Office/Division Program
TAP
Project Number
201
Category
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Performing Activity
Southwest Research Institute
Research Principal Investigator
Dr. Jayaut S. Mandke
Research Contracting Agency
Description
Investigate causes for the excessive damage experienced by the offshore pipelines during Hurricane Andrew and to develop recommendations or changes to current design and operating procedures that will mitigate damage to pipelines during future hurricanes and minimize the resulting pollution.
Latest progress update
Complete. Pipeline failure data on past hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico was entered in a database. Analysis of data on damage from various sources shows that most damage was done to small, 2 to 6 inch diameter pipelines. Close to half the pipeline damage was incidental to associated platform damage. Age of the pipeline did not appear to be a factor.