22 - Route Optimization, Shore Approach, Tie-In, and Protection

Abstract

This chapter outlines the main items of subsea pipeline construction: route optimization, shore approach, pipeline tie-ins. pipeline trenching and burying, and pipeline rock dumping. The selection of a subsea pipeline route involves technical and economic assessments of alternative routes performed during the conceptual design phase. The actual selection of the final pipeline route in the detail design phase is usually an iterative process, and this process may continue throughout the whole design phase. During this process, the cost, pipeline route survey, route optimization, and pipeline alignment sheet are considered and discussed. The hore approach is one of the key parts of the route selection process, which connects both onshore and offshore pipelines. The choice of shore approach location takes into account various factors, such as geotechnical conditions, environmental loads to the shorelines, and the complexity of sea-land interface. Trenching or burying and rock dumping are typical methods for pipeline protection and pipeline on-bottom stability in shallow water, and these methods are summarized.