Innovative Solution to Large Ground Displacement Using Steel Pipe for Crossing Fault

Seismic damages of pipelines at fault crossing have been seen in various places in recent years. Countermeasures against fault offset are difficult, because the amount of fault offset on the order of several meters may occur locally. There have been virtually no cases in which proactive countermeasures were taken for fault crossings. Therefore, the authors have developed “steel pipe for crossing fault (SPF),” which can maintain the water transmission function without cracks or leaks even in the event of large displacement. In order to confirm the performance of SPF, the performance tests were carried out with Cornell University: axial compressive test, axial tensile test, cyclic test, bending test, and split basin test. SPF makes it possible to secure the water transmission function of pipelines, by following large ground displacement locally, like fault offset, ground subsidence, land sliding and lateral flow of soils, and similar problems. This paper introduced the concept, performance tests, and applicable examples in Japan.