Are ductile iron pipes earthquake-resistant?

Ductile iron pipes have proven their outstanding performance in numerous earthquakes without damage. The origin behind the development of the S-type joint, the first of these earthquake-resistant joints (the mechanisms for connecting pipes), was the 1964 Niigata earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.5.

Are PE pipes a good solution for Earthquake pipe design?

PE pipes provide effective, cost-efficient solutions for earthquake pipeline design. The reported survival rates for PE pipes reduce repair costs from avoided pipe damage and reduce the economic impact to society. This technical note addresses: Earthquakes effect on pipes can be either transient or permanent.

How does an earthquake affect a pipeline?

When an earthquake strikes, it is the relative motion between the affected pipe segment and the soil that generates stress in the pipeline.

How do earthquakes affect PE pipes?

The reported survival rates for PE pipes reduce repair costs from avoided pipe damage and reduce the economic impact to society. This technical note addresses: Earthquakes effect on pipes can be either transient or permanent. ground oscillation, results in largely axial strain on pipelines.

Are buried pipelines vulnerable to earthquakes?

Buried pipelines are vulnerable to earthquakes, as demonstrated by past experiences.

Why are earthquake-resistant pipes so important in Japan?

The importance of earthquake-resistant pipes in Japan was highlighted by the Kobe Earthquake in 1995. Following this event, the ratio of earthquake-resistant pipes among all ductile iron pipes increased significantly, from approximately 80% the year after the launch of GENEX to around 95% in 2017.