Multiresolution Change Analysis Framework for Postdisaster Assessment of Natural Gas Pipeline Risk

Abstract

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, pose significant threats to the integrity of natural gas pipelines. In an emergency situation following a disaster, thorough pipeline safety assessments must be performed to avoid costly postdisaster damage and to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of energy resources. This paper presents a multiresolution change analysis approach for detecting emerging threats to natural gas pipeline systems after a natural disaster. For aboveground pipeline facilities, the change analysis focuses on displacement of buildings as an indicator of whether a pipeline segment or gas meter needs repair or replacement. For underground pipeline facilities, the change analysis focuses on detecting soil movement and storm surges, all of which cause additional stress on the pipeline facilities. This approach can also be applied to estimate the likelihood of failure of buried pipelines by measuring terrain change and soil movement.