Guidelines for the Seismic Evaluation and Upgrade of Water Transmission Facilities

Sponsored by the Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering of ASCE

This TCLEE Monograph provides guidelines for the seismic evaluation and upgrade of water transmission facilities, including aqueducts, tunnels, canals, buried pipelines, elevated pipelines and their appurtenances. Topics covered include the performance of these facilities in past earthquakes; geotechnical issues; performance criteria; risk analysis; analysis methods; and a series of case studies. The guidelines can also be used for the design of new water transmission facilities. The case studies cover seismic designs and retrofits for the Mokelumne Aqueduct, the Contra Costa Canal, the Borel Canal, buried pipes at fault crossings, and auxiliary water fire fighting systems. The case studies also examine post-earthquake operations, financial issues, and the benefits of seismic retrofits.