Session: 06-05-02 Strain Demand

Paper Number: 134236

134236 - Pipeline Performance Monitoring in a Geohazard Management Program Using Inline Inspection and Strain Gauges 

Abstract: 

The focus of a pipeline Geohazard Management Program (GMP) has often been on monitoring ground movement at geohazard locations using technologies such as Borehole Inclinometers (BIs), survey and ground inspections.  Often geotechnical engineers drive the investigation and monitoring of a pipeline intersecting a geohazard; therefore, less emphasis is placed on monitoring the actual impact on the pipeline. The two common methods of monitoring pipeline performance in geohazards are Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges (VWSG) and Inline Inspection Inertial Measurement Unit (ILI IMU) surveys.

Vibrating Wire (VW) is a mature technology that has been used in a variety of monitoring applications, including monitoring strain in steel members such as pipelines, for nearly a century [1].  ILI IMU data analysis has been successfully used to detect landslide interactions in pipelines for over 25 years [2], with ongoing developments in technologies such as axial strain monitoring tools.

This paper highlights two cases studies where the efficacy of these monitoring techniques is examined and compared. The first is a 4 km long pipeline segment which intersects a 7.3 km long complex landslide, characterized as active translational/spread-type movement, with smaller translational, rotational and flow-type movements within the larger slide complex. The pipeline is monitored by 180 strain gauges, with some installed as early as 2014, and five ILI IMU surveys. The second is 70 m long, active landslide that moves obliquely to the pipeline. The pipeline has been strain relieved twice and has been monitored by two generations of 24 strain gauges and four runs of ILI IMU.

This paper includes a discussion of the limitations of both VWSGs and ILI IMU and how these technologies can be complementary in a pipeline GMP, including recommendations on strain gauge implementation.

[1] Upfold, R W., "The Vibrating Wire or Acoustic Gauge" (1963). Wollongong University College Bulletin. 9.https://ro.uow.edu.au/wucbull/9

[2] Czyz, J and McClarty, E., “Prevention of Pipeline Failures in Geotechnically Unstable Areas by Monitoring with Internal and Caliper In-Line Inpsection” (2004). Proceedings of IPC2004 5th International Pipeline Conference, Calgary.

 

Presenting Author: Heidi Manicke Pembina Pipeline

Presenting Author Biography: Ms. Manicke is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Pembina Pipeline with over a decade of experience in geohazard and hydrotechnical hazard investigations and monitoring. She is passionate about spreading knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation and improving the industry standard.

Authors:

Heidi Manicke Pembina Pipeline
Joel Babcock Pembina Pipeline
Doug Dewar Pembina Pipeline
Coleby Charlesworth Pembina Pipeline
Laura Rubinstein Pembina Pipeline