Abstract: In order to solve the problem of backward seismic design of buried pipeline crossing fault, a seismic design method based on performance is proposed.Taking the seismic fortification standard of buried steel pipelines as the starting point, and the pipeline failure probability as the measurement index to divide the pipeline performance level, the performance targets of different function classes of pipelines under different fortification earthquakes are proposed.For the single pipeline, the Newmark-Hall theory calculation method is used to establish a performance function based on the allowable length change, and the importance coefficient is calculated based on the principle of improving a behavior level.Considering the simplification of Newmark-Hall model and the lack of nonlinear analysis, the influence of five parameters, such as buried depth, pipe diameter, wall thickness, pipe-soil friction coefficient and grade of pipe, on the axial tensile strain and compressive strain of pipe is analyzed by using nonlinear finite element method, and a performance function based on allowable strain is established according to the fitted pipeline maximum strain regression formula, and the importance coefficient is compared and verified.The results show that the two calculation results are consistent, which provide accurate parameters for the design of buried pipelines across faults, and provide a preliminary idea for the realization of performance-based seismic design.