Performance and Suitability of Design-Phase Bedrock Excavatability Assessment in Pipeline Construction

Abstract Excavations can be readily advanced in most soils by digging while bedrock often requires ripping, hydraulic hammering, or blasting. Excavation effort, or excavatability, is therefore an important factor in planning the execution of projects and estimating costs. In this case study, estimates from a design-phase excavatability assessment conducted for a pipeline alignment routed through sedimentary rocks of the Canadian Cordillera are compared to actual construction observations including blasting records. Discrepancies and possible associated causes are then discussed, and considerations for future work are offered.