The seismic behavior of lifeline systems is predominately controlled by the ground displacement/strain characteristics. This study investigates the wave propagation effect and the ground displacements and ground strains from the latest strong‐motion array data recorded at the Public Work Research Institute (PWRI) of Japan by using finite element method. Usually, the buried pipeline almost moves with the surrounding soil during seismic shaking. In this respect, the investigation of ground displacement characteristics can be used for further application to seismic design of buried pipelines.