CPT site characterization for seismic hazards in the New Madrid seismic zone

A series of cone penetration tests (CPTs) were conducted in the vicinity of the New Madrid seismic zone in central USA for quantifying seismic hazards, obtaining geotechnical soil properties, and conducting studies at liquefaction sites related to the 1811–1812 and prehistoric New Madrid earthquakes. The seismic piezocone provides four independent measurements for delineating the stratigraphy, liquefaction potential, and site amplification parameters. At the same location, two independent assessments of soil liquefaction susceptibility can be made using both the normalized tip resistance (q_c1N) and shear wave velocity (V_s1). In lieu of traditional deterministic approaches, the CPT data can be processed using probability curves to assess the level and likelihood of future liquefaction occurrence.     

Non-plastic silty sand liquefaction,screening, and remediation

Assessing liquefaction potential, in situ screening using cone penetration resistance, and liquefaction-remediation of non-plastic silty soils are difficult problems. Presence of silt particles among the sand grains in silty soils alter the moduli, shear strength, and flow characteristics of silty soils compared to clean host sand at the same global void ratio. Cyclic resistance (CRR) and normalized cone penetration resistance (q_c1N) are each affected by silt content in a different way. Therefore, a unique correlation between cyclic resistance and cone resistance is not possible for sands and silty sands. Likewise, the response of silty soils subjected to traditional deep dynamic compaction (DC) and vibro-stone column (SC) densification techniques is influenced by the presence of silt particles, compared to the response in sand. Silty soils require drainage-modifications to make them amenable for dynamic densification techniques. The first part of this paper addresses the effects of silt content on cyclic resistance CRR, hydraulic conductivity k, and coefficient of consolidation C_v of silty soils compared to clean sand. The second part of the paper assesses the effectiveness of equivalent intergranular void ratio (e_c)_eq concept to approximately account for the effects of silt content on CRR. The third part of the paper explores the combined effects of silt content (viz effects of (e_c)_eq, k, and C_v) on q_c1N using laboratory model cone tests and preliminary numerical simulation experiments. A possible inter-relationship between q_c1N, CRR, accommodating the different degrees of influence of (e_c)_eq, k, and C_v on q_c1N and CRR, is discussed. The fourth part of the paper focuses on the detrimental effects of silt content on the effectiveness of DC and SC techniques to densify silty soils for liquefaction-mitigation. Finally, the effectiveness of supplemental wick drains to aid drainage and facilitate densification and liquefaction mitigation of silty sands using DC and SC techniques is discussed.     

Understanding the effect of a static driving shear stress on the liquefaction resistance of medium dense granular soils

The influence of a driving static shear stress on the liquefaction resistance of medium dense granular soils is investigated. A laboratory study of the behavior of five sands (percentage of silt varying between 2 and 42%, and D₅₀ varying between 0.55 and 0.09 mm) was undertaken. These five sands were sampled from the foundations of two dams in Quebec (Canada). Sixty cyclic direct simple shear (DSS) tests were performed with and without a driving static shear stress. Relative densities D_r varied between 60 and 70%, and static shear stress ratios =τ_st/σ′_vc varied between 0.2 and 0.6. The presence of static shear stress increased the cyclic strength of these soils. A relation between and K() factor giving the effect of preshearing on cyclic shear resistance is obtained. The mechanical competence is examined as a function of D₅₀ and percentage of fines. The observed dilatancy yielded rather cyclic mobility than liquefaction.     

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.     

