DEP SPECIFICATION

OFFSHORE PIPELINE AND UMBILICAL/CABLE

CROSSINGS

DEP 37.81.41.35-Gen.

September 2011

ECCN EAR 99

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

© 2011 Shell Group of companies

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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference
international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell
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facility, and thereby to help achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
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requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES .............................................................................................5
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES...............................................................................6
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP .......................................................................................6
1.7 DUAL UNITS...............................................................................................................6
2. GENERAL APPROACH TO CROSSINGS ................................................................7
3. PROJECT PLANNING ...............................................................................................8
3.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................8
3.2 PRE-CROSSING INSTALLATION .............................................................................8
3.3 INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................9
3.4 POST INSTALLATION................................................................................................9
4. PIPELINE AND FLOWLINE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ....................................10
4.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................10
4.2 SHALLOW WATER PIPELINE CROSSING.............................................................10
4.3 DEEP WATER PIPELINE CROSSING.....................................................................11
4.4 UMBILICAL CROSSING...........................................................................................11
5. LOAD CASES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA .......................................................13
5.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................13
6. CROSSING GEOMETRIES AND LOADS ON PIPELINES AND FLOWLINES......15
6.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................15
6.2 LOADS ON THE LINES............................................................................................15
6.3 MECHANISMS FOR REDUCING LOADS AND STRESSES ..................................15
7. TYPICAL PIPELINE AND UMBILICAL CROSSING DRAWINGS ..........................16
7.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................16
7.2 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 1 – TYPICAL UNBURIED PIPELINE
CROSSING ...............................................................................................................16
7.3 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 2 – TYPICAL UNBURIED PIPELINE
CROSSING OVER BURIED PIPELINE....................................................................16
7.4 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 3 – TYPICAL BURIED PIPELINE CROSSING........16
7.5 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 4 – TYPICAL BRIDGED PIPELINE CROSSING.....16
7.6 UMBILICAL CROSSING: TYPE 1 – TYPICAL BURIED UMBILICAL
CROSSING > 61 M (200 FT) WATER DEPTH ........................................................16
7.7 UMBILICAL CROSSING: TYPE 2 – TYPICAL BRIDGED UMBILICAL
CROSSING ...............................................................................................................16
8. REFERENCES .........................................................................................................17
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................18

APPENDIX
APPENDIX A FIGURES.........................................................................................................19
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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the following:
a) crossing design and engineering analysis requirements for both the crossed
(pipeline or umbilical) and crossing pipeline;
b) typical pipeline and umbilical crossing configurations;
c) crossing construction procedure;
d) monitoring requirements during crossing mat installation work operation, and;
e) the post installation as-built survey.
Only offshore pipeline and umbilical crossings are covered in this DEP.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated March 2010; see (1.5) regarding
the changes.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to the Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them. Any authorised access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in offshore subsea facilities related to exploration and
production. This DEP may be applied also in other similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a MOC process should be implemented; this is of particular
importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General Definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies consumables,
materials, equipment and services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorized to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
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1.3.2 Specific definitions

Term Definition
Crossed The pipeline or umbilical already existing and in place on the seafloor.
pipeline or The crossed pipeline or umbilical may be Principal owned and operated
umbilical or owned and operated by a third party.
Crossing The pipeline that is crossing over an already existing pipeline or
pipeline umbilical in place and on the seafloor.
Umbilical Any subsea production umbilical, power cable or communications cable.
Projected width A length typically wider than the crossing corridor that provides for the
defined corridor width along the crossing pipeline, taking into account
the angle of the crossing. The corridor width shall be 12.20 m (40 ft)
unless the Contractor proposes a narrower corridor and is approved by
the Principal.
Separation The distance between the existing and proposed crossing pipeline, (i.e.,
outside diameter to outside diameter).
Work The word Work is used to define the work to be executed by the
Contractor as defined in the Invitation to Tender or Contract Scope of
Work.

