Construction Methods for the Installation of Transmission Pipelines in Western China

摘要

Due to the accelerated implementation of "the development strategy of the western regions" in China since 1998, pipeline designers have recognized the need to utilize specific construction methods when installing transmission pipelines due to the poor soil conditions. The climate in western China is typically dry, with low rainfall amounts and high evaporation rates. In addition, the seasonal precipitation distribution is extremely uneven, with most of the rainfall occurring in the spring. The predominant soil types in the region are soft clay, mixed-filled clay, red earth, karst, and mucky peat. When these soil types absorb water, such as during the spring, they can become unstable. Therefore, it is of great importance to utilize specific construction methods when installing transmission pipelines in this region. In this paper, the soil types that are typically found in western China are described, as well as the reasons for the routine pipeline failures that occur in them. Specific construction methods, such as installing various soil materials in the trench subgrade, are then introduced. Finally, a case study is presented which demonstrates that specific construction methods performed during pipeline construction can improve a pipeline's reliability and functionality.