Guide to Post-Earthquake Investigations of Lifelines

Deals with operation of major lifeline systems, function and operation of lifeline facilities and equipment, past seismic performance, and methods to gather pertinent information. This report describes how to prepare for a post-earthquake investigation and provides a summary of phenomena related to earthquakes and their effect on lifelines.

---

This committee report, "Guide to Post-Earthquake Investigation of Lifelines", will help the investigator become familiar with the overall operation of major lifeline systems, with the function and operation of lifeline facilities and equipment, with past seismic performance, and with methods to gather pertinent information. The beginning chapters describe how to prepare for a post-earthquake investigation and provide a summary of phenomena related to earthquakes and their effect on lifelines. Chapters 6 - 11 explain typical system configurations and overall operation of the following lifelines: power, water, sewage, transportation, communications, liquid fuel and natural gas systems. System facilities and equipment are described for each lifeline, including their role in overall system operation and their seismic performance. Detailed guidance is provided for their investigation. Chapter 12 discusses tanks and emergency power, facilities common to many lifelines. The appendices present check lists in a form that can be used as field guides during investigations.
They also suggest formats for reconnaissance reports, tips on technical report writing, and references to reconnaissance reports.