In the Netherlands, ground subsidence can cause gas and water pipelines to break right where they enter houses. This is a particular problem and in the area around Rotterdam it can be so severe that soil levels can change by as much as 1m within a few years.
Gas pipelines can be subject to very significant movement leading to a risk of rupture at the point of entering houses with threats of gas leakage and even explosions. Satellite images can show hot spots where ground movement is taking place and thus provides for a targeted replacement programme: the maintenance strategy has now become focused on areas of higher risk. Instead of replacing pipes and connections in a whole district, pipes serving individual houses or streets can be targeted that are more prone to risks.
The result is a better investment of resources by the pipeline operators and less risks to consumers from gas leaks or disruption from major water leaks.
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