Earthquake vulnerability of wastewater pumping stations in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand is located in an earthquake prone part of the world where earthquakes are the most common natural hazard in New Zealand. Consequently, earthquake vulnerability especially in lifelines is of great concern of earthquake prone city councils. Wastewater systems as lifelines should be able to withstand earthquakes to have the minimum impact on public health and environmental pollution. Earthquake vulnerability of wastewater pumping stations in 3 earthquake prone cities in New Zealand was assessed in this research. The assessment revealed that the non-structural components are the most vulnerable parts in wastewater pumping stations. Structural vulnerability of wastewater pumping stations is notable and requires an immediate rehabilitation plan.