Route Selection Based on a Weighted Ranking Analysis

Route selection is a critical process in the preliminary design of linear infrastructure. A weighted ranking analysis of pipeline routes allows for the selection of a project alignment that results in the lowest overall impact based on project-specific variables. Factors that influence and inform a routing analysis can be categorized and subcategorized into project-specific evaluation criteria. Examples of pipeline routing evaluation criteria are environmental impacts, financial impacts, and social impacts. Each of these criteria can contain one or more site specific subcategories such as right of way/easement requirements, cost, utility impacts, cultural/archeological historical impacts, or other named issues of stakeholder importance. An initial screening of potential routes is generally performed to lay the groundwork for a more detailed evaluation. Multiple routes are developed, less attractive routes are eliminated, and the routes that remain after the initial screening process are evaluated using a weighted ranking analysis. Evaluation criteria are given a score based on their relative importance to one another, the criteria are quantified by level of impact, then weighted based on project-specific conditions. The evaluation method will vary depending on the type of project and should be modified as necessary depending on the goals and interests of the owner. The scoring matrix ultimately generates a ranked list of pipeline routes that range from least impactful to most impactful and allows an engineer to recommend a pipeline route with supporting justification. This technical paper will present an alternative pipeline routes case study, show how evaluation criteria influence the scoring of each route, and show how an optimal route is selected based on a weighted ranking analysis. The weighted ranking system will show how the project owner’s goals and interests affect the route selection process (i.e. critical project goals are weighted according to importance), and how this type of analysis can be used to justify a route recommendation. This type of route analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, ultimately providing a source of justification for a critical preliminary design element of pipeline projects.