Pipeline–Seabed Interaction

Abstract

A review of the existing research on the interaction between a pipeline and an erodible bed exposed to waves and/or currents is presented. The review covers three topics: scour, liquefaction, and lateral stability of pipelines. The basic mechanism that leads to scour in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cases is first described, as deduced from small-scale laboratory experiments. The onset of scour from piping and the developing tunnel erosion are among the processes described. The lateral expansion of the scour hole along the pipe is described, also based primarily on small-scale laboratory experiments. The state of the art of the mathematical/numerical modeling of the scour processes is presented. The associated self-burial of the pipe is described and compared to field observations. In addition to scour, liquefaction may also constitute a risk for pipeline stability. The cause of liquefaction and the resulting consequence for pipeline stability in a natural environment are discussed. Finally, the lateral stability of pipelines placed on an erodible bed and exposed to waves is briefly described.