R&D highlights edition 2019

Delta infrastructure 47 R&D Highlights 2019 P ipelines represent a valuable hidden infrastructure that often dates back decades. Experience has generally shown that the number of leakage incidents increases over time. However, the size of pipeline systems makes is unrealistic to replace complete systems. The current strategy consists simply of waiting for a failure and replacing a small segment of a pipe to repair the system. A proof of principle was made for a pipeline evaluation tool for some asset managers of pressure sewage pipelines. The ultimate goal of this project is to determine the most vulnerable sections of a pipeline system. This can help to decide whether to repair a leak or to replace a complete section instead. It can also be a useful tool for the optimisation of the replacement strategy. The threats to an underground effluent pressure pipeline, such as corrosion, deterioration, and cracks and gaps in connections, are well known. The main challenge is to create models that determine the probability or magnitude of these threats. The calculation models developed in this project use the pipeline and soil parameters for the surrounding subsoil. Relevant factors include the pipeline material, its diameter, slope, material and connections. Additional parameters are the flow of the waste water, soil parameters and surface loading by an embankment. The calculation result may be a reduced wall thickness due to corrosion in the upper part of the pipe where sewage gas pockets could accumulate. Another result can be settlement due to surface loading. Deformation of the subsoil will lead to the deformation of the pipeline. In turn, deformed or even gaping connections will result in the pipeline, as well as additional stresses in the circumference and longitudinal direction. The results can be presented on a map to facilitate the identification of the weak spots in the pipeline system. Contact: Henk Kruse, Henk.Kruse@deltares.nll, t +31 (0)6 2000 0234 Remco Boeije, Remco.Boeije@deltares.nl , t +31 (0)6 4644 3416 A proof of principle was made for a pipeline evaluation tool. The final ultimate goal is to determine the most leakage- susceptible sections of a pipeline system. ASSET MANAGEMENT: WHICH SEWAGE PIPELINES NEED ATTENTION?