1.3.3 Abbreviations
Term Definition
API American Petroleum Institute
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineering
BOEMRE Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
FEA Finite Element Analysis
ITT Invitation to Tender
MOC Management of Change
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
VIV Vortex Induced Vibrations

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets ( ). Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in (8).
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1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated March 2010. The following
are the main, non-editorial changes:
• Sections of this DEP that were informative in nature have been moved to a new
companion DEP Informative document.
• More detail on design analysis has been added therein.
• Clarifications have been added where requirements are specific to the Gulf of
Mexico region.

1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be sent to the Administrator at standards@shell.com, using
the DEP Feedback Form. The DEP Feedback Form can be found on the main page of
“DEPs on the Web”, available through the Global Technical Standards web portal
http://sww.shell.com/standards and on the main page of the DEPs DVD-ROM.

1.7 DUAL UNITS

This DEP contains both the International System (SI) units, as well as the corresponding
US Customary (USC) units, which are given following the SI units in brackets. When
agreed by the Principal, the indicated USC values/units may be used.
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2. GENERAL APPROACH TO CROSSINGS

The degree to which additional loads may be permitted on an existing pipeline shall be a
function of one or more of the following:
a) Size of the pipeline crossing;
b) Size of the pipeline being crossed;
c) Design or operating margin for pressure containment or collapse, or both;
d) Accessibility of the crossing for purposes of remediation;
e) Magnitude of additional load to be placed on the pipeline;
f) Seafloor soils and bottom conditions;
g) General condition of the crossed pipeline (e.g., internal/external corrosion, etc.), and;
h) Final computed state of stress and structural integrity and the certainty thereof;
i) Physical constraints on the bottom pipeline such as nearby spoolpiece connections
or riser connections that could be impacted by the weight of the top line;
j) Understanding that if the bottom pipeline can be lowered to sufficient depth to allow
the top line to rest on the seabed. This is sometimes impacted by service conditions
and design code restraints for the operating line.
Crossing may significantly increase the working stresses of the crossed pipeline since the
original design will likely not have considered the added stress of a crossing pipeline.
The crossing of existing pipelines or umbilicals should be at right angles whenever
possible. Where impractical, the crossing angle may be less than 90°, but the acute angle
between the crossing pipelines/umbilical shall not be less than 30°. Typical pipeline and
umbilical crossing configurations are included in (7). These drawings are included as basis
for crossing design. Ultimately, the final crossing design configuration shall depend on
governmental regulations, project specific conditions and analysis of both, the crossed and
crossing pipelines or umbilical.
Unless detailed, project-specific crossing design and drawings are provided in the
Principal’s Invitation to Tender (ITT), the Contractor shall be required to prepare and submit
for Principal approval detailed crossing drawing specific to the project.
The design concept of a pipeline or umbilical crossing and the detailed design shall be
discussed at an early stage to ensure the agreement of all operators involved and Statutory
Authorities where applicable. In case a formal crossing consent is needed sufficient time
shall be allowed to agree, draft and accept the details.
NOTE: This DEP is generally applicable to deep water installations across all regions of the world, with
possible exception of deep water North Sea / Norwegian projects. The shallow water crossing
requirements are generally applicable to Gulf of Mexico region, and specific requirements in other
regions may differ. In such cases, project-specific specifications and drawings will be supplied with
the ITT and Contract.
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3. PROJECT PLANNING

