First Experience Concerning the Seismic Behaviour of an Electric Power System in Eastern North America

by Jean-Robert Pierre, Hydro-Quebec, Montreal, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Lifeline Earthquake Engineering

Abstract:

The November 25, 1988, Saguenay earthquake of magnitude M_bL_g=6.5 occurred in the province of Quebec, Canada. It represents the first strong event in eastern North America for which the seismic behaviour of a power system is documented. The paper describes the seismic performance of the main components of the power system with emphasis on damages to the substation's equipment and on the triggering of control and protection devices by the seismic waves. Performance of the network is analysed taking in account the seismological and strong ground motion features. Attention is drawn to general observations related to soil conditions and topographical relief. These data, when extrapolated to the eastern North American context, indicate that caution must be exercised concerning the seismic resistance of lifelines in eastern Canada and United States.

Subject Headings: Seismic tests | Seismic waves | Electrical systems | Electric power | Seismic effects | Energy infrastructure | Lifeline systems | North America | Canada | Quebec | United States

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