Response of fixed offshore platforms to wave and current loading including soil–structure interaction

Fixed offshore platforms supported by pile foundations are required to resist dynamic lateral loading due to wave forces. The response of a jacket offshore tower is affected by the flexibility and nonlinear behaviour of the supporting piles. For offshore towers supported by clusters of piles, the response to environmental loads is strongly affected by the pile–soil–pile interaction. In the present study, the response of fixed offshore platforms supported by clusters of piles is investigated. The soil resistance to the pile movement is modelled using dynamic p–y curves and t–z curves to account for soil nonlinearity and energy dissipation through radiation damping. The load transfer curves for a single pile have been modified to account for the group effect. The wave forces on the tower members and the tower response are calculated in the time domain using a finite element package (ASAS). Several parameters affecting the dynamic characteristics of the platform and the platform response have been investigated.     

Seismic dynamics of offshore breakwater on liquefiable seabed foundation

Offshore structures, such as composite breakwaters, are generally vulnerable to strong seismic wave propagating through loose or medium-dense seabed foundation. However, the seismically induced failure process of offshore structures is not well understood. In this study, seismic dynamics of a composite breakwater on liquefiable seabed foundation is investigated using a fully coupled numerical model FSSI-CAS 2D. The computation results show that the numerical model is capable of capturing a variety of nonlinear interaction phenomena between the composite breakwater and its seabed foundation. The numerical investigation demonstrates a three-stage failure process of the breakwater under seismic loading. In this process, the far-field seabed can become fully liquefied first, inducing excessive settlement of the structure, followed by significant lateral movement and tilting of the structure when the near-field soil progressively liquefies. The study demonstrates great promise of using advanced numerical analysis in geotechnical earthquake design of offshore structures.     

Generalized cyclic p–y curve modeling for analysis of laterally loaded piles

Owing to their simplicity and reasonable accuracy, Beam on Nonlinear Winkler Foundation (BNWF) models are widely used for the analysis of laterally loaded piles. Their main drawback is idealizing the soil continuum with discrete uncoupled springs representing the soil reactions to pile movement. Static p–y curves, obtained from limited full-scaled field tests, are generally used as a backbone curve of the model. However, these empirically derived p–y curves could not incorporate the effects of various pile properties and soil continuity. The strain wedge method (SWM) has been improved to assess the nonlinear p–y curve response of laterally loaded piles based on a three-dimensional soil–pile interaction through a passive wedge developed in front of the pile. In this paper, the SWM based p–y curve is implemented as the backbone curves of developed BNWF model to study the nonlinear response of single pile under cyclic lateral loading. The developed nonlinear model is capable of accounting for various important soil–pile interaction response features such as soil and pile yielding, cyclic degradation of soil stiffness and strength under generalized loading, soil–pile gap formation with soil cave-in and recompression, and energy dissipation. Some experimental tests are studied to verify the BNWF model and examine the effect of each factor on the response of laterally loaded pile embedded in sand and clay. The experimental data and computed results agree well, confirming the model ability to predict the response of piles under one-way and two-way cyclic loading. The results show that the developed model can satisfactorily simulate the pile stiffness hardening due to soil cave in and sand densification as observed in the experiment. It is also concluded from the results that the gap formation and soil degradation have significant effects on the increase of lateral pile-head deflection and maximum bending moment of the pile in cohesive soils.     

基于OpenSees的桩-土-桥墩相互作用非线性数值分析模型

基于OpenSees数值分析平台,建立了群桩-土-桥墩非线性数值分析模型。模型中桩-土水平向相互作用和桩-土竖向相互作用、桩底-土竖向相互作用分别通过p-y、t-z与q-z零长度弹簧单元模拟。模型中同时考虑了群桩效应与纵筋在墩底的应变渗透和粘结滑移的影响。结合群桩基础拟静力试验结果,对数值模型的准确性进行了验证,在此基础上对土体参数特性对桩基滞回性能的影响规律进行了分析。结果表明:所建立的数值分析模型可对群桩基础滞回曲线和骨架曲线进行较为准确的模拟分析,验证了模型的可靠性。反复荷载作用下,前桩处土体的反应明显大于中桩处;土体由软黏土变为硬黏土时,墩顶侧向承载力与刚度显著增加,但土体的非线性反应减弱。     

无限层弹性地基中常轴力桩基的地震反应分析

根据Ｗｉｎｋｌｅｒ地基模型，对桩基础通过特性分析建立了合理的力学模型。在动力分析的基础上，给出了桩基础横向自振特性及在常轴力与横向地震载荷作用下的强迫反应解析解。文中的解析公式为桩基础动力分析提供了一种新的解析方法。     

Remediation of piled foundations against lateral spreading by passive site stabilization technique

