Fault Mapping by Data of Aerospace Surveys to Ensure the Safety of Main Pipelines (For Example of the Section Chayvo-De-Kastri Pipeline)

Abstract

Link for citation: Kuptsova O.V., Melkiy V.A., Verkhoturov A.A., Dolgopolov D.V. Fault mapping by data of aerospace surveys to ensure the safety of main pipelines (by the example of the section Chayvo–De-Kastri oil pipeline). Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 6, рр.92-102.In Rus. The relevance of the research is caused by the need to identify the hazardous geological processes during the construction and operation of pipelines. The Russian Federation ranks second in the world in terms of the total length of main pipelines, where accidents sometimes occur as result of the negative impact of natural and man-made factors. The main hazardous geological processes affecting pipelines are displacements in zones of active faults in the earth's crust. Diagnostics of the presence of fault zones in the territory planned for the construction of linear structures makes it possible to identify potentially dangerous areas that should be paid close attention, and to organize constant monitoring in places of possible movements of soil masses. Based on economic considerations, it is advisable to conduct research using Earth remote sensing data, and use modern geoinformation products for data processing. Monitoring using remote sensing allows you to quickly assess the changing engineering and geological conditions in the areas where the pipeline is laid, as well as detect signs of the occurrence of natural processes that pose danger to infrastructure facilities. Monitoring of corridors of main pipeline routes must be carried out by all available means during construction and operation. The use of ArcGIS, QGIS and LEFA software in combination with geophysical data provided by the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences makes it possible to assess seismic activity, its intensity and the nature of the relationship with faults. The main aim of the research is to identify and show on the map the most dangerous areas with active fault zones, that pose a potential threat of negative impact on the pipeline during operation. Objects: space images of the corridor of the main pipeline route to identify ruptures of a seismogenic nature, maps of earthquake epicenters previously identified near the pipeline route. Methods: interpretation of satellite images, methods of geoinformation modeling, mapping, statistical methods, methods of automated lineament analysis, methods for changing the resolution, size and visibility of images without loss of information quality, such as interpolation and aggregation methods, spatial analysis of the interdependence of fault zones and earthquakes, compilation of geoinformation. Results. The analysis of geological, geophysical and satellite information about the territory where the pipeline was laid was carried out in order to identify fault zones. Automated lineament analysis of images in different spectral ranges and with different spatial resolution made it possible to identify the most probable fault zones. The seismic activity of the study area was estimated on the basis of geophysical data. Potentially dangerous sections of the study area, along which the main pipeline is laid, are identified and presented on the map, characterized by the presence of fault zones and increased seismic activity.