Settlement and Heave Anomaly on a Pipeline in the Northern Region of Canada

Entzu Hsieh, Alexandre Tchekhovski, Blake Brodland, Peter Song

In the proceedings of: GeoOttawa 2017: 70th Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 12th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Cold Regions I

ABSTRACT: A crude oil pipeline was constructed during the winters of 1983 and 1985 in the northern region of Canada. The pipeline was the first completely buried oil pipeline constructed in the discontinuous/sporadic permafrost zone of Canada and was designed to be operated as an ambient-temperature pipeline. Since 1989, settlement and heave have been detected along the pipeline near a creek crossing. A historical review and geotechnical investigation with ground temperature and pore water pressure measurements as well as thermal modeling were carried out to determine the potential causes of considerable pipe settlement and heave at this particular location. A continuous monitoring program for the entire pipeline is in place to ensure that pipe safety is maintained.

RÉSUMÉ: Un pipeline de pétrole brut a été construit pendant les hivers 1983 et 1985 dans la région nord du Canada. Le pipeline a été le premier oléoduc entièrement construit et enfoui dans la zone de pergélisol discontinu / sporadique du Canada et a été conçu pour fonctionner comme un pipeline à température ambiante. Depuis 1989, des tassements et des soulèvements ont été détectés le long du pipeline à proximité . Une étude historique, une étude géotechnique incluant des mesures de températures du sol et de pression modélisation thermique ont été effectuées pour déterminer les causes potentielles des tassements et soulèvements observés à cet endroit. Un programme de surveillance continu pour l'ensemble du pipeline est en place pour assurer la sécurité de celui-ci.

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Cite this article:
Entzu Hsieh; Alexandre Tchekhovski; Blake Brodland; Peter Song (2017) Settlement and Heave Anomaly on a Pipeline in the Northern Region of Canada in GEO2017. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{geo2017Paper368,author = Entzu Hsieh; Alexandre Tchekhovski; Blake Brodland; Peter Song,title = Settlement and Heave Anomaly on a Pipeline in the Northern Region of Canada,year = 2017}