Behavior of rubber gasketed concrete pipe joints during earthquakes

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to present information on the seismic behavior of buried concrete pipelines. This type of pipe is widely used in both water transmission and distribution systems. In recent earthquakes, concrete pipelines experienced damage rates somewhat higher than those for other types of pipe. Furthermore, most of this damage was observed to occur at the pipeline joints. Recognizing that joints are key components, tests were conducted at Rensselaer to determine the characteristics of rubber gasketed concrete pipeline joints. This information is implemented in a mathematical model to assess the seismic vulnerability of concrete pipelines.