Damage Assessment of Water Distribution Pipes on a Regional Scale based on the Investigation of Damage Ratios after the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake

Abstract

The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake caused severe damage to water distribution pipes in the eastern part of Japan. This study investigates the relationship between the damage ratios of water distribution pipes and the peak ground velocities for all affected areas. According to the results, the empirical fragility functions constructed after the previous earthquakes were applicable to estimate the damage ratios after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. To obtain more accurate estimations, the correction coefficients for the effects of liquefaction and developed hill should be properly considered in the future study.