内蒙古东部地区一维地壳速度结构分析

采用内蒙古测震台网2009—2016年记录的内蒙古东部地区131个地震资料,使用速度拟合、分区扫面、折合走时方法,反演得到该区域速度模型：v₁=6.10 km/s、v_Pb=6.72 km/s、v_n=8.05 km/s、H₁=23 km和H₂=16 km。东部模型检验结果显示,定位残差均值较华南模型和2015内蒙最优模型有明显的降低,且更加均匀稳定;东部模型与编目定位震中差较华南与编目、2015内蒙最优模型与编目和华南与编目震中差均值降低1 km左右。可见,东部模型更适合内蒙古东部地区。     

日本熊本地区高频衰减参数κ与Vs30统计研究

地震工程学中高频衰减参数κ是一个重要的参数。距离为0 km处的参数κ₀在地震动模拟中最常用,其主要控制傅里叶谱在高频部分的衰减特征。计算了日本熊本地区矩震级M_w为5.0~7.1级且震中距小于250 km的81个台站水平方向的κ和V_s30（距离地表30 m深度的平均剪切波速）。在不同矩震级和不同场地距离下,用线性拟合和二次拟合统计了κ与V_s30的关系,并与全球平均水平进行了比较。结果表明:κ与V_s30呈很强的负相关性,相关性随矩震级的增大而增大,且熊本地区的κ要高于全球平均水平。矩震级较小时,二次拟合的效果好于线性拟合,建议用二次拟合的经验关系式进行κ或V_s30的估计。近场情况下,κ总体要小于远场,线性拟合与二次拟合的效果差异不大。对C类场地,拟合的κ与全球平均水平较接近。对B类场地,拟合的κ高于全球平均水平。远场情况下,二次拟合的效果好于线性拟合,但对B类和C类场地,κ均小于全球平均水平。本文的研究结果既能在随机模拟方法中结合场地的地壳放大使用来达到提高模拟精度的目的,又能为只有钻孔信息的地区提供κ的估计。     

一种改进的适应于倾斜Moho面的H-κ-θ叠加方法及应用

地壳厚度、波速比或泊松比是研究地壳结构和性质的基本地震学参数,对于研究地壳组分特征及构造演化具有重要意义.经典H-κ叠加方法是利用远震接收函数资料求取台站下方地壳厚度和波速比最为简便高效的方法.但该方法隐含着Moho面是水平界面的假设条件,意味着Ps转换波及后续多次波相对P波的走时主要取决于地壳厚度和纵横波速度,而忽略了界面产状的影响.理论模拟表明,如果不考虑Moho面的产状,特别是在Moho面倾角较大的情况下,利用经典H-κ叠加方法得到的地壳厚度和波速比会偏离实际模型,尤其会造成波速比的过高估计,从而影响到对地壳结构和性质的认知.为了解决Moho面倾斜条件下的地壳厚度和波速比求取问题,本文推导了界面倾斜条件下Ps转换波与后续多次波相对于直达P波的理论到时公式;基于经典H-κ叠加方法的思想,提出了一种可以同步求取地壳厚度-波速比-Moho面倾角的H-κ-θ叠加方法.通过理论模型测试,验证了该方法具备较高的稳定性和可靠性,并将此方法应用于青藏高原南部Hi-CLIMB台阵资料,显示出较好的应用潜力.     

利用VP型垂直摆倾斜仪观测数据检测2011日本M_w9.0级地震激发的低频地球自由振荡

甚长周期VP型垂直摆倾斜仪对某些地球物理信号有特殊的敏感性,除了在观测小地震、慢地震等方面有优势之外,还可有效应用于低频地球自由振荡信号的探测.利用安置在武汉大学珞珈山的我国自行研制的VP型垂直摆倾斜仪在2011日本Mw9.0级大地震之后不同长度的观测数据,联合EEMD方法、自回归估计(AR)方法和bootstrap法,本文不仅检测到该地震激发的频率小于4.7 mHz的零阶球型振荡(0S2至0S38)和环型振荡(0T4至0T35)几乎所有振型以及15个谐频振型,还检测到5个其频率低于1mHz的低阶球型多线态(0S2、2S1、0S3、0S4和1S2)的部分或全部谱峰分裂现象,并给出了所有检测结果的精度评估.此外,本文分析了某些球型和环型振荡之间的耦合效应,结果表明耦合效应将显著影响地球自由振荡信号的相关参数.     

