September 10, 2025: Pipeline Encroachment and Surface Loading

  • Author: Dr. Benjamin Zand
  • Level: Advanced
  • PDHs: 6.5 hours
Write your awesome label here.
Course overview
What is encroachment on a pipeline? What are different types of encroachment? What is a significant encroachment?

The objective of this learning opportunity is to provide pipeline operators with an in-depth course presenting the use of Wheel Load Analysis, Track Load Analysis, and API 1102 Recommended Practice as provided in the Pipeline Toolbox program, as well as the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) surface loading model.  This course will include a brief introduction on pipeline encroachment, stress-strain relationship, and allowable stress limits for buried pipelines. Then the theoretical background of the surface loading stress analysis models will be covered. The course will then present working examples of surface loading problems using modules from Pipeline Toolbox.

Our live-virtual trainings are conducted in a real-time question and answer classroom format. You may ask questions or comment throughout either verbally or in writing.  
Start Time: 8:30 a.m. (CDT)
End Time: 3:00 p.m. (CDT)

PDH Certificate included upon successful completion

  • Course Outline

    Introduction
    • Pipeline Encroachment
    • Stress-Strain Relationship
    • Allowable Limits
    Surface Loading Stress Analysis
    • Crossing Parameters
    • Soil Overburden Calculations
    • Wheel Load Analysis
    • Operating Loads
    CEPA Model
    • Soil Overburden Calculations
    • Circumferential Stress Calculations
    • Longitudinal Stress Calculations
    • Equivalent Stress Calculations
    API 1102 Recommended Practice
    • Background
    • Application
    Technical Toolboxes’ Crossing Modules
    • API 1102 Highway Crossing
    • API 1102 Railroad Crossing
    • Wheel Load Analysis
    • Track Load Analysis
    • Uncased Pipeline Crossing Analysis

Dr. Benjamin Zand

Principal Engineer at RSI Pipeline Solutions, LLC
ABOUT Dr. Benjamin Zand
Dr. Benjamin Zand has 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, geohazard assessment, stress analysis, pipeline integrity assessment, mechanics of composite material, and mathematical modeling. His experience includes stress and vibration analysis and monitoring for oil and gas transport pipelines and facility piping. Dr. Zand has assisted pipeline operators with geohazard problems such as longwall mining subsidence, ground movement, sinkholes, earthquakes, and fault crossings.

Dr. Zand has developed mitigation and monitoring programs for pipelines subjected to various geohazard conditions. He has assessed numerous pipelines subjected to vibration and cyclic loading from blast and construction. After working with Kiefner & Associates, Inc. from 2012 to 2019, he began a position at RSI Pipeline Solutions, LLC. He has also served as an instructor for the Rock Mechanics course at Ohio State University.