Performance of lifelines during the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake
- EQE International, Inc., Irvine, CA (United States)
- National Inst. of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (United States)
The occurrence for the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake has provided a unique opportunity to study the earthquake performance of lifeline systems. This particular areas has experienced two major earthquake events in the last 25 years, each playing a significant role in changing the way in which one designs and constructs lifeline systems for earthquake. In 1971, the San Fernando earthquake shook apart many lifeline systems causing significant damage and service disruption to Los Angeles area residents and businesses. As a result of this earthquake, special investigations were initiated to better understand and design these systems to remain functional after moderate and major earthquakes. Because of these post-1971 efforts, significant damage to lifelines was minimized in the January event. In each new earthquake, however, new lessons are learned, and as a result of these lessons, changes in either design or operational procedures are made to reduce the effects in future events. In the Northridge earthquake, some of the most significant lessons include effects on electric power system components and older steel natural gas transmission pipelines. This paper attempts to identify where lessons from previous southern California earthquakes were useful in preparing for the Northridge earthquake. In addition, areas that deserve further research or analysis, as a result of new lessons learned from the Northridge earthquake, are identified.
- OSTI ID:
- 403427
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9508226--; ISBN 0-7844-0101-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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