Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework

Vijay Kumar Khanna

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework

Vijay Kumar Khanna^*

Published in American Journal of Civil Engineering (Volume 14, Issue 5)

Received: 10 September 2026 Accepted: 18 September 2026 Published: 29 September 2026

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Abstract

Large-diameter buried gas pipelines traversing marshy or potentially liquefiable soils may be exposed simultaneously to transient internal surge pressure, seismic ground motion and reduced soil restraint. Pipeline bends are particularly vulnerable because changes in direction generate local thrust, bending and non-uniform soil–pipe interaction. This technical paper presents a conceptual and parametric finite-element framework for evaluating these interacting effects at a 90° buried pipeline bend. Surge pressure is estimated using the Joukowsky relation and applied with seismic excitation within a three-dimensional soil–pipe interaction model. Three progressively severe multi-hazard scenarios—Cases A, B and C—are considered by varying soil stiffness, burial depth, surge pressure rise and peak ground acceleration. Within each scenario, surge-only, seismic-only and simultaneous surge–seismic analyses are compared. The assessment indicates increasing stress concentration, ovalisation and relative soil–pipe displacement as soil restraint decreases and loading severity increases; under the severe scenario, partial uplift may also become significant. Combined loading produces greater demand than either single-hazard analysis and changes the location and distribution of critical response at the bend. The framework is intended primarily as a bid- and preliminary-design screening methodology for identifying vulnerable bends that warrant site-specific geotechnical investigation and detailed nonlinear analysis before final design. This approach provides a transparent basis for subsequent detailed engineering assessment.

Published in	American Journal of Civil Engineering (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
Page(s)	346-355
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Finite Element Modelling, Pipeline–soil Interaction, Surge Loading, Seismic Loading, Soil Pressure Distribution, Multi-Hazard Analysis, Buried Pipelines

References

[1]	Liu, X. and O’Rourke, T. D. (2012) Seismic Design of Buried and Offshore Pipelines. MCEER Monograph 3, University at Buffalo, NY.
[2]	Saberi, M., Arabzadeh, H. and Keshavarz, A. (2011) Numerical Analysis of Buried Pipelines with Right Angle Elbow under Wave Propagation. Procedia Engineering, 14, pp. 3260–3267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.07.412
[3]	Vazouras, P. and Karamanos, S. A. (2017) Structural behavior of buried pipe bends and their effect on pipeline response in fault crossing areas. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 15, pp. 4999–5024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-017-0148-0
[4]	Zhang, H. (1992) Seismic Response of Pipeline Systems in a Soil Liquefaction Environment. PhD dissertation, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Old Dominion University. https://doi.org/10.25777/168t-tt44
[5]	American Lifelines Alliance (2005) Seismic Guidelines for Water Pipelines. FEMA/NIBS, Washington, D. C.
[6]	ASME (2020) ASME B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York.
[7]	ISO (2017) ISO 13623 - Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Pipeline Transportation Systems. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva.
[8]	Choi, Y., Choi, Y., Kwon, K., Baek, W. and Kong, J. (2023) Preventive Structural Risk Assessment of Buried Gas Pipelines in Liquefaction of Ground. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 27(3), pp. 1224–1235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-023-1209-3
[9]	Choudhury, D. and Chaudhuri, C. H. (2023) A critical review on performance of buried pipeline subjected to pipe bursting and earthquake induced permanent ground deformation. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 173, 108152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2023.108152
[10]	Nair, G. S., Dash, S. R. and Mondal, G. (2024) Response of Horizontally Bent Buried Pipelines Subjected to Strike-Slip Faulting: A Numerical Investigation. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1061/JPSEA2.PSENG-1480
[11]	Huang, Z., Yu, X., Lv, Z., Chen, C., Shuai, J., Li, Y. and Liu, Q. (2024) Mechanical response analysis of pipeline under settlement based on pipe-soil interaction model. Applied Ocean Research, 151, 104162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apor.2024.104162
[12]	Yang, M., Wang, D., Jia, H., Hu, W., Zhao, Y. et al. (2024) Research on the interaction between trench material and pipeline under fault displacement. Scientific Reports, 14, 12439. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57936-9
[13]	Darvishi, R., Lashgari, A. and Jafarian, Y. (2024) Predictive models for assessment of buried pipeline response under seismic landslides in Iran. Transportation Geotechnics, 45, 101208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2024.101208
[14]	Lai, D.-L., Xu, L., Chen, F.-Q. and Chen, H.-B. (2025) Soil-Pipeline interaction under localized soil Subsidence: Experimental Investigation. Measurement, 242, 116175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2024.116175
[15]	Alrubaye, M., Şengör, M. and Almusawi, A. (2026) Pseudo-Static Finite-Element Assessment of Seismic Soil–Pipeline Interaction in Multi-Line Buried Pipelines. Processes, 14(3), 491. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14030491

