Evaluation of Automatic Earthquake Shutoff Valve Performance and Recommendations for Future U.S. Standards

by Douglas G. Honegger, EQE Engineering Inc, Costa Mesa, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Lifeline Earthquake Engineering

Abstract:

Increasing interest of local and state government has developed in recent years regarding legislation requiring automatic shutoff valves for natural gas lines as well as lines containing other flammable or toxic substances. The most common reason cited for this requirement for natural gas is the reduction in risk of fire following the earthquake. Insurance underwriters have also begun to move toward requiring earthquake shutoff valves as a condition for issuing policies. This paper discusses some aspects of the effectiveness of and raises questions concerning the current state of performance standards for earthquake activated shut-off valves for natural gas.

Subject Headings: Valves | Non-renewable energy | Natural gas | Earthquakes | Pipeline management | Gas pipelines | Pipe materials

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