Reliability Assessment of Pipe Networks Under Seismic Loads

Abstract eng:
Piping systems are a key component of industrial structures. Most research on structures of industrial facilities is targeted to individual structures such as atmospheric tanks, pressure vessels, etc. Piping systems are considered of secondary importance and thus the research on their risk assessment is limited despite the significant consequences of their possible failure. We propose a methodology for assessing the reliability of pipe networks and is able to combine data from past nonseismic damage with the seismic vulnerability of network components. The fragility of the network components is assessed using the approach suggested in the guidelines of the American Lifeline Association (ALA), but the methodology presented is open to any fragility data. The network reliability is assessed using Graph Theory, while the system reliability is calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. Of particular importance is the degradation of the piping components due to repeated loading in the plastic range under straincontrolled conditions or due to failure of the supporing structure. The methodology proposed is demonstrated both on a simple, small-scale, network and also on a real-scale piping system. The proposed approach allows the estimation of the probability that the network fails and of capacity-upgrade actions pertaining to existing pipe networks.

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