NEESR-SG: Evaluation of Ground Rupture Effects on Critical Lifelines

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The research addresses a fundamental problem affecting all underground lifelines, namely the effects of large differential ground deformation on buried pipeline and conduit performance. The research will produce a seminal outcome through state-of-the-art modeling and quantification of earthquake-induced ground movement effects on lifelines. It also will improve the design and construction of lifelines affected by landslides, mining, extraction of subsurface fluids, and underground construction. The research deliverables include, as a minimum: 1) systematic assessment of lifeline performance under permanent ground deformation, 2) quantification of serviceability and ultimate limit states for critical lifelines, 3) design guidelines, 4) experimental databases for benchmarking future numerical models and guiding the evolution of numerical simulations for soil-structure interaction, and 5) validation and guidance for advanced materials as well as sensor and robotics deployment in underground conduits. The research will be performed through physical modeling using the Cornell Large Displacement Soil-Structure Interaction Facility for Lifeline Systems and the Rensselaer 150 g-ton Geotechnical Centrifuge in combination with advanced computational simulation. The 4-year program is organized according to a matrix management approach in which lifeline response to a comprehensive suite of ground rupture patterns is systematically investigated and checked through large-scale experiments, centrifuge tests, and numerical simulation. Technical Merits: The research team at Cornell and Rensselaer has extensive experience in the design, siting, and construction of underground lifelines, as well as laboratory and field testing of pipelines/conduits. They have worked extensively together and have earned a strong national and international reputation for their contributions to lifeline, geotechnical, and structural engineering. Moreover, they will follow a meticulous and systematic plan for the research that is thoroughly integrated and managed. They will use world-class NEES facilities that were constructed specifically for this type of investigation. Research investments through the proposed project will be leveraged into improved practices for water, electric power, gas and liquid fuel, telecommunication, transportation, and wastewater conveyance lifelines representing hundreds of thousands of km of US facilities critical for the delivery of community resources and services. Broader Impacts: The proposed project addresses safety and reliability of critical infrastructure while also creating an innovative outreach program with the Sciencenter of Ithaca, NY. The project team will develop a 300-SF museum exhibition on earthquake engineering and will explain how engineers at NEES sites study earthquake effects using networked experimental facilities. An interactive shake table that can be controlled by anyone on the Internet will allow museum visitors, school classes, and home users to participate in earthquake engineering experiments, reaching an estimated 600,000 individuals over four years. The project will model a process for how other NEES sites can link with 400 science centers throughout the U.S. The project involves substantial collaboration with industry, including ADS, Inc., Corning, Inc., Exxon Mobil, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Phillips Driscopipe, Inc., Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., and ULC Robotics, Inc. Hence, the research results will be guided by industry for maximum impact in practice, continuing education of the U.S. work force, and nationwide dissemination in infrastructure projects. The project will receive assistance from Cornell in supporting women and minority summer research experiences for undergraduates, and will benefit from a Sciencenter program that will support teenage museum guides from underserved communities. Additional undergraduate support will be sought through the NSF REU program, graduate students will be supported, and research results will be integrated into courses taught by the PIs and their colleagues at Cornell, Rensselaer, and other institutions.