Post-earthquake evaluation of pipelines rehabilitated with cured in place lining technology using acoustic emission

•Seismic tests were carried out to monitor the performance of full scale pipeline-lining systems.•AE was used to investigate two damage mechanisms: delamination between pipeline and liner, and liner failure.•A multivariate outlier analysis was used for automatically identifying the onset of critical damage. To increase the operational lifetime of existing underground pipelines without laborious and costly excavation, replacement, and embankment, in situ pipeline lining technology has received significant interest over the past three decades. This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed at monitoring the performance of full scale pipeline-lining systems, subjected to static and dynamic (seismic) loading, using acoustic emission (AE) technique. Particularly, two damage mechanisms are investigated – delamination between pipeline and liner, and incipient failure of the liner. A statistical pattern recognition technique based on a multivariate outlier analysis is presented for automatically identifying the onset of critical damage. Such a system could inform decision makers about the need for repair and ultimately ensures the safe and reliable operation of underground infrastructure.