Integral Failure Analysis of Pipelines in Flood Defenses

Abstract

The presence of pipelines in flood defenses presents a challenge for assessing the probability of flooding. To prevent costly structural measures compensating for the possible negative effects of pipeline failure, we developed a framework for an integral failure analysis of pipeline and dike failure. The assessment framework is based on an event tree with several scenarios or paths resulting in failure of the flood defense and subsequent flooding of the hinterland. The event tree allows us to combine the probability and consequences of pipeline failure with the failure mechanisms of the flood defense and the possibility of detecting and repairing the damage before a flood or other hydraulic loading. The framework has proven to be effective in preventing costly structural measures for a pipeline in the crest of a dike in Amsterdam.