The present paper provides an overview of available tools and provisions for the structural analysis and design of buried welded (continuous) steel water pipelines in seismic areas, subjected to earthquake action. Both transient and permanent ground actions (coming from tectonic faults, landslides and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading) are considered. Specific issues are discussed on the modelling of the interacting pipeline-soil system using either simple analytical models or nonlinear finite elements, and their main advantages and disadvantages are pin-pointed. Subsequently, the resistance of buried pipelines is discussed, with emphasis on possible failure modes. Finally, possible mitigations measures for reducing seismic effects are discussed, for the safe operation of steel water pipelines against seismic hazard.
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Published on 01/01/2014
Volume 2014, 2014
DOI: 10.1061/9780784413692.091
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA license
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