Comparing Different Embedment Options for an Open-Cut Pipeline Project: Fid-Bau Portal

Comparing Different Embedment Options for an Open-Cut Pipeline Project

Mamaqani, Babak H. / Marshall, David / Najafi, Mohammad / Behseresht, Ali

Open-cut method (trenching) is the conventional method of new pipeline installation underground. Providing embedment materials that meet the design requirements is one of the most important factors that affect total project costs and duration. This research considered a 150-mile pipeline project as a case study to compare five embedment options in terms of cost and production. All calculations were conducted for two types of pipes including steel pipe and prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP). The embedment options considered were (1) direct reuse, (2) chemical stabilization, (3) CLSM using native soils, (4) import granular material, and (5) indirect reuse. The objective of this research is to identify applicable options for each segment and to compare them in terms of production rate and total costs. Production rate of equipment was calculated using recommended equations for different equipment. It should be noted that the overall production and total costs of each option depended on the type of equipment that the contractor used. Rental Rate Blue Book was used to calculate cost of each option. It was concluded that CLSM using native soils had the highest production rate and lowest total costs for segments with low reusability potential compared with other methods. Also, it was observed that hauling materials from borrow pits had higher total costs than chemical stabilization. However, the production rate of hauling material from borrow pits were higher than chemical stabilization.