Observation and numerical analysis of soil-structure interaction of a reinforced concrete tower

A vast amount of earthquake response records of an observation tower are used together with microtremor data to investigate various aspects of the dynamic behaviour of the soil-structure system. It is found that separation of the soil from the structure occurs under large dynamic loads, leading to changes in the predominant frequency of the system. As a result of the decreasing of the soil support at the side walls of the foundation, the stress caused by the structural weight on the bottom soil increases during earthquakes. With regard to its practical applicability, a linear sway-rocking model is applied for numerical modelling of the soil-structure system. Alterations in the soil support as a result of soil non-linearity and separation of the structure from the soil are investigated by comparing recorded and simulated structural response. The influence of each of these factors on the softening of the soil support is distinctly assessed. An empirical relationship between the peak ground velocity and the soil constants for earthquake excitations of different magnitude is presented.     

Application of the microtremor measurements to a site effect study

Earthquake has left much life and property damages. The occurrence of such events necessitates the execution of plans for combating the earthquakes. One of the most important methods for combating earthquakes includes assessing dynamic characteristics of soil and site effect. One of the methods by which one can state dynamic characteristics of the soil of an area is the measurement of microtremors. Microtremors are small-scale vibrations that occur in the ground and have an amplitude range of about0.1–1 microns. Microtremor measurement is fast, applicable, cost-effective. Microtremor measurements were taken at 15 stations in the Babol, north of Iran. Regarding H/V spectral ratio method, peak frequency and amplification factor were calculated for all microtremor stations.According to the analysis, the peak frequency varies from0.67 to 8.10 Hz within the study area. Also, the authors investigated the validity of the results by comparing them with SESAME guidelines and geotechnical conditions of study area. The microtremor analysis results are consistent with SESAME guidelines and geotechnical condition of study area. The results show that the microtremor observations are acceptable methods for assessing dynamic characteristics of soil and site effect in the Babol City.     

Circular tunnels in sand: dynamic response and efficiency of seismic analysis methods at extreme lining flexibilities

The paper discusses the seismic response of circular tunnels in dry sand and investigates the efficiency of current seismic analysis methods at extreme lining flexibilities. Initially, a dynamic centrifuge test on a flexible circular model tunnel, embedded in dry sand, is analyzed by means of rigorous full dynamic analysis of the coupled soil–tunnel system, applying various non-linear soil and soil–tunnel interface models. The numerical results are compared to the experimental ones, aiming to better understand the recorded response and calibrate the numerical models. Then a series of numerical analyses are conducted using the validated numerical model, in order to investigate the effect of the tunnel lining rigidity on the dynamic response of the soil–tunnel system. In parallel, the accuracy of currently used simplified analysis methods is evaluated, by comparing their predictions with the results of the a priori more accurate and well validated numerical models. The comparative analyses allow us to highlight and discuss several crucial aspects of the soil-tunnel system seismic response, including (1) the post-earthquake residual values of the lining forces, which are amplified with the increase of the flexibility of the tunnel and (2) the importance of the soil-tunnel interface conditions. It is finally concluded that simplified analysis methods may provide a reasonable framework for the analysis at a preliminary stage, under certain conditions.     

龙湖地区地面脉动特性分析

本文对龙湖地区地面脉动的测试结果,结合该地区的土层剪切波速度Vs,第四纪复盖层厚度H,进行分析研究。求得了本地区地面脉动卓越周期T的统计计算式:T=1.8H/Vs。应用这个计算式,根据实测的地面脉动卓越周期,剪切波速度的数据,推算第四纪复盖层厚度,得到了比较满意的结果。 本文的统计计算式与日本学者金井清提出的计算公式T=4H/Vs,有相同的比例关系,但有明显差别的比例常数。文中对此及一些有关问题进行了简要的定性讨论。 综合分析结果,我们认为,地面脉动的卓越周期与场地土的动力特性密切相关,而且有可能反应小区域范围场地土层的动力性质。     

