Earthquake Response of Underground Pipeline Networks in Christchurch, NZ

This paper explores key aspects of underground pipeline network response to the Canterbury earthquake sequence in Christchurch, New Zealand, including the response of the water and wastewater distribution systems to the M W 6.2 22 February 2011 and M W 6.0 13 June 2011 earthquakes, and the response of the gas distribution system to the M W 7.1 4 September 2010 earthquake, as well as the 22 February and 13 June events. Repair rates, expressed as repairs/km, for different types of pipelines are evaluated relative to (1) the spatial distribution of peak ground velocity outside liquefaction areas and (2) the differential ground surface settlement and lateral ground strain within areas affected by liquefaction, calculated from high‐resolution LiDAR survey data acquired before and after each main seismic event. The excellent performance of the gas distribution network is the result of highly ductile polyethylene pipelines. Lessons learned regarding the earthquake performance of underground lifeline systems are summarized.