RESEARCH OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE EVALUATION METHOD FOR SUPPLY NETWORKS

Abstract

The seismic resistance of buried pipeline was conventionally evaluated only by the strength of material used for the pipeline. Consequently, the buried pipeline with weak-strength material was recognized as the pipe to be replaced or to be reinforced. Therefore, the conventional method could be over-investment if it is used for the determination of replacement / reinforcement plan.
Here, it is obviously important to develop the new seismic resistance evaluation method for buried pipes where both the soil conditions and the network shapes are taken into consideration, in order to make the replacement / reinforcement plan to be effective.
In this new method, the seismic resistance of the buried pipes can be evaluated reasonably through comparison between the strength of the buried pipes and the external forces on the pipes induced by design earthquake motion.