3.1 GENERAL
The Principal will provide required crossing parameters for both the crossed and crossing
pipeline to the Contractor as part of the pipeline installation ITT package or contract
requirements, should this be necessary for crossing design by the Contractor. Typically the
required information will include the following:
a) Pipe size (diameter and wall thickness),
b) Product type, density, pressure and temperature information in so far available
c) Internal pressure and temperature
d) Pipe strength properties,
e) Coating properties, both corrosion coating and weight coating
f) General soil information
g) Proposed crossing design as shown in Contract Drawings (if applicable)
Unless specified otherwise in the ITT documents, the Contractor shall perform the
necessary calculations to show that the proposed crossing design meets and/or exceeds
the Principal’s crossing requirements. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide to the
Principal for review and approval the following:
a) Proposed construction procedures,
b) Detailed design drawing(s) of crossing (if applicable, i.e., not included in the
Principal’s ITT),
c) Global analysis results used to establish loads on the crossed pipeline,
d) Stress analysis of the crossed and crossing pipeline, including vortex induced
vibration (VIV) analysis, if applicable,
e) Structural analysis of any proposed pipe support structures,
f) Lifting analysis for the top pipeline if pre-crossing separation is not installed,
g) Safety plan,
h) Project scope of work, and
i) Project schedule.

3.2 PRE-CROSSING INSTALLATION

The Contractor shall verify the location and exact depth, if buried, of all existing pipelines or
umbilicals that will be crossed by the Principal’s new pipeline. Further, the Contractor shall
survey any spans (if applicable) in existing pipeline and record all pertinent data including
profile, height above seafloor and length. The Contractor shall record the exact location of
the existing installation(s). The existing pipeline or umbilical shall be lowered, covered or
otherwise protected prior to installation of the crossing pipeline.
The Contractor shall perform an as-built survey of the crossing at the proposed crossing
location. For buried pipelines or umbilicals, the survey shall document the length and depth
of the burial of the pipeline/umbilical along the entire projected width of the crossing.
Subsea visual buoys clearly marking the edges of the crossing corridor shall be put into
place. If mats are used to cover or bridge an existing pipeline or umbilical, the survey shall
document (with video) the placement of mats on or near the existing pipeline/umbilical and
take fixes on the four perimeter corners of the pre-installed mattresses. Any span
remediation (if applicable) shall be “as-built” with appropriate remotely operated vehicle
(ROV) fixes of sand/cement piers or mats, and shall be documented with ROV video
survey.
The as-built survey of the pre-crossing configuration shall subsequently be compared with
crossing design drawings. Deviations from specified tolerances between the pre-crossing
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as-built and the proposed design of the pre-crossing configuration shall require a
management of change (MOC) submittal for subsequent Principal approval. In addition,
changes out with pre-analyzed tolerances may be cause for the Principal to require the
Contractor to confirm adequacy of the crossing as-built configuration by additional analysis
to ensure that both the crossed pipeline and crossed pipeline/umbilical shall be within
allowable stress limits after completion of the installation work.

3.3 INSTALLATION
Lay corridor shall be a maximum of 12 m ± 6 m (40 ft ± 20 ft) from proposed pipeline
centreline, in the vicinity of the crossing, unless otherwise agreed by the Principal. The
Contractor may propose a narrower corridor for the Principal’s approval provided the
Contractor’s procedures ensure the crossing pipeline will be centrally located over the pre-
crossing supports.
During installation of the new pipeline, and in applicable depths, the Contractor shall have
an ROV monitoring pipelay, locate the crossing and confirm that the approach angle is
correct and that the pipeline shall be laid centrally over the pre-installed mats or burial
corridor. The ROV shall monitor the pipeline as it is laid across the protective structure.
Alternatively, subject to the Principal’s approval, the Contractor may use sonar reflectors,
acoustic transponders, positioned at each end of the pre-installation works, and on the
crossing pipeline to monitor the crossing installation operation. For shallow water crossings
in which operation of an ROV is not practical, or if the visibility does not allow ROV
operation, then acoustic transponders and associated survey methods, noted previously,
shall be employed to monitor and confirm that the crossing pipeline is positioned as
intended during the crossing installation operations.

