Geotechnical Aspects of Pipelines

Oil pipelines and linear works are long structures that cross the most diverse types of terrain, including areas subject to mass movements, such as landslides, erosions, and settlements. Considering the enormous consequences of possible pipeline ruptures, it is essential that pipeline operators take action to identify, analyze, and mitigate the geotechnical risks of their installations. Currently, there are several tools that can be adopted to identify and treat geotechnical risk points. These tools need to be systematized in pipeline integrity management plans and will be executed and controlled among other risk mitigation activities. This chapter aims to comprehensively present the main geotechnical risks that affect oil pipelines, as well as present the tools for identifying, analyzing, and treating geohazards.