Physical modeling tests were conducted on pile foundations to measure the seismic performance of a new ground improvement technology, called passive site stabilization, for use on sites susceptible to liquefaction and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. The method involves the slow injection of a low-viscosity stabilizer in conjunction with the natural groundwater flow. The effectiveness of the treatment using dilute colloidal silica as the stabilizer was tested by two centrifuge models that simulated soil–pile interaction of a 2×2 end-bearing pile group embedded in a multilayer soil deposit of 10-m thickness. The models utilized a laminar box and involved gently inclined soil profiles with and without the applied soil improvement. Response of the pile groups and the lateral spreading behaviors of the treated and untreated soil under a simulated base shaking were investigated and compared. The results showed that treatment with dilute colloidal silica stabilizer minimized permanent lateral deformations and reduced the liquefaction potential of the soil. Significant reductions occurred in the measured pile bending moments and axial forces because the layer treated with dilute colloidal silica did not liquefy. Thus, the technique can be an alternative to traditional methods of ground improvement.     

Dynamic characteristics of lateral load-deflection relationships of flexible piles

Most offshore platforms are supported on long and large-diameter piles with variable wall-thickness along the length, and soil properties varying with depth. The design and analyses of these piles are made by modelling the soil-pile system with a beam-on-Winkler foundation. Therefore, evaluation of appropriate soil-pile springs for use in such analyses is a matter of concern. Fundamental characteristics of dynamic lateral load-deflection relationships for piles were studied analytically considering the soil-pile-structure interaction under seismic loading conditions. The soil layer was assumed homogeneous, linearly elastic with hysteretic type material damping, and overlying a rigid base. A superstructure with multi-degrees of freedom was supported by a single vertical pile hinged at the rigid base. Parametric studies were carried out to identify the influence of the system parameters on the behaviour of the dynamic lateral load-deflection relationships of piles. The lateral load-deflection relationships vary considerably with depth and are influenced not only by the dynamic properties of soil but also by the structural properties of a pile and loading conditions. These lateral load-deflection relationships can be used to define the soil-pile springs for the seismic response analysis of a soil-pile-structure system, and the results can be extended to problems with soil profiles with layering and non-linearity.     

辽东湾近海海底土小应变动力特性试验研究

开展场地地震动反应分析是众多海洋工程活动顺利实施和长期安全运行的重要保障,其中查明海底土小应变动力特性是十分关键的。文章借助海上原位钻孔取样和室内共振柱仪对辽东湾近海海底土小应变动力特性开展试验研究,探讨前人总结提出的滨海海底土初始动剪切模量G_max预测经验公式在辽东湾海域的适用性,对比文章试验结果与周边海域已有海底土剪切波速测试结果,分析小应变范围内海底土动剪切模量的衰减特征和阻尼比发展演变趋势,并同时进行定量化模拟预测,评价海底土动剪切模量衰减曲线的归一化特征。研究结果表明：(1)共振柱试验得到的原状海底土剪切波速与周边海域已有海底土剪切波速测试结果吻合良好;(2)相比起陆地土,海洋土在小应变范围内归一化动剪切模量G/G_max衰减得更慢,阻尼比增长得也更慢;(3)通过引入临界剪应变,不同土类和埋深对应的海底土小应变动剪切模量衰减曲线可以进行归一化。研究成果对合理开展海洋工程场地地震动反应分析评价具有一定的指导意义。     

砂土中单桩基础冲刷的修正应变楔计算

由冲刷引起的深水结构物桩基础周围土体损失致使基础水平承载性能下降的问题越发受到重视。应变楔方法假设桩前土体抵抗为三维楔形体,其尺寸发展与楔形体区域土体发挥的内摩擦角有关,从而得到水平受荷桩的p-y曲线。本文对应变楔方法进行修正和拓展,建立非线性位移假设以考虑桩前楔形体区域土体应变沿深度的非均匀分布,将冲刷坑底以上土体的有效自重作用等效为竖向荷载,对楔形体的深度进行修正,以解决楔形体方法只适用于地表水平的情况,得到砂土中单桩基础冲刷的修正应变楔计算方法;并通过与模型试验及三维有限元分析的对比来验证该方法的合理性。分析结果表明:冲刷深度增加会显著降低桩基水平承载性能,冲刷深度3.2D和6.4D情况下的桩顶位移比平均值分别趋近于1.8和3.0;相比有限元方法,本文修正SW方法计算的p-y曲线结果与实测结果更为接近。     

