Evaluation of Water Distribution Jointed Pipe Networks under Transient Ground Motions

In this study, a new method is proposed to evaluate the seismic behavior of buried jointed water pipeline networks subjected to wave propagation. First, using finite element method and solid elements, different kinds of currently used connections in the network are modeled, and their nonlinear behavior in all directions is obtained. Second, a 950-meter long network consisting of ductile iron pipes segments of 6-meter length and springs characterizing the connections, are modeled using beam elements. Three-component displacement record of the Tabas earthquake is applied to the network considering the time lag between support inputs, and the nonlinear soil-pipe interaction. The record is applied once in North-South direction and once in East-West direction with different wave propagation velocities. Results of interest such as stress values and rotations at various points of the network are then obtained, and critical points are introduced in each direction. Results show that the points other than the critical ones at the network intersections remain elastic.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/engineering/american-research-journal-of-civil-and-structural-engineering/