3.4 POST INSTALLATION

After the new pipeline has been laid across the existing pipeline or umbilical, the ROV shall
survey the position of the new pipeline. The ROV shall document spans on both sides of
the crossing (i.e., length and height, etc.) with measurements performed at a spacing to
reasonably determine the pipe configuration (i.e., shape and curvature). The ROV shall
measure the distance between the bottom of the pipe and the seabed as well as the length
of the span. Video documentation shall be included with post installation survey. The
spacing between these measurements shall be sufficient to reasonably determine the pipe
curvature along the full length of the span. All spans resulting from the crossing shall be
analyzed with regards to stress and VIV potential to determine if remediation is required.
For crossing installation in shallow or poor visibility water, in which a ROV was not practical
for utilization, the as-built survey of the crossing shall be performed by divers or acoustic
survey method.
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4. PIPELINE AND FLOWLINE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 GENERAL
The crossing of existing pipelines is subject to various government regulations, depending
on water depth and location. The following sections, (4.2), (4.3) and (4.4), are based on the
current Gulf of Mexico regulations.
In the offshore waters of other countries, such as Nigeria, Malaysia, Brazil, etc., pipeline
crossings may be subject to other regulations. When designing a pipeline crossing outside
of the Gulf of Mexico, the Contractor shall become familiar with regional-specific regulations
governing pipeline crossings. project-specific specifications may be used to supplement this
DEP, or replace specific sections of this DEP.

4.2 SHALLOW WATER PIPELINE CROSSING

This section applies to water depths less than 150 m (500 ft).
The separation between the existing and proposed crossing pipeline shall be 0.46 m (18 in)
and concrete mats shall be used to achieve separation. If separation of 0.46 m (18 in)
severely complicates crossing design or adds undue risks, e.g., if crossed pipeline has a
large diameter or crossed pipeline is above seafloor elevation, the Contractor shall notify
the Principal of potential alternatives. In the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management (BOEM) has allowed the use of 30.5 cm (12 in) separation mats but
concurrence should be obtained prior to exercising that option.
The existing pipeline shall be buried for a crossing that is located in a water depth of 61 m
(200 ft) or less, unless otherwise approved by the Principal. The minimum burial depth
shall be 1 m (3 ft). If the existing line is found to be less than 1 m deep, it shall be buried to
the 1 m depth prior to crossing construction, subject to approval of operator of the existing
pipeline. It should be noted that the Principal has no rights to lower the existing pipeline if
owned by a 3rd party and will need to obtain concurrence to make any adjustments to the
burial depth of the existing line.
The Contractor shall install concrete mats over the buried line prior to installing the crossing
pipeline, unless a dispensation from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation
and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has been granted in U.S. waters. If operator of existing
pipeline does not permit lowering, crossing shall be constructed to still provide required
separation and approved protective mat covering. Per Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
minimum cover may be achieved by alternate means (e.g., mats) with Principal and
BOEMRE approval.
The new installation shall be completely covered with concrete mats such that no exposed
or open “gaps” exist for crossings in water depths less than 150 m (500 ft) and for those in
less than 61 m (200 ft) that were not buried. Mats used to cover crossings shall be fully
supported with sand/cement bags such that the weight of the mats is not unduly borne by
the pipeline span. The specific materials used to achieve the required crossing separation,
span remediation and anchoring/capping shall be subject to approval by the Principal. For
concrete mats that contact any pipeline, a non-abrasive pad shall be affixed to the side of
the concrete mat that comes in contact with the pipeline.
If the existing pipeline is lowered, lowering shall commence only after the line has been
properly marked with buoys and the operating pressure reduced if specified by code,
regulations, or the operator of the pipeline to be crossed. Bending of the line during
lowering shall be limited to a bending strain of less than 0.1% during all phases of the
operation. Multiple lowering passes may be required to ensure that plugs are not left in the
ditch during a pass which would induce a localized strain over the allowable. The
Contractor shall prepare detailed line lowering procedures for Principal review and
approval. The owner and operator of the crossed line shall be consulted and grant
approval of the crossing design and configuration, particularly if the line will be lowered,
prior to commencement of any crossing work operations.
NOTE: Dispensations to leave lines unburied at the above water depths may be granted by the BOEMRE in
regions of congestion.
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The new installation shall be completely covered with concrete mats such that no exposed
or open “gaps” exist for crossings in water depths less than 150 m (500 ft) and for those in
less than 61 m (200 ft) that were not buried. Mats used to cover crossings shall be fully
supported with sand/cement bags such that the weight of the mats is not unduly borne by
the pipeline span. The specific materials used to achieve the required crossing separation,
span remediation and anchoring/capping shall be subject to approval by the Principal. For
concrete mats that contact any pipeline, a non-abrasive pad shall be affixed to the side of
the concrete mat that comes in contact with the pipeline.
If the existing pipeline is lowered, lowering shall commence only after the line has been
properly marked with buoys and the operating pressure reduced if specified by code,
regulations, or the operator of the pipeline to be crossed. Bending of the line during
lowering shall be limited to a bending strain of less than 0.1%. The Contractor shall
prepare detail line lowering procedures for Principal review and approval. The owner and
operator of the crossed line shall be consulted and grant approval of the crossing design
and configuration, particularly if the line will be lowered, prior to commencement of any
crossing work operations.
NOTE: Dispensations to leave lines unburied at the above water depths may be granted by the BOEMRE in
regions of congestion.

