Geohazard Identification, Monitoring and Mitigation of Critical Assets in the Appalachian Region

  By: 

Martin P. Derby, P.G., CPG

Vice President/Pipeline Geohazards

WSP USA, Inc.

The BAPG and ASCE are hosting an in-person event on Wednesday January 17th, 2024 at the Classics V Banquet and Conference Center in Amherst, NY, providing 1 PDH credit, find more information at their webpage here.

Abstract

Geohazards have the potential to adversely impact infrastructure in the Appalachian region, including pipelines. Unstable slopes, seismic, subsidence, and hydrotechnical (water erosion) hazards are just a few types of geohazards that will be discussed in detail.  Performing geohazard assessments along pipeline corridors assists owners and operators in determining if a natural hazard may impact their assets. A phased approach can be used to identify, characterize, and ultimately mitigate/monitor potential geohazards. The phased approach begins with a regional-scale desktop assessment (Phase I) to identify, initially characterize, and qualitatively classify (e.g., low, moderate, high hazards) geohazards. Following the desktop assessment, a non-intrusive ground reconnaissance (Phase II) can be completed at targeted sites that warrant additional assessment. Following the ground reconnaissance, subsurface investigations (Phase III) such as drilling, test pitting, or geophysical surveys can be carried out at specific sites of concern to further characterize hazards. The Phase III program includes the collection of sufficient data to plan for and design site specific mitigation and/or monitoring, if deemed necessary.  In-situ pipeline (e.g., strain gages) and slope monitoring (e.g., inclinometers, tilt meters, etc.) methods will be discussed, as well as other advanced monitoring methods, such as InSAR (satellite), LiDAR (airborne), and ground based InSAR.  If a geohazard assessment and or monitoring deem that a mitigation is required, then a detailed design would need to be performed. Several slope mitigation case studies will be presented.