Identification and Mitigation of a Landslide Threatening Four Operating Natural Gas Pipelines

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a landslide with the potential to affect four operating high-pressure natural gas pipelines located in the south-central US state of Mississippi. This case study follows a landslide hazard management process: beginning with landslide identification, through pipeline monitoring using strain gauges with an automated early alert system, to detection of landslide movement and its effects on the pipeline, completion of a geotechnical subsurface investigation, conceptual geotechnical mitigation planning, landslide stabilization design and construction, and stress relief excavation. Each step of the landslide hazard management process is described in this case study.