Assessing the Effects of Vibratory Loading on Pipelines Using Analysis and Monitoring Techniques

This paper provides the methods and results associated with an engineering assessment for a project involving pile driving adjacent to an active 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter gas pipeline. The pile driving was associated with the expansion of the I-95 Highway located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The work involved analysis, metallurgical field evaluation, and measurement of strain and acceleration in the pipe during the pile driving. The analysis involved using finite element methods to predict stresses in the pipe using acceleration loads provided during a previous pile driving exercise. Using a range of soil stiffness values, the calculated bending stresses in the pipeline ranged from 50 to 2,000 psi (0.3 to 13.8 MPa). Even with the most compliant soils, the stress was relatively low compared to the hoop stress created by an internal pressure of 500 psi (3.4 MPa). The metallurgical field investigation involved careful inspection of the pipe quality, including field replication and determining the carbon content of one weld. The strain measurements indicated that the stress levels in the pipe were below design stress limits and that the short-term pile driving loads did not inflict serious injury to the line. Findings of the investigation indicated that the pipe had been well-maintained over its 40 year life and that no measurable corrosion was present. This project demonstrates the benefits derived in using a range of engineering disciplines and capabilities to ensure safety in conducting potentially-damaging activities adjacent to active gas pipelines.