Evaluating the environmental performance of pipeline construction using systems modelling

Environmental performance criteria currently represent major decision factors in civil engineering projects, including pipeline construction. This paper presents a framework based on systems modelling and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) that captures different setups of pipeline installation techniques and the environmental impacts expected from different execution scenarios. A model is developed via SysML using the principles of systems modelling and engineering to capture the interactions of the pipeline as a product, the installation technique utilized, together with the environment. A TOPSIS-based MCDA module permits selecting the optimum alternative among construction alternatives. Open cut trenching and microtunneling are exemplified and a case study is provided where both techniques are evaluated in terms of environmental impacts. The contribution of this work is providing a structured and versatile framework that properly captures the interactions of different pipeline installation techniques and the environment, enabling the quantification of environmental impacts to a high degree of precision. The capacity to model different scenarios allows comparison and selection of the most suitable alternative.