Framework for Evaluation of Seismic Damage of Water Distribution Networks

ABSTRACT Seismic damage evaluation of urban water distribution networks (WDNs) is essential for improving infrastructure resilience and emergency response. However, conventional fragility models coupled with probabilistic seismic hazard analysis often fail to capture local failure mechanisms at pipeline intersections, and cannot address the complex soil–structure interaction and ground motion propagation effects. This study bridges this gap by developing a numerical framework that integrates spatially correlated ground motions, detailed finite‐element models of segmented pipelines with various intersection types, and GIS‐based visualization of seismic damage distribution. The framework explicitly accounts for axial and rotational joint failures, intersection‐induced deformation amplification, and spatial heterogeneity in site conditions. Numerical results show that cross‐shaped pipeline intersections, including T‐shaped, 45°‐crossed, and 90°‐crossed configurations, exhibit peak joint openings approximately 1.4–2 times greater than those in straight pipelines. Moderate‐to‐severe seismic damage is observed for small‐diameter pipelines in soft‐soil areas near fault sources. These findings underscore the importance of capturing site‐specific ground motion variability and joint‐level mechanical behavior for realistic damage prediction of WDNs. The proposed approach provides a practical decision‐support tool for engineering design, seismic retrofit, and risk mitigation planning of urban WDNs.