CLIENT: Teck Resources Ltd. c/o Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
PRI was retained by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.(Ausenco) to provide geotechnical engineering services for the seismic assessment of three existing maring pipelines serving the Quebrada Blanca copper mine in North Patache Bay, Chile.
CHALLENGE:
Identifying the geotechnical risks posed to the pipelines from seismic-liquefaction-induced forces and displacements, as well as evaluating the proposed anchor-pile restraint system for the pipelines.
APPROACH:
Using provided geotechnical data, PRI developed a revised stratigraphic model with several key differences from the original model by others. Updated seismic hazard and liquefaction assessments were completed to determine updated post-liquefaction buoyancy, heavy fluid properties, and flow paths, for estimates of drag forces on pipelines exerted by the liquefied “heavy fluid” on the pipeline-collar system.
OUTCOME:
PRI determined that the need and configuration of the anchor-pile restraint system depends on Ausenco’s updated structural assessment of pipeline performance under the updated drag forces.