Overview

Where pipelines pass over unstable slopes any movements may result in lateral forces to act on the pipe which may cause it to bend and possibly rupture. To monitor the strains in the pipe that may develop under these conditions vibrating wire strain gauges can be attached various points along the pipe, at 120 degree spacings, such that the magnitude and direction of the resultant tensile and compressive strains can be determined. The strain gauges can be connected to multiplexers (hard wired or wireless) which in turn are connected to data acquisition systems for near real time monitoring and for data visualization over the internet.

The unstable slopes themselves can also be monitored using inclinometers (to identify the location of any slip planes) and piezometers to monitor any changes in pore pressure—increases of which often forewarn any slope instability. (Weather stations should also be considered to determine if any movements and/or increases in pore pressure can be correlated with periods of heavy or steady rainfall). For surficial movements along the slope, extensometers, with extended range capability, can be installed at strategic locations. (As with the strain gauges, the inclinometers, piezometers, extensometers and weather stations can all be connected to data acquisition systems for on line monitoring).