The Contractor shall prepare a jetting/trenching plan for presentation to BOEMRE for
approval prior to commencing any form of jetting or trenching that is not performed
manually (e.g., diver hand-jetting).

4.3 DEEP WATER PIPELINE CROSSING

This section applies to water depths greater than 150 m (500 ft).
Concrete mats or burial shall be used to achieve the required separation of 0.5 m (18 in). If
separation of 0.5 m (18 in) severely complicates crossing design or adds undue risks, e.g.,
unacceptable span, stability risk or VIV, the Contractor shall notify the Principal of potential
alternatives.
The Contractor shall install concrete mats over any buried lines prior to installing the
crossing pipeline, unless a dispensation from BOEMRE has been granted. The Contractor
shall prepare a jetting/trenching plan for presentation to BOEMRE for approval prior to
commencing any form of mechanical jetting. The crossed line shall be shut in and a permit
modifying the original permit shall be obtained prior to any mechanical jetting.
Should a risk of instability be present, the crossing pipeline shall be completely covered
with concrete mats. Mats used to anchor crossings shall be fully supported with
sand/cement bags such that the weight of mats is not unduly borne by the pipeline span.
The specific materials used by the Contractor to achieve the required crossing separation,
span remediation or anchoring/capping, shall be subject to approval by the Principal. For
concrete mats that contact any pipeline, a non-abrasive pad shall be affixed to the side of
the concrete mat that comes in contact with the pipeline.

4.4 UMBILICAL CROSSING

For a new pipeline installation that will cross an existing umbilical, the umbilical shall be
buried a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) below the adjacent mud-line. Lowering shall commence
only after the umbilical has been properly marked with buoys and agreement has been
obtained from the third party operator, if applicable. Bending of the umbilical during
lowering shall be limited to a bending strain of less than 0.1% of the largest element in the
umbilical. The Contractor shall prepare detailed umbilical lowering procedures for Principal
review and approval. Umbilicals shall be lowered, prior to commencement of crossing
operations to prevent any contact/loading anytime during crossing construction. After
burial, the trench shall be back-filled using Principal-approved fill material. The requirement
to back-fill the trench may be waived if water depth is greater than 150 m (500 ft) and
approved by the Principal. The burial method, procedure and associated equipment
employed by the Contractor shall be subject to approval by the Principal. The procedure
and equipment utilized to bury the umbilical shall be such that they preclude any damage to
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the umbilical. The above pipeline over umbilical crossing configuration applies to both
shallow and deep-water crossings.
The Contractor may propose alternative pipeline over umbilical crossing configurations,
such as bridging mats, for Principal consideration and approval. See (7) for typical
alternate crossing configurations. The separation between the existing umbilical and the
crossing pipeline shall be a minimum of 0.3 m (12 in), taking into account long-term
settlement and sag of the proposed crossing pipeline over its service life and in various
service scenarios (hydrostatic testing, operation in extreme life conditions, etc.).
The acceptance criteria for umbilical crossings are: 1) adequate separation, (such as burial)
confirmed by calculations and 2) no direct loading through contact.
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5. LOAD CASES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