Intergrain contact density indices for granular mixes——Ⅱ: Liquefaction resistance

Whether the presence of non-plastic silt in a granular mix soil impact its liquefaction potential and how to evaluate liquefaction resistance of sand containing different amounts of silt contents are both controversial issues. This paper presents the results of an experimental evaluation to address these issues. Two parameters, namely, equivalent intergranular void ratio (ec)eq and equivalent interfine void ratio (ef)eq, proposed in a companion paper (Thevanayagam, 2007) as indices of active grain contacts in a granular mix, are used to characterize liquefaction resistance of sands and silty sands. Results indicate that, at the same global void ratio (e), liquefaction resistance of silty sand decreases with an increase in fines content (CF) up to a threshold value (CFth). This is due to a reduction in intergrain contact density between the coarse grains. Beyond CFth, with further addition of fines, the interfine contacts become significant while the inter-coarse grain contacts diminish and coarse grains become dispersed. At the same e, the liquefaction resistance increases and the soil becomes stronger with a further increase in silt content. Beyond a limiting fines content (CFL), the liquefaction resistance is controlled by interfine contacts only. When CFCFth, at the same (ef)eq, the cyclic strength of a sandy silt is comparable to the host silt at a void ratio equal to (ef)eq.     

Intergrain contact density indices for granular mixes-Ⅱ:Liquefaction resistance

Whether the presence of non-plastic silt in a granular mix soil impact its liquefaction potential and how to evaluate liquefaction resistance of sand containing different amounts of silt contents are both controversial issues. This paper presents the results of an experimental evaluation to address these issues. Two parameters, namely, equivalent intergranular void ratio (ec)eq and equivalent interfine void ratio (ef)eq, proposed in a companion paper (Thevanayagam, 2007) as indices of active grain contacts in a granular mix, are used to characterize liquefaction resistance of sands and silty sands. Results indicate that, at the same global void ratio (e), liquefaction resistance of silty sand decreases with an increase in fines content (CF) up to a threshold value (CFth). This is due to a reduction in intergrain contact density between the coarse grains. Beyond CFth, with further addition of fines, the interfine contacts become significant while the inter-coarse grain contacts diminish and coarse grains become dispersed. At the same e, the liquefaction resistance increases and the soil becomes stronger with a further increase in silt content. Beyond a limiting fines content (CFL), the liquefaction resistance is controlled by interfine contacts only. When CF＜CFth, at the same (ec)eq, the liquefaction resistance of silty sand is comparable to that of the host clean sand at a void ratio equal to (ec)eq. When CF＞CFth, at the same (ef)eq, the cyclic strength of a sandy silt is comparable to the host silt at a void ratio equal to (ef)eq.     

易县地震台分量钻孔应变观测数据分析

选取易县地震台YRY-4型分量式钻孔应变仪2012—2020年观测数据,进行Venedikov调和分析,并对2015—2020年四分量数据S₁、S₂、S₃、S₄进行自洽检验,发现应变观测数据连续性、可靠性较高。选取该台2018—2019年钻孔应变原始数据S₁、S₂、S₃、S₄,利用面应变S₁ + S₃、S₂ + S₄相关系数,分析河北省3次M_L≥4.0地震前数据异常变化,并利用剪应变S₁ - S₃、S₂ - S₄的大小,分析受抽水干扰的NE分量主应力方位角,判断干扰源方位,结果发现：①面应变与剪应变在地震发生前均会出现异常变化,且剪应变异常变化幅度较大,应与震中相对于观测井的位置有关;②对于受抽水干扰的钻孔应变NE分量,利用剪应变固体潮数据推算主应力方位角,可得干扰源在钻孔应变观测室NW80.96°方位,与实际位置存在一定偏差。     

