Circumferential Stress Corrosion Cracking, Bending Strains, Slopes and Landslides: An Operator’s Experience

Abstract Circumferential stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) requires a corrosive environment, susceptible pipeline material, and tensile stress. A Canadian operator’s data set is reviewed from a geotechnical point of view to determine the potential source(s) of axial tension required to create CSCC. The initial assessment of the dataset was presented in 2018 [1] focusing on crack characteristics, growth rates, and CSCC management programs. This paper focuses on geotechnical attributes, pipeline settings and ILI IMU data complemented by additional landslide monitoring data gathered over the past 5 years to refine initial interpretations. The hypothesis is that the primary source of axial tension creating CSCC occur from or can be contributed to by construction induced strains rather than landslides or extreme weather events.