Predicting impact forces on pipelines from deep-sea fluidized slides: A comprehensive review of key factors

Abstract

Deep-sea pipelines play a pivotal role in seabed mineral resource development, global energy and resource supply provision, network communication, and environmental protection. However, the placement of these pipelines on the seabed surface exposes them to potential risks arising from the complex deep-sea hydrodynamic and geological environment, particularly submarine slides. Historical incidents have highlighted the substantial damage to pipelines due to slides. Specifically, deep-sea fluidized slides (in a debris/mud flow or turbidity current physical state), characterized by high speed, pose a significant threat. Accurately assessing the impact forces exerted on pipelines by fluidized submarine slides is crucial for ensuring pipeline safety. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in understanding pipeline impact forces caused by fluidized deep-sea slides, thereby identifying key factors and corresponding mechanisms that influence pipeline impact forces. These factors include the velocity, density, and shear behavior of deep-sea fluidized slides, as well as the geometry, stiffness, self-weight, and mechanical model of pipelines. Additionally, the interface contact conditions and spatial relations were examined within the context of deep-sea slides and their interactions with pipelines. Building upon a thorough review of these achievements, future directions were proposed for assessing and characterizing the key factors affecting slide impact loading on pipelines. A comprehensive understanding of these results is essential for the sustainable development of deep-sea pipeline projects associated with seabed resource development and the implementation of disaster prevention measures.