利用超导重力数据检测日本Mw9.0地震的低频自由振荡及谱线分裂

准确估计低频自由振荡及谱线分裂是约束地球内部结构和改进地球模型的重要手段.本文利用四个不同台站的超导重力观测数据系统研究了日本M_w9.0大地震激发的低于1.5 mHz自由振荡及谱线分裂.研究结果表明:(1)选取适当的数据长度,超导重力观测数据可以检测出低于1.5 mHz除₁S₁以外的所有自由振荡;(2)除₀S₂、₀S₃、₀S₀、₂S₁、₃S₁、₁S₂和₀T₂外,重点探测出₃S₂、₀S₄和₁S₄谱线分裂的所有谱峰;(3)与PREM模型理论频率相比,₀S₀观测频率平均向右偏移0.354×10^-3mHz,说明PREM理论模型中地幔底部参数与真实地球可能存在微小偏差;(4)₃S₂的谱线分裂率r为1.485267,比PREM理论谱线分裂宽度约宽50%,表明PREM中地球内核中部介质参数可能存在一定误差,需要进一步改善.另外,quasi-₀T₂的r为1.254206,比PREM理论谱线分裂宽度约宽25%.     

Stone columns as liquefaction countermeasure in non-plastic silty soils

In many cases densification with vibro-stone columns cannot be obtained in non-plastic silty soils. Shear stress re-distribution concepts [1] have been previously proposed as means to assess stone columns as a liquefaction countermeasure in such non-plastic silty soils. In this study, centrifuge testing is conducted to assess the performance of this liquefaction countermeasure. Attention is focused on exploring the overall site stiffening effects due to the stone column placement rather than the drainage effects. The response of a saturated silt stratum is analyzed under base dynamic excitation conditions. In a series of four separate model tests, this stratum is studied first without, then with stone columns, as a free-field situation, and with a surface foundation surcharge. The underlying mechanism and effectiveness of the stone columns are discussed based on the recorded dynamic responses. Effect of the installed columns on excess pore pressures and deformations is analyzed and compared. The test results demonstrate that stone columns can be an effective technique in the remediation of liquefaction induced settlement of non-plastic silty deposits particularly under shallow foundations, or vertical effective stresses larger than about 45 kPa (1000 psf) in free field conditions.     

中国东北及邻区竖直向地震动强度包络函数参数的确定及其衰减关系

选用2008—2019年中国东北及邻区27次地震竖直向105条强震动记录,以三段式强度包络函数模型为目标,利用加权最小二乘回归方法,尝试建立了东北及邻区竖直向地震动时程强度包络函数参数的衰减公式,以使我国的地震动区域划分更具有普遍性。同以往的研究类似,上升段持时t₁和平稳段持时t_s的确定方法采用了70%能量持时法。所选地震的震级为3.3—5.8级,最大震中距为371 km。基于土层场地的竖直向记录,通过与我国目前常用的时程强度包络函数参数的衰减关系进行对比分析发现,t₁与震级之间有明显的相关性,实际应用中应考虑震级对t₁的影响;地震整体持时较短造成t_s上升趋势随距离的增加而变缓;下降段由衰减系数c的变化可见,记录整体衰减较快。     

汶川地震砾性土液化场地特征解析

通过成都平原砾性土场地勘察测试,研究汶川地震中大量砾性土液化场地的基本特性,找出一般规律,对砾性土场地液化发生主客观原因提出解释,并修正以往若干认识偏差.分析表明:汶川地震液化砾性土层粒径范围宽,含砾量5%~85%甚至更大,同时其实测剪切波速140~270 m·s~(-1),修正剪切波速160~314 m·s~(-1),都远超历史记录;液化砾性土场地1/2集中在Ⅷ度区内,表明如砂土层液化一样,砾性土场地大规模液化需要较强地震动触发,但超过触发强度后液化规模增长均有限;成都平原浅表地层二元基本结构是汶川地震中出现大量砾性土场地的客观条件之一,该结构可使饱和砾性土层处于封闭状态,构成了砾性土液化的基本条件;虽然液化砾性土层剪切波速很高,但实际上大多松散状态,是此次地震大量砾性土场地发生液化的客观条件之二;地震中地表(井中)喷出物与地下实际液化土类大相径庭,且液化层埋深大多小于6.0 m,以往以地表喷出物反推地下液化层土性类型的做法不再成立;认为砾性土层波速大、透水性好而不会液化的传统认识也不再成立,但砾性土层液化条件与砂土层液化条件不同,前者要求更高.     

