| Abstract: | Efficient procedures for reliability upgrading of existing lifeline networks for post-earthquake serviceability are presented. A simple method is developed to determine critical components of the network whose strengthening improves the network reliability for specified serviceability criteria. Measures of effectiveness of strengthening each component are also introduced. Based on critical components and measures of effectiveness, step-by-step upgrading procedures are proposed. Both connectivity and minimum-flow serviceability criteria may be specified. Two upgrading objectives considered are achieving a specified target reliability and reducing the total costs of upgrading plus expected losses due to failure of the lifeline. A hypothetical application to a water-distribution system in the San Francisco Bay Area illustrates the proposed method. |
