Bridge Expansion Joint for Bridges Near Pipelines and Gas Mains

Bridge expansion joints near high-pressure pipelines and gas mains must be designed to minimize the risk of damaging the pipeline during installation and maintenance. The joint design must comply with the safety requirements of the pipeline operator. Pipeline identification before joint installation requires a survey of the underground pipelines in the area. The survey must identify the location, depth, and pressure of all pipelines within the construction zone. Pipeline maps from the pipeline operators must be obtained and verified by ground-penetrating radar or vacuum excavation. Pipeline protection during joint installation requires the pipelines to be protected from damage by the construction activities. Pipelines that are within the construction zone must be protected by hand excavation, shoring, or relocation. The protection measures must be approved by the pipeline operator before construction begins. Hot work restrictions near gas mains require the contractor to obtain a hot work permit before performing any welding or cutting operations. The hot work permit specifies the safety precautions that must be taken to prevent ignition of any gas that may be present. The contractor must comply with all hot work restrictions. Emergency procedures for pipeline damage during joint installation must be developed before the work begins. The procedures must define the actions to be taken if a pipeline is damaged, including the notification of the pipeline operator and the emergency shutdown of the pipeline if required. Maintenance safety requirements for joints near pipelines are the same as for installation activities. The maintenance contractor must comply with all safety requirements of the pipeline operator and must obtain the required permits before performing any activities near the pipeline.