饱和粉土液化特性的大型振动台模型试验研究

京沪高速铁路徐沪段路基的粉土粘粒含量少于1.5%、粉粒含量约为80%,在强烈地震作用下存在着液化可能性.为充分研究这一饱和粉土地层的液化特性,本文作者利用大型地震模拟振动台,进行了模拟自由场地饱和粉土的地震液化模型试验,试验结果再现了自然地震触发的粉土液化的各种宏观震害现象,揭示了饱和粉土的地震液化规律和特征。试验结果为京沪高速铁路徐沪段路基的抗震设计提供了参考依据。     

地震强度指标选择对长周期钢结构余震IDA分析的影响

结构在主震作用下发生损伤,由于刚度和强度退化导致结构周期的延长,再加上高阶周期的影响,在随后的余震对主震损伤结构抗震性能的影响分析中,基于弹性周期的传统谱加速度可能不适用,有必要对地震动强度指标的选择进行进一步研究。本文以9层Benchmark钢框架为研究对象,选取10种地震动强度指标,分别从离散性和相关性两个维度对比分析了其在余震IDA分析中的优劣性。研究结果表明:与最大层间位移角相比,最大残余层间位移角更能够准确地量化主震对结构造成的损伤;对于钢框架结构,基于一段周期的几何平均谱加速度的IM_Boj&Lev指标是最优的地震动强度指标,相对于S_a（T₁）离散性降低了30%左右,相关性提高了6%左右。     

黄河三角洲粉土液化的试验研究

在野外自然地理和地质调查的基础上，以黄河地区可液化场地粉土为研究对象，利用室内动三轴和振动柱试验进行测定，分析了动荷载作用下粉土的动应力应变关系并模拟了地震荷载作用下粉土的孔压响应及抗液化强度，得出了液化破坏标准，提出了原状粉土的振动孔压上升模型。对试验结果进行分析发现，随着粘粒含量的增加，粉砂、粉土、粉质粘土、粘土达到相同剪应变所需的动剪应力也依次增加；粉土孔压比0．68、粉砂土孔压比0．87作为液化破坏开始的标志；粉土发生液化所需的循环应力比大于砂土。这些研究为以后建立适合本地区的饱和地基土地震破坏判别方法提供了参数和依据。     

龙门山地区的kappa（κ0）模型及汶川MS8.0地震的强地震动模拟

在地震动模拟中,高频衰减参数（κ₀）是一个重要的参数,它控制了傅里叶谱高频部分的衰减特性.本文利用汶川M_S8.0地震和芦山M_S7.0地震主余震的1671组强震动观测记录,计算了龙门山地区50个断层距小于150 km的强震动台站的κ₀,基于随机有限断层法模拟了汶川地震中这些台站的加速度时程、傅里叶振幅谱和反应谱,并与前人的研究进行比较.结果表明,合理计算的κ₀可以有效地改善加速度时程振幅和高频谱（>1 Hz）的模拟结果.另一方面,本文基于κ₀与地形高程的相关性,建立了龙门山地区的κ₀经验模型.分别采用该经验模型和κ₀= 0.04 s模拟了汶川地震的峰值加速度分布,并与观测记录进行比较.结果表明,采用本文提出的κ₀模型可以更好地重现汶川地震的峰值加速度分布,特别是在断层破裂方向的反方向区域和山区.综上,汶川地震中山区的峰值加速度明显大于盆地地区的现象,不仅与断层破裂产状有关,还与山区和盆地地区的κ₀之间显著的差异有关.