changing planet
Proceedings Publication Date
Presenter
Dr. Prodromos Psarropoulos
Author
Prodromos Psarropoulos
Part of the proceedings of
Abstract
Undoubtedly, the integrity of any existing or future pipeline is directly related to the reliability of its design and the correct application of the design during the construction phase. Nevertheless, the realism of the design depends on the availability and the reliability of all the data that describe the prevailing conditions (topographic, geological, seismological, hydrological, hydraulic, etc.). Since the lifetime of all pipelines is of the order of few decades and as we are living on a ever-changing planet with various anticipated or even surprising geological and climatic phenomena, there is a great possibility to have a minor, a moderate or even a dramatic change of the initially prevailing conditions that have been taken into consideration during the design phase. Seismic activity, erosion phenomena, and/or other phenomena related to the climate change may have a detrimental or even beneficial impact on the geohazards that are threatening the pipeline integrity, depending on the circumstances. The current paper tries to describe all these interrelated issues with the help of case histories and case studies coming from the engineering practice. It becomes evident that the engineers, with the help of geoscientists, should continuously monitor and study all these changes, examine if the pipeline under consideration can accommodate them, and proceed with mitigation measures or rerouting techniques, where and when it is required.

To view the video or download the paper please register here for free

You already have access? Sign in now.