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Khanna, V. K. (2026). Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. American Journal of Civil Engineering, 14(5), 346-355. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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ACS Style

Khanna, V. K. Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. Am. J. Civ. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 346-355. doi: 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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AMA Style

Khanna VK. Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. Am J Civ Eng. 2026;14(5):346-355. doi: 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15,
  author = {Vijay Kumar Khanna},
  title = {Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework},
  journal = {American Journal of Civil Engineering},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {346-355},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajce.20261405.15},
  abstract = {Large-diameter buried gas pipelines traversing marshy or potentially liquefiable soils may be exposed simultaneously to transient internal surge pressure, seismic ground motion and reduced soil restraint. Pipeline bends are particularly vulnerable because changes in direction generate local thrust, bending and non-uniform soil–pipe interaction. This technical paper presents a conceptual and parametric finite-element framework for evaluating these interacting effects at a 90° buried pipeline bend. Surge pressure is estimated using the Joukowsky relation and applied with seismic excitation within a three-dimensional soil–pipe interaction model. Three progressively severe multi-hazard scenarios—Cases A, B and C—are considered by varying soil stiffness, burial depth, surge pressure rise and peak ground acceleration. Within each scenario, surge-only, seismic-only and simultaneous surge–seismic analyses are compared. The assessment indicates increasing stress concentration, ovalisation and relative soil–pipe displacement as soil restraint decreases and loading severity increases; under the severe scenario, partial uplift may also become significant. Combined loading produces greater demand than either single-hazard analysis and changes the location and distribution of critical response at the bend. The framework is intended primarily as a bid- and preliminary-design screening methodology for identifying vulnerable bends that warrant site-specific geotechnical investigation and detailed nonlinear analysis before final design. This approach provides a transparent basis for subsequent detailed engineering assessment.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework
AU  - Vijay Kumar Khanna
Y1  - 2026/09/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
T2  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
SP  - 346
EP  - 355
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8737
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
AB  - Large-diameter buried gas pipelines traversing marshy or potentially liquefiable soils may be exposed simultaneously to transient internal surge pressure, seismic ground motion and reduced soil restraint. Pipeline bends are particularly vulnerable because changes in direction generate local thrust, bending and non-uniform soil–pipe interaction. This technical paper presents a conceptual and parametric finite-element framework for evaluating these interacting effects at a 90° buried pipeline bend. Surge pressure is estimated using the Joukowsky relation and applied with seismic excitation within a three-dimensional soil–pipe interaction model. Three progressively severe multi-hazard scenarios—Cases A, B and C—are considered by varying soil stiffness, burial depth, surge pressure rise and peak ground acceleration. Within each scenario, surge-only, seismic-only and simultaneous surge–seismic analyses are compared. The assessment indicates increasing stress concentration, ovalisation and relative soil–pipe displacement as soil restraint decreases and loading severity increases; under the severe scenario, partial uplift may also become significant. Combined loading produces greater demand than either single-hazard analysis and changes the location and distribution of critical response at the bend. The framework is intended primarily as a bid- and preliminary-design screening methodology for identifying vulnerable bends that warrant site-specific geotechnical investigation and detailed nonlinear analysis before final design. This approach provides a transparent basis for subsequent detailed engineering assessment.
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Vijay Kumar Khanna

