Numerical analysis of pipeline response to slow landslides: case study

Abstract

A numerical analysis is carried out to study the behaviour of pipelines subjected to slow landslides at three at-risk landslide zones of Manitoba Pipeline Network. The pipeline’s longitudinal axis is parallel to the slow landslides at all three research sites. The ground displacements monitored for 5 years are imposed on the pipe using a special purpose pipe–soil interaction element (PSI element) using ABAQUS/Standard. The stiffness of PSI elements is defined based on soil–pipe interface properties according to a 2017 technical report from Pipeline Research Council International Inc. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with the instrumentation data to draw recommendations for future monitoring programs in slow landslide zones.