Methodology for assessing pipeline failure probability due to a debris flow in the near field

Abstract

Aboveground transmission oil pipelines can cross debris flow-prone areas. Currently, there are no available methodologies to assess pipeline failure status with the different pipeline arrangements (location, direction, and segment lengths) and different operating conditions. For solving the research gap, this study proposes a novel methodology to simulate the cascade processes of debris flow propagation, the impact of debris flow on pipelines, and pipeline failure. With consideration of different pipeline arrangement and operating conditions. We introduce the polar coordinate system to set up locations and directions scenarios for the first time. Also, we use the 3-D debris flow simulation model (DebrisInterMixing solver in OpenFOAM) coupled with a modified pipeline mechanical model considering operating conditions for the first time. The proposed methodology shows the different trends of pipeline failure probability with the increase of pipeline segment length for the different pipeline locations and directions. The result shows, for the pipelines of 30° the tensile stress has a more moderate increase rate with the increase of pipeline segment length, and the pipeline failure probability keeps 0 at the 5-m location. At 5 m and 15 m locations, the failure probabilities of the pipelines of 60° and 90° start to increase when the segment length is 13–14 m, while for other pipelines the segment length is 17–19 m. The findings of this study can support the decisions of government authorities, stakeholders, and operators for risk assessment, prioritization of hazard mitigation measures and emergency planning, or concerning decisions regarding pipeline siting during the design, routing, construction, operation, and maintenance stage.