DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF BURIED PIPES DUE TO THE 2007 NIIGATA CHUETSU-OKI EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN

Abstract

This study investigated the damage distribution of buried pipes due to the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-Oki earthquake in Japan. Various damage datasets — e.g. water pipes, low-pressure gas pipes, mid-pressure gas pipes, sewage lines, collapsed houses, and liquefaction occurrences — were integrated into a geographic information system. Using the datasets, the spatial distribution of damage was investigated with respect to geomorphological land classification and altitude. The minimum distances between the damaged locations were measured, and the spatial correlations of damage incidents to lifeline systems were evaluated. In addition, the damage ratios of water distribution pipes were compared with different fragility curves constructed from the damage datasets for the 1995 Kobe earthquake and other recent earthquakes in Japan.