A numerical model for the dynamic analysis of inclined pile groups

The paper presents a numerical model for the dynamic analysis of pile groups with inclined piles in horizontally layered soil deposits. Piles are modelled with Euler–Bernoulli beams, while the soil is supposed to be constituted by independent infinite viscoelastic horizontal layers. The pile–soil–pile interaction as well as the hysteretic and geometric damping is taken into account by means of two‐dimensional elastodynamic Green's functions. Piles cap is considered by introducing a rigid constraint; the condensation of the problem permits a consistent derivation of both the dynamic impedance matrix of the soil–foundation system and the foundation input motion. These quantities are those used to perform inertial soil–structure interaction analyses in the framework of the substructure approach. Furthermore, the model allows evaluating the kinematic stress resultants in piles resulting from waves propagating in the soil deposit, taking into account the pile–soil–pile interactions. The model validation is carried out by performing accuracy analyses and comparing results in terms of dynamic impedance functions, kinematic response parameters and pile stress resultants, with those furnished by 3D refined finite element models. To this purpose, classical elastodynamic solutions are adopted to define the soil–pile interaction problem. The model results in low computational demands without significant loss of precision, compared with more rigorous approaches or refined finite element models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Site effect evaluation at Mexico City: Dominant period and relative amplification from strong motion and microtremor records

Site effects in Mexico City are discussed in terms of simple 1D, one-layer, linear models. The analysis is focussed on two parameters: dominant period and maximum amplification relative to a firm site within the city. The data used is a compilation of strong motion data and microtremor measurements. Strong motion data consist of digital acceleration records for nine events recorded by the Accelerographic Network of Mexico City. The authors analyzed spectral ratios of horizontal components of soft soil sites relative to an average of firm site observations for this data set. Dominant period, maximum relative amplification and an estimate of material damping were computed from the empirical transfer functions thus obtained. Microtremor data were compiled from measurement of different groups during the period 1985–1992. In all, 409 measurement points were analyzed. Values of dominant period obtained from microtremor measurements are in excellent agreement with those obtained from empirical transfer functions for strong motion data. The synthesis of results allows us to draw a detailed and robust map of dominant period for Mexico City. Based on this map, the authors propose some modifications to the current microzonation of Mexico City and evaluate a proposed model to account for site effects in this city.     

Significance of small strain damping and dilation parameters in numerical modeling of free-field lateral spreading centrifuge tests

Lateral spreads are complex dynamic phenomena that are challenging to represent numerically. In this paper numerical models are developed and calibrated using the displacement, acceleration, and pore water pressure time histories recorded in a free-field lateral spreading centrifuge test. The calibrated numerical model then is used to predict another free-field lateral spreading centrifuge test using the same soil profile but different input acceleration time history. The computed response shows good agreement with the centrifuge test measurements. This paper demonstrates that even in a large strain problem, such as lateral spreading, small strain damping plays an important role in numerical simulation results; it also shows the need to have pressure dependent dilation parameters in the employed soil constitutive model implemented in order to simultaneously reproduce measurements of pore water pressure, acceleration and lateral displacement.     

Nonlinear 3D finite element analysis of soil–pile–structure interaction system subjected to horizontal earthquake excitation

The dynamic response of a seismic soil–pile–structure interaction (SSPSI) system is investigated in this paper by conducting nonlinear 3D finite element numerical simulations. Nonlinear behaviors such as non-reflecting boundary condition and soil–pile–structure interaction modeled by the penalty method have been taken into account. An equivalent linear model developed from the ground response analysis and the modified Drucker–Prager model are separately used for soil ground. A comparison of the two models shows that the equivalent linear soil model results in an underestimated acceleration response of the structure under this ground shaking and the soil behavior should be considered as a fully-nonlinear constitutive model in the design process of the SSPSI system. It was also observed that the dynamic response of the system is greatly affected by the nonlinearity of soil–pile interface and is not sensitive to the dilation angle of the soil. Furthermore, the effect of the presence of pile foundations on SSPSI response is also analyzed and discussed.     

