EVALUATION OF DYNAMIC SITE RESPONSE FOR SEISMIC DESIGN OF PIPELINES

The design of pipelines often requires evaluations of the seismic site response based on limited information. In particular, the maximum acceleration at the ground surface is a crucial parameter as it controls the seismic stability of the slopes and the triggering of liquefaction in cohesionless soils. A parametric seismic response study is presented, where the effects of soil type, soil shear modulus at small strain (G sub max), soil deposit depth, maximum acceleration and acceleration time history at the bedrock on the maximum acceleration at the ground surface are investigated. Emphasis is placed on the effects of G sub max, and the results of field measurements carried out both on shore and offshore are evaluated. The results of the study can provide preliminary indications on the seismic response of sites characterized by soil conditions similar to those investigated.