The More Flexible the Nodes, The Less Vunerable the Networks

Water networks are included pipes and nodes. Usually against earthquake motions, design codes emphasis on the pipeline and try to develop solutions to strengthen the pipe body or make higher resistant joints in the pipelines. However, dynamic effects of earthquake on water networks show the most important parts of the pipelines in a distribution network are their junctions, which are the most vulnerable part of the network to the effects of earthquake left on the system. It means nodes or junctions play a vital role during earthquake. Originally, more events on the pipelines come from nodes rigidity and finding solutions for making flexible nodes can change pipelines behavior against ground motions. Rigid nodes are formed in water networks because of the nature of components installed in the nodes. Function of valves force their ports connect to the other components by rigid connectors. Making flexible connectors between valves and the other components cause flexible nodes and increase their degree of freedom. Consequently, it is expected the vulnerability of junctions highly decreases.