Harichandran, R. S., and Wang, W. (1990). "Effect of spatially varying excitation on surface lifelines." Proceedings, 4th U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Palm Springs, California, Vol. 1, 885-894.

Abstract

The effect of spatially varying ground motion on the bending response of surface lifelines modeled as multi-span continuous beams (e.g., rigid-jointed pipelines and bridges), is analyzed. The finite element approach is used to model the lifelines and random vibration analysis is performed. Consideration of partial correlation in the excitation results in substantially greater stresses for stiff beams, than the usual assumptions of simultaneous support motions or simple wave propagation. Approximate expressions are presented to rapidly estimate the maximum displacement and stress responses due to spatially varying excitations.