Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF MODELING BURIED PIPELINES IN SANDY SOILS UNDER SEISMIC WAVE PROPAGATION USING GROUND DISPLACEMENT EXCITATION

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Milad Rezaei 1
Mohammad Sharifipour 2
Mohammad Ashrafy 3
1 PhD Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Researcher, Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22065/jsce.2025.538715.3787
Abstract
The safety and stability of buried pipelines, as vital lifeline systems, must be ensured against hazards arising from fault displacements and seismic wave propagation through surrounding soils. Dynamic analyses of such systems are often challenged by the selection of appropriate input excitation, modeling strategy, and numerical solution methods. Despite the widespread availability of recorded accelerograms, their direct application is limited due to the negligible mass of pipelines, the uncertainty of participating mass in dynamic response, and the complex geometry of buried networks. Hence, developing a rational correlation between input displacement excitation and the resulting damage potential can be the key to a realistic seismic performance assessment of buried pipelines. In this study, a three-dimensional dynamic modeling framework was developed using Abaqus, incorporating a beam–spring system on an elastic foundation subjected to displacement-based base excitation. This approach effectively overcomes the limitations of conventional methods and enables practical large-scale and regional seismic wave propagation analyses. To validate the model, a steel pipeline with a diameter of 8 inches and wall thickness of 15.5 mm, made of API X52 steel and embedded in dense sand, was analyzed under base displacements up to 600 mm. Comparison of the 3D nonlinear model and the equivalent beam-on-elastic-foundation model with large-scale experimental data revealed deviations below 5%, demonstrating strong agreement and confirming the model’s reliability. The proposed displacement-based excitation framework not only facilitates the definition of performance thresholds but also enhances understanding of the type and extent of potential damage in pipes and joints. This approach provides an effective and practical tool for seismic design, retrofit, and health monitoring of buried pipeline systems.
Keywords
Seismic Wave Propagation
Soil&‌‌ndash
Pipeline Interaction
Dynamic Analysis
Displacement Excitation
Finite Element Analysis

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 11 August 2025
  • Revise Date 28 October 2025
  • Accept Date 19 November 2025