Numerical analysis of seismic wave amplification in Nice (France) and comparisons with experiments

The analysis of site effects is very important since the amplification of seismic motion in some specific areas can be very strong. In this paper, the site considered is located in the centre of Nice on the French Riviera. Site effects are investigated considering a numerical approach (Boundary Element Method) and are compared with experimental results. The experimental results are obtained thanks to real earthquakes (weak motion) and microtremor measurements. The investigation of seismic site effects through numerical approaches is interesting because it shows the dependency of the amplification level on such parameters as wave velocity in surface soil layers, velocity contrast with deep layers, seismic wave type, incidence and damping.In this specific area of Nice, experimental measurements obtained for weak motion lead to strong site effects. A one-dimensional (1D) analytical analysis of amplification does not give a satisfactory estimation of the maximum reached levels. A boundary element model is then proposed considering different wave types (SH, P, SV) as the seismic loading. The alluvial basin is successively assumed as an isotropic linear elastic medium and an isotropic linear viscoelastic solid with Zener type behaviour (standard solid). The influence of frequency and incidence is analysed. The thickness of the surface layer, its mechanical properties, its general shape as well as the seismic wave type involved have a great influence on the maximum amplification and the frequency for which it occurs. For real earthquakes, the numerical results are in very good agreement with experimental measurements for each motion component. The boundary element method leads to amplification values very close to the actual ones and much larger than those obtained in the 1D case. Two-dimensional basin effects are then very strong and are well reproduced numerically.     

土-结构相互作用对结构监测与辨识结果的影响

通过对一个现有建筑的结构动态参数的辨识讨论了土与结构的相互作用.目标建筑是建于1998年的8层的型钢混凝土结构.在此研究中,8自由度的模型被建立以分析微震观测数据,随即,非参数和参数技巧以辨识此结构的自然频率,阻尼率和层硬度等.在考虑土-结构相互作用和不考虑土-结构相互作用的两种情况下,分别辨识结构的参数并对比结果以证...     

湖相沉积典型软土HSS模型参数取值研究

数值分析被广泛用于研究复杂环境下深基坑开挖变形,但本构模型及模型参数选择对计算结果合理性影响较大。比较分析多种本构模型的特点,硬化土小应变(HSS)本构模型能很好对软土场地基坑开挖引起的变形进行预测,但HSS模型参数多且取值困难。湖相沉积软土在昆明分布范围广,但针对此类土,特别是有机质含量及含水率较高的泥炭质土的HSS模型参数如何取值无相关研究。针对这些问题,对大量土工试验及取原状样进行室内试验资料进行分析,研究得到几个刚度参数间的经验取值关系,获得湖相沉积典型软土层的HSS模型参数。为检验HSS模型及相关参数取值的合理性,运用PLAXIS 2D数值分析软件,对软土场地的两个地铁基坑建立数值模型,计算在不同开挖工况下引起的基坑变形,并与实际变形监测值进行对比分析,两变形吻合较好,从而验证研究结果是合理可靠的,且研究结果对于深基坑支护设计、岩土工程研究及勘察等具有重要的参考价值。     

地脉动方法最新研究进展

因其简便、经济的独特优势,地脉动方法在场地动力性能评价中得到了国际学术界广泛关注,业已取得了大量的研究成果和并得到了广泛应用。由于对国际地脉动研究的最新进展缺乏足够的了解,我国地震工程界对其研究和应用尚存在不同认识。本文着重介绍了地脉动单点谱比法和地脉动台阵方法的国际最新研究进展和实践现状,指出了各种方法的特点及其应用条件,以期促进地脉动方法在我国的合理使用,推动我国地脉动研究的不断深入。     

Dynamic interaction numerical models in the time domain based on the high performance scaled boundary finite element method

Consideration of structure-foundation-soil dynamic interaction is a basic requirement in the evaluation of the seismic safety of nuclear power facilities. An efficient and accurate dynamic interaction numerical model in the time domain has become an important topic of current research. In this study, the scaled boundary finite element method （SBFEM） is improved for use as an effective numerical approach with good application prospects. This method has several advantages, including dimensionality reduction, accuracy of the radial analytical solution, and unlike other boundary element methods, it does not require a fundamental solution. This study focuses on establishing a high performance scaled boundary finite element interaction analysis model in the time domain based on the acceleration unit-impulse response matrix, in which several new solution techniques, such as a dimensionless method to solve the interaction force, are applied to improve the numerical stability of the actual soil parameters and reduce the amount of calculation. Finally, the feasibility of the time domain methods are illustrated by the response of the nuclear power structure and the accuracy of the algorithms are dynamically verified by comparison with the refinement of a large-scale viscoelastic soil model.     

