Protection of Arctic Submarine Pipelines Against Ice Scour

Abstract

A decision-theoretic approach to the problem of optimizing strategies for the protection of submarine pipelines against ice scour is presented. The model simultaneously considers twinning, deep trenching, and valve segmentation. The opitmal solution is dependent on the uncertainty regarding the frequency of pipeline damage and the associated consequences. Two sources of uncertainty are considered, namely the rate and the depth of scour. Consequences of pipeline damage are represented by their impact on economy and enviornmental safety. An example is presented and the model is used to check the sensitivity of the optimal solution to different input parameters.