Methodology for assessing pipeline failure probability due to a debris flow in the near field.

Aboveground transmission oil pipelines can cross debris flow-prone areas. Currently, there are no available methodologies to assess pipeline failure status with the different pipeline arrangements (location, direction, and segment lengths) and different operating conditions. For solving the research gap, this study proposes a novel methodology to simulate the cascade processes of debris flow propagation, the impact of debris flow on pipelines, and pipeline failure.

Analysis of hazardous material releases due to natural hazards in the United States.

Natural hazards were the cause of approximately 16,600 hazardous material (hazmat) releases reported to the National Response Center (NRC) between 1990 and 2008-three per cent of all reported hazmat releases. Rain-induced releases were most numerous (26 per cent of the total), followed by those associated with hurricanes (20 per cent), many of which resulted from major episodes in 2005 and 2008. Winds, storms or other weather-related phenomena were responsible for another 25 per cent of hazmat releases.