5.1 GENERAL
The Contractor shall consider the following when designing the crossing for both the
crossing and crossed pipeline:
a) Design and operating pressures,
b) Hydrostatic pressure testing,
c) Water depth and soils
d) Effect of concentrated and distributed external loads,
e) Pipe material grade and size,
f) Corrosion conditions and allowance
g) Buried and unburied configurations,
h) Thermal growth and associated loading,
i) Bending and collapse,
j) Uncertainties in operating conditions, environment (particularly soils), and actual as-
built crossing configuration,
k) Codes and standards
Collapse design shall be considered also. The use of API RP 1111 is recommended, but
finite element analysis (FEA) may be necessary to evaluate the effect of concentrated
loading on collapse resistance.
The Contractor shall assess, as a minimum, the following load cases for the crossing
pipeline:
a) Empty pipe without internal pressure,
b) Water filled pipe with and without (test) pressure,
c) Product filled pipe with and without pressure,
d) Heated pipe with and without pressure, if appropriate, and related fatigue,
e) Long-term settlement.
f) VIV of exposed spans
g) Physical constraints on the bottom pipeline such as nearby spoolpiece connections
or riser connections that could be impacted by the weight of the crossing pipeline.
The Contractor shall assess, as a minimum, the following load cases for the crossed
pipeline:
a) Modifying the position of the existing line (e.g., by lifting, lowering or otherwise
changing the support conditions of the existing line),
b) Direct or indirect (through the soil) distributed loads due to supports, such as mats
and/or bridges,
c) Loads placed on the crossed line during the installation process of the crossing
pipeline,
d) Loads when the crossing line is filled with water under the hydrostatic testing
condition, and
e) Loads when the crossing line is in service.
The Contractor shall identify and assess any other special loading conditions that may
apply and may be governing.
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If the limit states are satisfied for all design loading conditions, then the crossing design
configuration is acceptable.
If the preliminary evaluation of the loads and pipeline response indicates reasons for
concern or effect of concentrated loads or collapse cannot be adequately demonstrated,
further evaluation shall be necessary. Further study includes computational methods, such
as FEA, that are more accurate, as well as better representations of the loading to be
placed on the pipeline being crossed. Surveys and characterization of the initial pipeline
position and the soil properties are very important. Information in addition to load cases in
(5) includes:
a) Survey data, including pipeline profile and soils,
b) Soil and point load representation, their applicability and limitations,
c) FEA model to be used to determine global loads,
d) FEA model to be used to perform local stress and strain calculations,
e) Modeling needed to estimate collapse pressure,
f) Load cases to be examined, including long-term settlement and fatigue,
g) Accuracy requirements and sensitivity studies to be performed, and
h) Evaluation criteria.
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6. CROSSING GEOMETRIES AND LOADS ON PIPELINES AND FLOWLINES

6.1 GENERAL
Typical crossing geometries and arrangements are shown in the drawings in (7) of this
DEP.

6.2 LOADS ON THE LINES

Placement of concrete mats across the existing installation can create significant loads on
the existing pipeline and shall be thoroughly analyzed to ensure the existing installation
shall not be overstressed. Refer to (5).
Load analysis does not apply for umbilical crossings. Neither crossing pipeline nor mats
shall be allowed to contact the umbilical at any time during installation or in the completed
crossing.

6.3 MECHANISMS FOR REDUCING LOADS AND STRESSES

Several acceptable options exist for reducing the stresses in the crossed pipe, including
1) spreading the concentrated load, 2) covering or lowering the crossed pipeline and
3) building of supporting bridging structures to relieve some of the load imposed on the
existing pipeline.
Unless already shown on Contract Drawings, the Contractor shall identify load reduction
options where considered necessary, and submit them with detailed calculations to the
Principal for approval.
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7. TYPICAL PIPELINE AND UMBILICAL CROSSING DRAWINGS

7.1 GENERAL
The following typical pipeline and umbilical crossing drawings are included to assist and
guide the Contractor in the design and installation of common crossing situations. Any
proposed significant change by the Contractor in the general design and/or scope of the
typical crossing configuration, as depicted on these drawings, is subject to Principal
approval. Figures are located in (Appendix A).

