Post-Earthquake Performance of Pipelines in Coalinga

Abstract

In iron or steel pipelines subjected to ground shaking from wave effects, leaks are often related to corrosion and other types of chemical or physical deterioration associated with normal aging. This paper examines the performance of water, sewage and gas pipelines in Coalinga, California for five years prior to and two years after the May 1983 earthquake. It is found that water and sewer pipelines are suffering the effects of the earthquake two years later. Thus, in addition to causing prompt damage, the 1983 earthquake accelerated aging of pipeline systems which may have shortened their effective life and permanently increased maintenance costs.