Department of Civil Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, India;Refinery Projects Department, Engineers India Limited, New Delhi, India

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http://orcid.org/0009-0004-8984-9314

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APA Style

Khanna, V. K. (2026). Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. American Journal of Civil Engineering, 14(5), 346-355. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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ACS Style

Khanna, V. K. Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. Am. J. Civ. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 346-355. doi: 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

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AMA Style

Khanna VK. Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework. Am J Civ Eng. 2026;14(5):346-355. doi: 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15,
  author = {Vijay Kumar Khanna},
  title = {Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework},
  journal = {American Journal of Civil Engineering},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {346-355},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajce.20261405.15},
  abstract = {Large-diameter buried gas pipelines traversing marshy or potentially liquefiable soils may be exposed simultaneously to transient internal surge pressure, seismic ground motion and reduced soil restraint. Pipeline bends are particularly vulnerable because changes in direction generate local thrust, bending and non-uniform soil–pipe interaction. This technical paper presents a conceptual and parametric finite-element framework for evaluating these interacting effects at a 90° buried pipeline bend. Surge pressure is estimated using the Joukowsky relation and applied with seismic excitation within a three-dimensional soil–pipe interaction model. Three progressively severe multi-hazard scenarios—Cases A, B and C—are considered by varying soil stiffness, burial depth, surge pressure rise and peak ground acceleration. Within each scenario, surge-only, seismic-only and simultaneous surge–seismic analyses are compared. The assessment indicates increasing stress concentration, ovalisation and relative soil–pipe displacement as soil restraint decreases and loading severity increases; under the severe scenario, partial uplift may also become significant. Combined loading produces greater demand than either single-hazard analysis and changes the location and distribution of critical response at the bend. The framework is intended primarily as a bid- and preliminary-design screening methodology for identifying vulnerable bends that warrant site-specific geotechnical investigation and detailed nonlinear analysis before final design. This approach provides a transparent basis for subsequent detailed engineering assessment.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Seismic and Surge-Induced Responses of Large-Diameter Buried Gas Pipeline Bends in Marshy Soil: A Multi-Hazard Framework
AU  - Vijay Kumar Khanna
Y1  - 2026/09/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
T2  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Civil Engineering
SP  - 346
EP  - 355
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8737
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20261405.15
AB  - Large-diameter buried gas pipelines traversing marshy or potentially liquefiable soils may be exposed simultaneously to transient internal surge pressure, seismic ground motion and reduced soil restraint. Pipeline bends are particularly vulnerable because changes in direction generate local thrust, bending and non-uniform soil–pipe interaction. This technical paper presents a conceptual and parametric finite-element framework for evaluating these interacting effects at a 90° buried pipeline bend. Surge pressure is estimated using the Joukowsky relation and applied with seismic excitation within a three-dimensional soil–pipe interaction model. Three progressively severe multi-hazard scenarios—Cases A, B and C—are considered by varying soil stiffness, burial depth, surge pressure rise and peak ground acceleration. Within each scenario, surge-only, seismic-only and simultaneous surge–seismic analyses are compared. The assessment indicates increasing stress concentration, ovalisation and relative soil–pipe displacement as soil restraint decreases and loading severity increases; under the severe scenario, partial uplift may also become significant. Combined loading produces greater demand than either single-hazard analysis and changes the location and distribution of critical response at the bend. The framework is intended primarily as a bid- and preliminary-design screening methodology for identifying vulnerable bends that warrant site-specific geotechnical investigation and detailed nonlinear analysis before final design. This approach provides a transparent basis for subsequent detailed engineering assessment.
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

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