Load distribution in large pile groups under static and dynamic loading

Research on the action of pile groups in resisting lateral loading is usually based on analysis, field and centrifuge tests of small pile groups. The interaction between piles in these groups is modelled by modifying the lateral resistance p–y curves developed for a single pile using row dependent reduction factors or a group factor for the entire group to simulate the effect of soil–pile–soil interaction. The modifying factors for the p–y curves and the appropriate group factors for pile groups are based entirely on static tests and there is no direct verification that these factors are appropriate to handle the dynamic loading of earthquake induced ground motions. In this paper we investigate the interaction effects between piles under static and seismic loading using the computer program VERSAT-P3D, which uses an equivalent linear constitutive model for the soil. The analytical procedure is calibrated using data from a static field load test on a single pile. Several pile groups, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 10 × 2 and 15 × 2 were analysed for the study. Each group was subjected to static pushover and earthquake loading and the distribution of static and dynamic shear forces at various lateral displacements were evaluated. The study shows that the distribution of load within a pile group under dynamic loading varies significantly from the distribution under static loading and is strongly load intensity dependent. Current practice assumes that the distributions are similar.     

Response of single piles and pipelines in liquefaction-induced lateral spreads using controlled blasting

Two full-scale experiments using controlled blasting were conducted in the Port of Tokachi on Hokkaido Island, Japan, to assess the behavior of piles and pipelines subjected to lateral spreading. Test specimens were extensively instrumented with strain gauges to measure the distribution of moment during lateral spreading. This allowed us to compute the loading condition, as well as to conduct damage and performance assessments on the piles and pipelines. This paper presents the test results and discussions on the response of single piles and pipelines observed from the full-scale experiments. Based on the test results, it can be concluded that using controlled blasting successfully liquefied the soil, and subsequently induced lateral spreading. The movements of the single pile, as well as the transverse pipelines, were approximately the same as the free field soil movement. Observed moment distribution of the single pile indicated that global translation of the liquefied soil layer provided insignificant force to the pile. In addition, the degree of fixity at the pile tip significantly affected the moment along the pile as well as the pile head displacement. The pile with a higher degree of fixity at the pile tip had smaller pile head displacement but larger maximum moment.     

桩-液化土相互作用p-y关系分析

基于多工况的桩-液化土体动力相互作用振动台试验,研究地震荷载作用下液化土层中桩土间侧向相互作用力p与桩身和土体间侧向相对位移y之间的关系。将试验得到的实际p-y曲线与采用拟静力法和以API规范为基础的折减系数法计算出的p-y曲线进行对比,结果表明:(1)液化土层中试验得到的桩真实p-y响应及由拟静力法和折减系数法得到的结果都呈非线性变化,三者极限状态有接近一致的趋势,但变化过程差异明显;(2)采用拟静力法和折减系数法都会使液化土层桩基础侧向反力迅速增长,很快达到屈服极限,远远超过实际情况,会导致相当保守的结果;(3)液化进程中控制桩p-y响应的是土体位移而非惯性力,因而拟静力法和折减系数法的原理不适合桩-液化土体动力相互作用分析,不能用于液化土层中桩基础地震响应的计算。     

端承桩基础轴向地震反应分析

本文对分层弹性地基中端承桩基础通过特性分析建立了合理的力学模型，通过动力分析，给出了端承桩基础轴向自振特性及在竖向地震载荷作用下强迫反应的解析解。文中的解析公式为分层弹性地基中的端承桩基础轴向动力反应分析提供了一种新的解析方法。     

Experimental investigation on seismic behavior of single piles in sandy soil

This paper describes a quasi-static test program featuring lateral cyclic loading on single piles in sandy soil. The tests were conducted on 18 aluminum model piles with different cross sections and lateral load eccentricity ratios, e/d, (e is the lateral load eccentricity and d is the diameter of pile) of 0, 4 and 8, embedded in sand with a relative density of 30% and 70%. The experimental results include lateral load-displacement hysteresis loops, skeleton curves and energy dissipation curves. Lateral cap...     

Nonlinear elastic behavior of fiber-reinforced soil under cyclic loading

Experimental investigations and modeling of nonlinear elasticity of fiber-reinforced soil under cyclic loading at small strain are conducted in this paper. The investigations include three aspects. First, cyclic shear tests are conducted using conventional triaxial apparatus. Twenty-seven specimens with three different fiber contents are employed to conduct triaxial cyclic shear tests under different confining pressure and loading repetition. Effects of geofiber, confining pressure and loading repetition on elastic shear modulus of reinforced soil are studied and analyzed. Second, a hyperbolic function is introduced to describe the nonlinear stress–strain skeletal curve under cyclic loading. Nonlinear elastic modulus is expressed as a function of shear strain and two variables A and B that are related to the initial tangential modulus and ultimate cyclic loading stress, respectively. In the present paper, variables A and B both are further assumed to be functions of geofiber content, confining pressure and loading repetition. Finally, eight constitutive coefficients of the nonlinear elastic model are calibrated using stress–strain curves from cyclic triaxial shear tests. The calibration of parameters is conducted using the technique of the linear regression for multiple variables. Impacts and effects of geofiber, confining pressure and loading repetitions on soil nonlinear elastic behavior are discussed.     

