Performance of lifelines during the 1994 Northridge earthquake

Abstract

Lifelines are essential infrastructures and facilities that are considered vital to the rescue effort and recovery of the affected community in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. The lifeline systems in a densely populated area, such as the Los Angeles basin, are very complex. The Northridge earthquake, which occurred in southern California on January 17, 1994, caused extensive damage to many of these lifeline facilities in the epicentral area. Effects of the damages were felt not only in the vicinity area of the earthquake but also in areas far from the earthquake site. This paper describes the earthquake damage to and performance of gas and water distribution and electric power and telecommunication systems. The impact of these failures on the overall system performance are presented. The significance and effect of the interdependency of life systems in an integrated urban environment are discussed. Lessons learned on system performance, seismic risk, and reliability of lifeline systems from the Canadian perspective are presented. Key words: earthquake damages, electric power, gas, lifelines, performance, risk, telecommunication, water.