NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Seismic Vulnerability of the Latham Water Distribution System. A Case Study (Seismic Vulnerability, Behavior and Design of Underground Piping Systems).
- File
- PB291414.pdf
- Author(s)
- Pikul, R. R.; Wang, L. R. L.; O'Rourke, M. J.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Applied Science and Research Applications., September 1978, 42 p.
- Abstract
- Overall aims of this research are to develop a systematic way of assessing the adequacy and vulnerability of water/sewer distribution systems subjected to seismic loads and to develop future design methodologies. This case study applies state-of-the-art earthquake engineering techniques plus the results of current research developed during the SVBDUPS Project to assess the potential vulnerability to earthquakes of the distribution piping system of the Latham Water District, Albany County, New York. The Latham Water District was considered typical of existing water distribution systems which have different types of pipe and joint systems reflecting the historical development of the service areas and the technology existing at the times of expansion. This study indicates that a substantial portion of the water district could experience earthquake related failures based on a 100 year economic lifetime and a 450 year return period earthquake. The potential failure area is over a deep, loosely consolidated, sand, silt, and clay area that has filled in a preglacial river valley to a depth of 300-500 feet in some areas. In addition, distribution piping in this area is of a relatively non-flexible leadite or lead joint construction resulting in a potential leakage under tensile forces. Introduction of flexible joint systems for new portions of the system and replacement of damaged older portions upgrade the system and decrease vulnerability.
- Keywords
- Earthquake resistant structures; Water pipes; Buried pipelines; Subsurface structures; Seismic risk; Structural design; Albany County (New York); Sewer pipes; Earthquake engineering; New York; Latham Water District; Pipelines; Earthquakes; Dynamic structural analysis