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INSTRUCTORS:
Samantha O'Farrel, P.E.
Michael J. Britch, P.E., MPA
Hailey-Rae Rose, Ph.D.
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference.
From Concept to Completion: Improving Cost Estimates for Pipeline Projects (19 minutes)
This presentation explores best practices for developing accurate and reliable cost estimates for pipeline projects, from the planning phase through construction. It highlights common pitfalls in early-stage estimating and examines how underestimations or overestimations can impact project budgets, schedules, and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on aligning conceptual estimates with actual bid pricing and lessons learned from completed projects. Attendees will gain insights into methodologies, tools, and data sources used by engineers to refine estimates and reduce uncertainty. The presentation also underscores the importance of communication between designers, contractors, and stakeholders to improve cost predictability. By following structured estimating practices, engineers can enhance project planning, minimize risks, and deliver more efficient outcomes.
Slippage Based Seismic Design Approach for Critical Ductile Iron Pipe Hospital Supply (28 minutes)
This presentation introduces a slippage-based seismic design methodology tailored for ductile iron pipelines supplying critical facilities, such as hospitals. It reviews the limitations of traditional restrained-joint designs in seismic environments and presents slippage joints as a means to absorb seismic displacement without overstressing the pipe. The case study of a hospital water supply system illustrates how the approach mitigates risk while maintaining service continuity during seismic events. Attendees will learn about design considerations, testing protocols, and performance outcomes that validate the method. The presentation also discusses how this approach aligns with resilience goals for lifeline infrastructure. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of innovation in pipeline engineering to safeguard public health and safety in high seismic risk areas.
Axial Connection Force Capacity: Calculation Process for Seismic Design of Pipeline Systems (23 minutes)
This presentation examines the methodology for calculating axial connection force capacity in pipeline systems subject to seismic loading. It provides an overview of governing equations, design parameters, and industry standards that inform the calculation process. The session demonstrates how accurate determination of axial force capacity is essential to ensure joint integrity and prevent failure under earthquake conditions. Practical examples and case studies highlight the application of calculations in real-world pipeline systems. Attendees will gain an understanding of the interaction between soil, pipe, and joint behavior during seismic events. The presentation concludes with recommendations for applying these calculations to enhance resilience in critical infrastructure systems.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe common sources of error in pipeline project cost estimating and strategies to reduce them.
- Explain how aligning conceptual estimates with construction bids improves project planning and delivery.
- Discuss the principles of slippage-based seismic design and its advantages over traditional restrained-joint systems.
- Identify key design and performance considerations when applying slippage joints in ductile iron pipelines for critical facilities.
- Explain the calculation process for determining axial connection force capacity in seismic pipeline design.
- Describe how seismic loading influences pipe-joint behavior and the importance of accurate force capacity evaluation.
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]