NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Earthquake Response Characteristics of Jointed and Continuous Buried Lifelines.
File
PB81120016.pdf
Author(s)
Wright, J. P.; Takada, S.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Engineering and Applied Science., January 1980, 18 p.
Abstract
Dynamic response curves of displacement versus frequency are calculated for the problem of forced harmonic response of jointed cylindrical structures in a homogeneous linearly elastic medium of infinite extent. Consistent with experimental observations, the results of a parametric study show that, for frequencies in the earthquake range, dynamic effects can be neglected for jointed or continuous buried pipelines made of concrete, cast iron, or steel, and having commonly used sizes. An exhaustive parametric study was not attempted because of the number of parameters in the model. An attempt was made to use parameters that would accentuate dynamic effects. From the present studies it is conjectured that resonant behavior cannot occur in typical buried pipelines for frequencies in the earthquake range so long as the pipe materials are stiffer than the surrounding soil and the joints are reasonably small relative to the length of the pipe segments.
Keywords
Pipe joints; Dynamic response; Earthquake engineering; Resonant frequency; Displacement; Underground structures; Pipelines; Earthquakes