Effects of Pipeline Construction on Soil Compaction

A study was initiated in 1988 to evaluate the effects of pipeline construction on soil compaction in the province of Alberta. Cone penetration resistance (soil strength) of soils was monitored to a depth of 31.5 cm at 14 study areas. Soil strength measurements were taken from right-of-way locations as well as from an adjacent undisturbed control. Soil strength information from the 14 study areas suggests that pipeline construction procedures can cause changes in soil strength on pipeline rights-of-way. Decreases in soil strength on the RoW compared to adjacent controls are more common than increases. These differences in soil strength appear to be short lived. In the majority of cases most differences, both increases and decreases, had disappeared one year after construction.