Ground deformation from natural or anthropogenic processes is a significant factor in the integrity management plan for natural gas distribution networks. Rapid or large scale deformation can pose an immediate rupture threat. Smaller, more gradual or repeated ground deformations may lead to material stresses, damage and strain accumulation, posing a longer-term threat. Satellite monitoring can play a key role in pipeline integrity management programs by measuring ground deformation over an entire pipeline network, at high spatial and temporal resolutions with the ability to capture both rapid large scale and subtle, repeated ground movement over a longer period of time.
Millimeter accuracy ground deformation estimates are derived from radar satellite imagery using InSAR, a well-established and validated remote sensing technique. InSAR is an effective tool for rapidly identifying new regions requiring ground geotechnical surveys, deriving estimates of deformation rate, extents, and evolution of deformation patterns, for validating or extending traditional ground-based measurements, and for forward-looking operational monitoring.
We present the results of InSAR ground deformation monitoring over a natural gas distribution pipeline network in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the case study site, small diameter pipelines (up to 40 years old) have been subjected to ground slumping from a retrogressive landslide affecting multiple lakeshore communities and compounded in recent years by a high water table. Some locations have recently experienced slumping at rates greater than 50 cm/yr leading to important structural issues with roads, buildings, water mains, and gas pipelines.
The ground movement analysis is based on RADARSAT-2 satellite imagery acquired at 24-day intervals over a short period in 2015. Thousands of suitable measurement points were identified over two communities on opposite shores of the lake. The measured InSAR deformation time series showed deformation toward the lake. The extents of the deformation are clearly delineated by the InSAR measurements.