Seismic response of underground utility tunnels: shaking table testing and FEM analysis

Underground utility tunnels are widely used in urban areas throughout the world for lifeline networks due to their easy maintenance and environmental protection capabilities. However, knowledge about their seismic performance is still quite limited and seismic design procedures are not included in current design codes. This paper describes a series of shaking table tests the authors performed on a scaled utility tunnel model to explore its performance under earthquake excitation. Details of the experimental setup are first presented focusing on aspects such as the design of the soil container, scaled structural model, sensor array arrangement and test procedure. The main observations from the test program, including structural response, soil response, soil-structure interaction and earth pressure, are summarized and discussed. Further, a finite element model (FEM) of the test utility tunnel is established where the nonlinear soil properties are modeled by the Drucker-Prager constitutive model; the master-slave surface mechanism is employed to simulate the soil-structure dynamic interaction; and the confining effect of the laminar shear box to soil is considered by proper boundary modeling. The results from the numerical model are compared with experiment measurements in terms of displacement, acceleration and amplification factor of the structural model and the soil. The comparison shows that the numerical results match the experimental measurements quite well. The validated numerical model can be adopted for further analysis.     

饱和土体瞬态响应有限元分析

给出基于Biot多孔介质理论分析饱和土体在动载荷作用下瞬态响应的有限元公式,数值计算部分采用本文有限元法分别计算一维饱和土柱在两种不同类型动载荷作用下的瞬态响应,并将数值计算结果与文献中的解析解进行比较,二者结果十分吻合,从而验证本文方法的可行性。     

基于非曼辛准则的土动弹塑性模型

本文基于非曼辛准则提出了两个土动弹塑性模型。在模型中引进了两个模型参数ｎ１，ｎ２，改进了土弹塑性模型的构成方法。给出了在等幅动荷载作用下及非规则荷载作用下这两个参数的确定方法。将本文提出的两个土动弹塑性模型用于土层弹塑性地震反应分析，并与通常采用的等效线性模型的地震反应分析结果做了比较。     

Sensitivity analysis of site effects on response spectra of pipelines

In this paper, a numerical sensitivity analysis of the site effect on dynamic response of pipelines embedded in some idealised soil deposits resting on a halfspace covering a wide range of soil profiles encountered in practice and subjected to vertically propagating shear waves, is presented. The power spectrum of the lateral differential displacement between two distant points due to the site effect is formulated analytically by using an analytical amplification function of a viscoelastic inhomogenous soil profile overlying either a compliant halfspace or a bedrock, represented by a more realistic continuous model. Also, Kanai-Tajimi spectrum parameters are estimated and expressed analytically from the soil profile model. Finally, results in the form of stochastic response spectrum of pipelines, for different key soil and pipeline parameters, are given and discussed.     

Centrifugal modelling of dynamic soil-structure interaction

This paper presents a centrifuge model that is capable of realistically representing soil-structure systems subjected to earthquake-like excitation. The model is validated by performing (i) free field soil tests, (ii) dynamic soil-structure interaction tests and (iii) a numerical analysis of the experimental results. The free field experiments show that the simulated earthquake, which is generated by the hammer-exciter plate method, is similar in amplitude and frequency content to a real earthquake. The experiments also demonstrate that a confined soil sample can satisfactorily model a horizontal soil stratum of infinite lateral extent when the containment walls are lined with an absorptive material to attenuate wave reflections that would otherwise occur. Measurements of the acceleration at different locations on the free soil surface indicate that the surface motion is fairly uniform over a relatively large area. This is further confirmed by a comparison made between the measured free and scattered field motions for a surface foundation. Next, a series of soil-structure interaction tests are performed which examine the dependence of radiation damping on the natural frequencies of the structure relative to the fundamental frequency of the soil stratum. The experimental results are shown to be consistent with established theories. Finally, the experimental results are used to compute the stiffness and damping parameters of a two degree of freedom numerical model of the soil-structure system. The experimental parameters are shown to be in good agreement with calssical text book formulae. This study demonstrates that the centrifuge model consistently behaves as expected for simple, but realistic, dynamic soil and soil-structure systems, and can, therefore, be used with confidence to examine more complicated systems that are not yet fully understood.