NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Northridge Earthquake: Lifeline Performance and Post-Earthquake Response.
- File
- PB97167373.pdf
- Author(s)
- Schiff, A. J.
- Source
- National Inst. of Standards and Technology (BFRL), Gaithersburg, MD., April 1997, 346 p.
- Identifying Number(s)
- MONO-8
- Abstract
- The Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994 produced the strongest ground motions ever instrumentally recorded in an urban setting in North America. This monograph describes the earthquake performance, emergency response, and recovery for the following lifeline systems: electric power, water, wastewater, communications, roads and bridges, railroads, ports, airports, gas, and liquid fuels. In addition, the impact of lifeline disruption on emergency response capabilities of hospitals and fire suppression elements of the emergency response community are discussed. For each lifeline damage, emergency response methods used to cope with damage and disruption, and the restoration and recovery processes are described. Implemented and proposed changes in equipment and facility design specifications, operating procedures, and emergency response plans are described. Each section summarize the lessons learned, makes recommendations to improve system earthquake response and identifies needed research.
- Keywords
- Liquid fuels; Water systems; Bridges (Structures); Sewer systems; Public utilities; Dynamic structural analysis; Ports (Facilities); Soil-structure interactions; Communication systems; Operating systems; Fire departments; Harbors; Damage assessment; Design analysis; Airports; Highways; Transportation sector; Hospitals; Earthquake damage; Buildings; Seismic effects; Waste water; Emergency response; Electric power distribution; Northridge earthquake; Pipelines; Gas utilities