What is pipeline movement?
Pipeline movement refers to the displacement or deformation of a pipeline from its original position, often caused by external forces, such as ground shifts or natural hazards. This movement can result in changes to the pipeline’s curvature, increased stress, and the formation of anomalies, such as wrinkles or buckles. These anomalies pose a significant threat to pipeline safety.1,2
How does pipeline movement arise?
Pipeline movement is usually caused by geotechnical events or natural hazards, such as:
- Landslides and soil settlement, which cause longitudinal or transverse stress on the pipeline.
- Earthquakes, generating sudden shifts in ground position.
- Flooding or erosion, which can undermine pipeline support and stability.
These events can impose additional loads on the pipeline, creating stress concentrations that may exceed design limits. 1,2
Risks of pipeline movement
Movement of the pipeline can lead to buckling or wrinkling of the pipe wall, stress concentration, an increased likelihood of cracks or ruptures, and a loss of containment, which can result in leaks or catastrophic failures.1,2
Would you like to find out more about wrinkles and buckles that can be caused by movement? Click on the 'Related Terms' section at the bottom of the page to expand your knowledge.
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Source reference
- The Encyclopedia of Pipeline Defects, ROSEN UK, Edition 3, 2017.
- Introduction to Pipeline Defects, Angus Patterson, The Competence Club, ROSEN, 2025.