Research Findings on the Seismic Response of Underground Utilities

This paper will report on recent findings from MBIE funded research into the seismic response of underground utilities. This research programme builds on work done in the reconstruction following the Canterbury earthquakes with a specific goal of promoting evidence based guidance across New Zealand. The work is presently in the second year of a four year programme.

This paper mainly focuses on improvements in the understanding of how modern materials respond to earthquake loading, which in turn provides the foundation for more robust predictive modelling. It also explores the contribution that sub-critical damage makes to the overall impact of earthquake damage.

Sub-critical damage either degrades performance without causing failure or results in delayed failure. Because sub-critical damage can require delayed expenditure and is not immediately apparent, understanding which systems it can and can’t affect and what influences its occurrence can help improve asset management and reconstruction planning decisions. 

The results will, ultimately, be used to provide improved industry guidance to assist asset owners and managers improve overall system resilience as an integral part of good asset management practices.