Design of a seismic hazard risk assessment model for EHV transmission grid

Abstract

The Chi-Chi earthquake is one of the biggest earthquake occurred in Taiwan and caused a huge damage to the power system, especially the extra- high voltage (EHV) towers. Therefore, seismic hazards for EHV transmission towers should not be underestimated. In particular, earthquakes are especially a significant threat to EHV transmission towers in Taiwan. Thus, this study establishes a quantitative risk assessment model for the seismic hazard analysis on the EHV transmission tower. Fragility curves of EHV towers were established by nonlinear dynamic analysis to describe the probability of structures at different damage levels caused by earthquakes. The damage level of an EHV tower after an earthquake can be accurately estimated by the proposed model, and emergency repair operations can be arranged. In addition, before an earthquake occurs, the proposed model can be used as a tool for estimate the damage potential of EHV towers.