7.2 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 1 – TYPICAL UNBURIED PIPELINE CROSSING

The crossing configuration in Figure 1 depicts a situation where in the existing pipeline is
unburied and at or near the mudline level.

7.3 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 2 – TYPICAL UNBURIED PIPELINE CROSSING OVER

BURIED PIPELINE
The crossing configuration in Figure 2 depicts a situation where in the existing pipeline is
buried already or buried as preparation for the crossing. If the existing pipeline is less than
1 m (3 ft) deep, it shall be buried to minimum depth prior to installation of crossing pipeline.
See (4.1) for potential exception.

7.4 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 3 – TYPICAL BURIED PIPELINE CROSSING

The crossing configuration in Figure 3 depicts a situation where in the existing pipeline is
buried and the crossing pipeline is required to be buried as well.
Two options exist for this type crossing.
• The first is shown in the drawing, and represents a situation where the existing
pipeline is excavated and exposed in the region where it intersects the lay corridor of
the crossing pipeline.
• The second option involves the excavation and exposure of the buried existing
pipeline. This pipeline would then need to be jetted and lowered such that the top of
the existing pipe is below the trenched bottom of the crossing pipeline corridor.

7.5 PIPELINE CROSSING: TYPE 4 – TYPICAL BRIDGED PIPELINE CROSSING

The crossing configuration in Figure 4 depicts a situation where in the weight of the
crossing pipeline is not borne by the existing pipeline. This configuration will be required if
allowable limit states are exceeded (e.g., due to concentrated load on the crossed pipeline)

7.6 UMBILICAL CROSSING: TYPE 1 – TYPICAL BURIED UMBILICAL CROSSING > 61 M

(200 FT) WATER DEPTH
The crossing configuration in Figure 5 depicts the crossing of a buried umbilical greater
than 1 m (3 ft) deep. If the existing umbilical is less than 1 m (3 ft) deep, it shall be buried
to minimum depth prior to installation of crossing pipeline. The minimum length of the
buried section of umbilical shall be a minimum of the projected width of the crossing
pipeline’s lay corridor.

7.7 UMBILICAL CROSSING: TYPE 2 – TYPICAL BRIDGED UMBILICAL CROSSING

The crossing configuration in Figure 6 depicts the crossing of a non-buried umbilical such
that the separation between the pipe and umbilical is greater than 0.3 m (12 in), accounting
for long-term settlement.
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8. REFERENCES
In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore API RP 1111
Hydrocarbon Pipelines (Limit State Design)
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9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
NOTE: The following documents are for information only and do not form an integral part of this DEP.

SHELL STANDARDS
Pipeline Engineering (Amendments/Supplements to ISO 13623: 2009) DEP 31.40.00.10-Gen.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other ASME B31.4
Liquids
Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems ASME B31.8
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement - Oil
and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf – 30 CFR 250
Subpart J - Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of-Way
DOT – Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline –
49 CFR 192
Minimum Federal Safety Standards
DOT – Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline 49 CFR 195
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APPENDIX A FIGURES
NOTE: The attached drawings have been developed primarily as standard drawings for Gulf of Mexico
applications and contracts. US Customary units have been used, and no attempt has been made to
convert these to SI Units for the purpose of this DEP.
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Figure 1 Unburied pipeline crossing

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Figure 2 Typical unburied pipeline crossing over buried pipeline

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Figure 3 Typical buried pipeline crossing

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Figure 4 Typical buried pipeline crossing

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Figure 5 Typical buried umbilical crossing > 61 m (200 ft)

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Figure 6 Typical buried umbilical crossing