Rodolfo Sancio, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE. and Alexander McKenzie-Johnson, P.G., L.G., L.E.G., (Texas) will present on "Guidelines for Managing Geohazards Affecting the Engineering and Construction of New Oil and Natural Gas Pipelines" at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Texas Section, Houston Branch, Geo-Institute January Technical Session in Houston, Texas at 11:30 a.m. on January 30, 2020.

Rodolfo is a Senior Principal Geotechnical Engineer based in Houston, Texas with more than 20 years of experience focused on geohazard management (i.e., identification, characterization, and mitigation of geohazards), geotechnical site investigations, site development and ground improvement solutions, and foundation analyses for large industrial facilities and civil construction.

Alexander is a Principal Engineering Geologist based in Texas with more than 17 years of professional experience focused on geohazard assessment and management for oil and gas clients.

The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation's oldest engineering society. ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society's economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Presentation Description

Pipelines are inextricably exposed to geohazards given that they are long linear facilities that encounter variable terrain and geologic conditions, including watercourses. As such, reconnaissance, feasibility, and engineering design studies for new or existing pipelines need to include analyses that identify, characterize, and mitigate the potential long-term effects of geohazards on pipeline integrity. Also, there is a growing recognition that potential short-term effects of geohazards during construction, need to be addressed. Developing a pipeline project without considering geohazards early in the project cycle and mitigating them, as appropriate, is likely to lead to greater construction costs, contractor claims, schedule delays, and ultimately higher operational costs.

Under the auspices of the Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), a guidance document has been prepared to efficiently incorporate geohazard management guidance into a single volume addressing: i) the types of geohazards affecting pipelines, ii) the typical process used in practice to identify and characterize the geohazards throughout the various project stages, iii) the techniques used to mitigate the geohazards, and iv) the approaches and methods recommended to project teams of owners, operators, engineers, and contractors to successfully mitigate project risks. The guidance document is intended for a wide audience that includes technical and nontechnical managers at pipeline owning and operating companies, geoscience and engineering teams involved in studies and assessments of pipeline integrity hazards, and construction staff, regulators, lenders, and other stakeholders involved in executing pipeline projects. The presenters will review the PRCI guidance document and provide examples for its implementation.

More Information

About the event: https://ascehouston.org/meet-reg1.php?mi=1851647&id=467
About ASCE: https://www.asce.org/about_asce/
For consultation regarding managing geohazards, contact Rodolfo Sancio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alexander McKenzie-Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Learn more about Rodolfo: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/rodolfo-sancio
Learn more about Alexander: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/alexander-mckenzie-johnson