Earthquake Safety of Natural Gas Systems - Analysis of Data from the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake

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This project addresses the lessons learned from the 17 October 1989 Northern California (Loma Prieta) earthquake. It follows a "quick response" award made to Dames and Moore for the collection of perishable data from the earthquake. The Loma Prieta earthquake affected the performance of virtually every type of lifeline in the San Francisco Bay Area, including natural gas systems. Natural gas systems were severely affected in areas of significant ground failure, such as in the Marina district, where several large fires erupted after the initial ground shock. There was concern that uncontrolled fires would be fueled by gas leaks in the area. Fortunately, the fires were contained by utilizing several alternative water sources. The aim of this project is to study the effects of the earthquake on local natural gas systems. Specifically it analyzes the data collected as part of the "quick response" award, in order to develop better seismic risk evaluation models for natural gas systems, and to determine whether existing safety devices, such as seismic shutoff valves, are a feasible solution for mitigating overall earthquake losses. An analysis of these data builds upon limited studies which already exist for these systems. A comparison of performance data from this event to similar data from the 1971 San Fernando and the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquakes is critical in order to quantify differences in performance due to regional factors and level of earthquake preparedness.