Cross-Country Pipeline Construction

The construction of large diameter cross-country pipelines involves a repetitive sequence of operations, each of which must be carefully planned and scheduled to attain a high rate of production. These operations can be identified as right-of-way clearing, ditching, stringing, bending, lining-up, welding, coating and wrapping, lowering, backfilling and cleanup, and testing. Each of these operations is briefly described with an emphasis on newly introduced methods and equipment. Construction management is of crucial importance to a successful pipeline project. Various skills must be assembled, the several operations must be integrated, and the construction project must function as a continuous production line. Each project becomes a cost center, and explicit records of cost and performance should be maintained. There remains a basic need for further research, and for its application and acceptance by owners, contractors, and labor personnel, if the pipeline construction industry is to realize its full potential.