Analytical prediction of liquefaction-induced pipeline uplift coupled with the thixotropic fluid model

Abstract

Liquefaction-induced pipeline uplift is a critical concern in seismically active regions, as it can lead to infrastructure damage, substance leakage, road disruptions, and potential hazards. This study proposes an analytical model for predicting pipeline uplift by incorporating a time-dependent viscosity model based on the thixotropic fluid framework. The model accounts for uplift resistance, buoyancy, and viscous damping force to describe the uplift phenomenon through mechanical mechanisms. The analytical solution is derived using kinetic equations and is validated against centrifuge test results, demonstrating its reliability in capturing uplift displacement trends. The proposed model effectively quantifies the influence of apparent viscosity, excess pore water pressure generation, and radius-to-buried depth ratio on uplift behavior. The results indicate that the model provides an efficient and practical approach for evaluating pipeline uplift displacement, especially in engineering applications where rapid assessments are necessary. Comparisons with existing empirical and numerical models reveal that the analytical solution offers improved accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency. By bridging the gap between laboratory observations and field applications, this model serves as a valuable predictive tool for regional-scale pipeline safety assessment and mitigation planning.