A Comprehensive Study on Present State of Underground Pipeline Infrastructure in Developed Countries

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of existing state of underground pipelines in developed countries like the United States (US) and focus on history, performance, and barriers to long-term planning. Most of the pipeline infrastructure construction in the United States was done in 1950’s and 1960’s due to population and economic growth (Najafi, 2005). The Pipelines built during this period were by using cast iron and steel material. The Pipes that are buried during this period are more than 70 years old, which needs to be replaced / renewed. According to ASCE 2017 Infrastructure report card, water and the wastewater pipelines received a grade D and D+ respectively, which states that there is a significant need in improving these infrastructure conditions. The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of underground pipeline infrastructure in the developed countries with focus on the US. To study pipelines construction or renewal which is been done by traditional open-cut method or latest Trenchless technology. The scope of this paper is limited to water, wastewater and liquid and gas transmission pipeline infrastructure of underground utilities in the United States. The methodology of this paper discusses about the infrastructure needed for the operation and maintenance of pipeline infrastructure, the construction and renewal of the pipelines using traditional open-cut and Trenchless technology methods, the risks associated in constructing, renewing and operating the pipelines. It can be concluded, that the present scenario of water, wastewater, liquid and gas transmission pipelines are not meeting the required standards. This problem can be addressed through strategic planning for the nation’s economic and overall development.