Safety of oil and gas pipelines in mountainous areas: stress and soil-water conservation factors

Mountain oil and gas pipelines are vital infrastructure for ensuring safe energy transmission. However, issues like soil erosion, slope instability, and foundation settlement threaten their stability during construction. To enhance the long-term safety of mountain pipelines, this study proposes a strategy of integrating soil and water conservation with initial stress monitoring. Using drone imagery and field surveys, the study identified key geological factors affecting pipeline stability. It also measured the initial stress of the pipeline using the indentation method, and optimized the conservation measures accordingly. Results show that at the top of the slope, measures like concrete pipe stabilization, cutoff walls, and vegetation restoration significantly reduce water erosion risk. At the foot of the slope, improved drainage systems combined with retaining walls effectively reduce groundwater erosion of the pipeline foundation. The proposed strategy offers technical support for the safe and stable operation of pipelines under complex geological conditions. It also provides practical guidance and viable solutions for similar mountainous energy transport projects.