Numerical modeling of EM fields over local anomalies with a vertical axis of symmetry

A method for numerical modeling of quasi-stationary electromagnetic fields in axially symmetric media is proposed. It is based on the direct finite-element method and the use of special basis functions. Assuming cylindrical coordinates r, φ, z, the three-dimensional solution is presented as a superposition of fields with the azimuthal dependence exp(inφ). For each case this results in a system of two equations of elliptical type in two scalar functions in the (r, z) plane.

The discretization leads to the conservative nine-points difference scheme. The system of linear equations is solved by means of the LU-decomposition technique, the band structure of the matrix being taken into account.

The program is tested using analytical results (DC asymptote) for a near-surface inhomogeneity. Comparison also is made with 2D results (H-polarization) for the model of a local well conducting inclusion in a three-layered Earth.     

Dynamic properties and liquefaction resistance of two soil materials in an earthfill dam—Laboratory test results

Results are presented of laboratory resonant column and cyclic triaxial tests on specimens of two compacted soils (a sandy–silty clay and a sand–gravel mixture), planned to be used in the core and the shells, respectively, of a proposed earthfill dam. The values of low-amplitude shear modulus of the clayey material were found to increase with increasing confining pressure and decreasing water content, with deviations of ±20% from the predictions of the “Hardin equation”. On the other hand, the low-amplitude damping ratio was found to be at least four times higher than the values corresponding to natural undisturbed cohesive soils. The proposed G/G₀−γ_c curve for the compacted cohesive soil was found to be independent of confining pressure and small variations of the water content on either side of the optimum value and showed a remarkable agreement with recently published similar curves for natural cohesive soils. For the case of the sand–gravel mixture, normalized G/G₀–γ_c and D–γ_c curves are proposed, based on recently published results for gravelly soils and the limited data of the present study. The liquefaction resistance of the saturated sand–gravel mixture was found to be strongly dependent on its relative density, especially for high values of cyclic stress ratio. A relative density of at least 55% was found to be necessary to assure safety against earthquake-induced liquefaction of the material. The results presented herein may be used (directly or as guide) in the seismic analysis of (new or existing) earth dams constructed from similar soil materials and in addition they provide insight into the dynamic behavior of compacted soils.     

Numerical modeling for wave–seabed–pipe interaction in a non-homogeneous porous seabed

An evaluation of the wave-induced pore pressures and effective stresses has been recognized by marine geotechnical engineers as an important factor in the design of marine pipelines. Most previous investigations for such a problem have considered the pipeline as a rigid material. Thus, the internal stresses within the pipeline have not been examined in the wave–seabed–pipe interaction problem. In this paper, we consider the pipeline itself to be an elastic material, and link the analysis of the pipeline with the wave–seabed interaction problem. Based on the numerical model presented, the effects of pipe geometry and variable soil characteristics on the wave-induced pore pressure and internal stresses will be discussed in detail. It is found that the internal normal stresses in the angular direction (σ_pθ) and shear stress (τ_p) within the pipe are much larger than the amplitude of wave pressure at the surface of the seabed.     

Modal analysis of pile‐supported structures during seismic liquefaction

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of liquefaction on modal parameters (frequency and damping) of pile‐supported structures. Four physical models, consisting of two single piles and two 2 × 2 pile groups, were tested in a shaking table where the soil surrounding the pile liquefied because of seismic shaking. The experimental results showed that the natural frequency of pile‐supported structures may decrease considerably owing to the loss of lateral support offered by the soil to the pile. On the other hand, the damping ratio of structure may increase to values in excess of 20%. These findings have important design consequences: (a) for low‐period structures, substantial reduction of spectral acceleration is expected; (b) during and after liquefaction, the response of the system may be dictated by the interactions of multiple loadings, that is, horizontal, axial and overturning moment, which were negligible prior to liquefaction; and (c) with the onset of liquefaction due to increased flexibility of pile‐supported structure, larger spectral displacement may be expected, which in turn may enhance P‐delta effects and consequently amplification of overturning moment. Practical implications for pile design are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modeling of centrifuge cyclic lateral pile load experiments

To gain insight into the inelastic behavior of piles, the response of a vertical pile embedded in dry sand and subjected to cyclic lateral loading was studied experimentally in centrifuge tests conducted in Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées. Three types of cyclic loading were applied, two asymmetric and one symmetric with respect to the unloaded pile. An approximately square-root variation of soil stiffness with depth was obtained from indirect in-flight density measurements, laboratory tests on re...