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INSTRUCTORS:
Yasir Mahmood
Matthew C. Richie, P.E.
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference.
Assessing Pipeline Failure Hotspots and Vulnerabilities: A Spatial and Probabilistic Risk (24 minutes)
This presentation introduced a spatial and probabilistic framework for evaluating natural gas pipeline vulnerabilities. The speaker highlighted the limitations of traditional risk models, which often treat risk factors in isolation and underutilize spatial analysis. By integrating ArcGIS hotspot detection with Bayesian network modeling, the research created a comprehensive approach to identify failure hotspots and quantify associated probabilities. A 10-year dataset from PHMSA was used to map incidents, classify internal and external risk factors, and build conditional probability tables. Results showed third-party interference and outside force failures as the most significant contributors to system risk. Sensitivity analysis confirmed critical nodes within the network, guiding operators toward targeted mitigation strategies. The approach provides a more holistic and data-driven method for improving pipeline resilience and safety planning.
A Comparison of Finite Element Analysis Results with ASCE Manual of Practice 145: Design of Close-Fit Liners for Rehab of Gravity Pipes (32 minutes)
This presentation compared finite element analysis (FEA) with the ASCE Manual of Practice (MOP) 145 for designing close-fit liners in gravity pipelines. The case study focused on rehabilitating a deteriorated three-sided culvert in Ontario, where an FRP structural liner was installed as a standalone system designed for a 75-year service life. MOP 145 provided closed-form solutions for non-circular liners, streamlining the design process compared to traditional FEA methods. However, a comparative Plaxis FEA model was developed to validate MOP 145 results under short- and long-term loading conditions. Results showed good agreement between FEA and MOP 145, particularly for buckling under groundwater loads, although FEA predicted slightly higher demands due to conservative assumptions. The findings demonstrate that MOP 145 offers efficient, standardized design guidance while FEA remains valuable for complex geometries and site-specific conditions.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how the integration of spatial hotspot analysis and Bayesian networks improves pipeline risk assessment.
- Identify the most significant external and internal factors contributing to natural gas pipeline failures.
- Discuss the advantages and limitations of using MOP 145 compared to finite element analysis for liner design.
- Describe how close-fit liners are designed to act as standalone structures under full soil, groundwater, and live load conditions.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Utility and Pipeline Engineers
- Design and Consulting Engineers
- Construction Contractors
- Project Managers
- Academic and Professional Researchers
- Early Career and Pipeline Professionals
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]