Review of Pipeline Installation 2.0 by Amster Howard

A proper pipeline installation in a trench plays a key role in ensuring both short- and long-term performance success of the pipeline itself. Few books have been comprehensively written on a complex topic like pipeline installation, and, in particular, on proper pipeline installation practices. The book Pipeline Installation 2.0 is one of them. This book is the second edition of Pipeline Installation, which was first published in 1996 by the same author. Pipeline Installation 2.0 includes new chapters, more illustrations, updated content, additional topics, and links to online resources. It also includes case histories related to the author’s experiences.

The principal merit of this book is that it provides very useful and important information about the pipeline installation process, discussing in depth each step in pipeline installation and how each step relates to obtaining the proper soil support for the pipe. Furthermore, the author has been able to close the gap theory and practice, enlightening how construction methods should be consistent with the design assumptions. This book is also distinct because it includes information about how to protect the pipe from damage before, during, and after laying the pipe in the trench, using proper methods for handling, storage, and joining. All these aspects make this book unique because they were not usually included in other pipeline installation books. Mr. Howard is to be congratulated for this excellent work.

The book is organized into an introduction and 17 chapters.

The introduction presents an overview and organization of the book. In addition, it explains checklists and lists documents needed in preparation for construction. Chapter 1 (“Pipeline Terminology”) contains the terms and definitions related to pipeline installation. The definitions are clear and concise. Chapter 2 (“Rigid and Flexible Pipe”) explains the difference in design and installation philosophies of rigid and flexible pipe. Chapter 3 (“Soil Classification”) presents different systems of classifying soils and explains the variations. In addition, a system of grouping soils for pipeline design and installation is presented. Chapter 4 (“Soil Density”) describes the concepts of density and percent compaction, explains the difference and how to obtain the laboratory maximum dry density for cohesive and for cohesionless soils, and illustrates how to measure the field density by either direct or indirect methods. Chapter 5 (“Soil Compaction”) explains what the compaction is, and discusses how to densify the different types of soils and the proper equipment to use.

Chapter 6 (“Transportation and Handling”) describes how to take care of the pipe before placing it in the bottom of the trench. Chapter 7 (“Trench Excavation”) discusses methods of excavating the trench, trench dimensions, proper trench wall support, control of water, safety concerns locating, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Chapter 8 (“Foundation”) illustrates the importance of the foundation and the types of foundation. In addition, it explains how to identify problem soils and conditions and how to construct an installation to minimize their effect on a pipeline. Chapter 9 (“Trench Walls”) describes the importance of trench walls and expounds on how to evaluate the trench walls for their supporting role. Chapter 10 (“Bedding”) explains the importance of the bedding, bedding dimensions, and bedding materials, and details how to lay it. Chapter 11 (“Laying”) describes how to lay the pipe in the trench without damage. Chapter 12 (“Joining Pipe”) outlines methods of joining pipe and provides tips on getting a good joint. Chapter 13 (“Embedment”) illustrates the importance of embedment, embedment dimensions, and embedment material, and details how to best construct the support for the pipe. Chapter 14 (“Backfill”) explains the importance of backfill and backfill materials, and details how to place it carefully. Methods and procedures are presented.

Chapter 15 (“Flowable Fill”) illustrates how to use flowable fill for pipeline installation. Chapter 16 (“Auxiliary Topics”) describes how to install and care for all the other things associated with a pipeline. Chapter 17 (“Acceptance Inspection”) discusses all tests and inspections needed before the owner accepts the project.

The book is well written and exhaustive in its information. The sequence of book chapters is well organized. Furthermore, the specific topics of each chapter have a coherent structure. Each chapter contains a 3-second summary and a full summary. Moreover, many chapters include an inspection checklist. Figures (drawings and graphs) and photographs are very clear and self-explanatory, making the related processes or methods easy to understand. At the end of the book, a list of references, a glossary, and a subject index are provided.

This book has expanded and updated the topics concerning proper pipeline installation practices with appropriate depth and breadth of information needed for anyone involved in pipeline design and installation, such as pipeline designers, construction inspectors, contractors, and construction personnel. Therefore, this book is deemed extremely useful for those who are interested in solving the real-world problems concerning the pipeline installation and, accordingly, it can not miss on their own bookshelf.