Bridge Construction and Pipeline Technology

Flashcards covering bridge construction terminology and pipeline engineering concepts as described in the lecture notes.

Deck

The surface of a bridge where vehicles move.

Pillars

The vertical supports of a bridge structure.

Abutments

The supports located at the specific ends of a bridge.

Segmental Bridge

A bridge built in small sections called segments that are connected together rather than being built in one large piece.

Cast-in-place

Concrete that is built and poured in its final location at the construction site.

Precast concrete

Concrete segments built elsewhere and then transported to the bridge site.

Incremental Launching Method (ILM)

A construction method where the bridge deck is built section by section from one abutment and pushed forward toward the other side, usually for decks longer than $250\,m$.

Steel nose

A component placed at the front of the bridge deck during the Incremental Launching Method to help the deck reach the pier safely.

Pigging Stations

Intermediate stations in a pipeline used for cleaning and inspection.

Sectionalizing Valve Station

A pipeline component used specifically for isolating segments of the line.

Tap-off Stations

Intermediate delivery points along a pipeline system.

Coupling

A fitting used to join two identical threaded pipes together.

Reducer

A fitting used to enlarge or reduce the diameter of a pipeline.

Right-of-Way (ROW)

The approved work boundaries and centerline area surveyed for pipeline construction and land acquisition.

Pipe Stringing

The process of aligning raw pipe segments end-to-end along the trench.

Hydrostatic Testing

Testing a pipeline before operation by filling it with water and increasing the pressure above normal operating levels to check for leaks.

Thrust boring

A trenchless construction method used where excavation is undesirable, involving a cutting head, a jacking rig, and an auger to remove soil.

Pilot Bore

A small first hole created during thrust boring that shows the planned path of the pipeline, guided by a laser system.

Seabed Intervention

Offshore activities such as dredging carried out to reduce geohazards, correct free spans, and protect pipelines from waves or currents.

Free spans

Gaps created by an uneven seabed under a pipeline that increase bending stress and risks of vibration.

S-Lay System

An offshore pipe-laying method where the pipeline is assembled onboard and leaves the stern in a curve that forms an "S" shape underwater.

J-Lay System

A deep-water pipe-laying method where the pipeline leaves the vessel in a nearly vertical position, forming a "J" shape with only one curve.

Reel-Lay System

A system where the pipeline is assembled onshore and then wrapped around a large drum on the vessel for offshore installation.

Mattresses

Stabilization components placed under or above a pipeline for support and protection.

Saddle Blocks

Concrete blocks used to provide lateral support for pipeline stabilization.