Parametric investigation of lateral spreading of gently sloping liquefied ground

This paper investigates the main parameters affecting the anticipated maximum surface displacements due to earthquake-induced lateral spreading of mildly sloping ground. The main tool used for this purpose is a numerical methodology employing a bounding surface plasticity model implemented in a finite difference code, which has been thoroughly validated against 16 published centrifuge lateral spreading experiments. This study shows that important problem parameters are the mean ground (surface) acceleration, the duration of strong shaking following the onset of liquefaction, the corrected SPT blowcount, the depth to the sliding plane, the inclination of the ground surface and the fines content of the liquefied soil layers. A new approximate multi-variable relation is proposed for the estimation of ground surface displacements due to lateral spreading in gently sloping ground, which includes the foregoing parameters. The form of the relation builds upon sliding block theory, but its final formulation is based on statistical analysis of the input data and the results from 120 parametric analyses performed with the validated numerical methodology. Comparison of the predictions of the proposed relation for ground surface displacement against pertinent field data (from 256 case histories) and centrifuge test measurements shows satisfactory accuracy. Furthermore, the variation of lateral displacements with depth is explored and distinct displacement patterns are proposed for uniform, 2-layer and 4-layer ground profiles.     

Dynamic effects in a saturated layered soil deposit: centrifuge modeling

The dynamic response of a saturated layered soil deposit was modeled on the Princeton University geotechnical centrifuge using various centrifugal acceleration levels. The layered soil deposit consists of a saturated Nevada sand layer overlaid by a silt layer of low permeability. Measured acceleration and pore-water pressure time histories are used to validate the scaling laws used in interpreting dynamic centrifugal modeling test results. Careful measurements of the settlements at the silt surface are performed using a non-contact displacement transducer, and comparisons are made with measurements obtained with a standard linear voltage displacement transducer. Finally, the experimental results are used to verify the validity of the numerical procedures encompassed in the computer code DYNAFLOW.     

地下RC结构物地震响应特征土工离心试验的模拟

地下结构物抗震稳定性的研究具有重要实际意义。基于动态土工离心试验,应用有效应力法分析了不同水平地震作用下土层和地下RC结构物的最大水平位移、不同埋深的土层加速度和超孔隙水压力变化规律,以及结构物的破坏发展特征,并进一步与试验结果进行了相互验证和对比,取得了较好效果,为重要地下结构物的抗震设计提供了依据和参考。     

Fully coupled finite element model for dynamics of partially saturated soils

Understanding the response of partially saturated earth structures under various static and dynamic loads is important for the design and construction of economical and safe geotechnical engineering structures. In this study, the numerical approach is used to understand the dynamics of partially saturated soils. The mathematical equations governing the dynamics of partially saturated soils are derived based on the theory of mixtures and implemented within a finite element framework. The stress–strain behavior of the soil is represented by an elasto-plastic constitutive model for unsaturated soil based on bounding surface concept and the moisture-suction behavior is modeled using van Genuchten model. Fully coupled finite element simulations are performed to study the response of partially saturated soil embankment under earthquake loading and validated with centrifuge test results available in the literature. The predicted displacement responses are in good agreement with the measured responses. The pore water pressure, pore air pressure, matric suction, the degree of saturation in various elements and the response of the embankment under different initial moisture content are also discussed.     

Experimental p-y curves for liquefied soils from centrifuge tests

The present study aims to obtain p-y curves(Winkler spring properties for lateral pile-soil interaction) for liquefied soil from 12 comprehensive centrifuge test cases where pile groups were embedded in liquefiable soil. The p-y curve for fully liquefied soil is back-calculated from the dynamic centrifuge test data using a numerical procedure from the recorded soil response and strain records from the instrumented pile. The p-y curves were obtained for two ground conditions:(a) lateral spreading of liquefied soil, and(b) liquefied soil in level ground. These ground conditions are simulated in the model by having collapsing and non-collapsing intermittent boundaries, which are modelled as quay walls. The p-y curves back-calculated from the centrifuge tests are compared with representative reduced API p-y curves for liquefied soils(known as p-multiplier). The response of p-y curves at full liquefaction is presented and critical observations of lateral pile-soil interaction are discussed. Based on the results of these model tests, guidance for the construction of p-y curves for use in engineering practice is also provided.     

砂土自由场地震响应的离心机试验研究

离心机模型试验是研究岩土地震工程问题的有效手段。本文使用层状剪切箱,通过干落法制备了均匀的砂土模型,进行了离心机振动试验;观测了振动过程中孔隙水压力的发展,土体的加速度响应、侧向变形以及竖向沉降。结果表明,土体的运动和变形与孔隙水压力的发展密切相关,但离心机中的试验现象和现场观测的现象存在显著区别。研究结果增强了对振动过程中土-水之间相互作用机理的理解,同时为自由场地震响应分析方法的验证提供了基础数据。     

水深对水下地基场地地震动影响的时域分析

利用地震波斜入射下水下地基场地地震动分析的一维化时域算法,推导了平面P波入射下,水下地基场地的位移、加速度和应力表达式,重点分析了水深变化对位移峰值、加速度峰值、剪应力峰值和孔隙水压力峰值沿土层深度的分布规律。数值结果表明:同一土层深度处,当水深不超过1倍的土厚时,竖向位移峰值随水深的增大而增大;当水深超过1倍的土厚时,竖向位移峰值随水深的增大而减小。水平位移峰值与水深的关系基本上与竖向位移峰值相反。同一水深下,竖向位移峰值沿土深不断减小,水平位移峰值呈先减小后增加的趋势。同一水深下,竖向加速度峰值沿土深是一个不断减小的过程,水平位移峰值是一个反复增大和减小的过程。在0.75倍的土厚到基岩的范围外,水深对剪应力峰值的影响均较小。孔隙水压力峰值沿土深的分布大致是先减小再增加最后减小。     

Identification and imaging of soil and soil-pile deformation in the presence of liquefaction

1 Introduction Soil and soil-structure systems exhibit complex response patterns during earthquake-induced liquefaction. These patterns depend on geotechnical properties, in-situ stress conditions and interaction with subsurface structural elements. Seismic records of full- scale systems during case histories provide a valuable source of information on the associated response mechanisms. However, the response of these systems is commonly monitored at sparsely distributed locations only, mostly…     

Pile response in submerged lateral spreads: Common pitfalls of numerical and physical modeling techniques

A three dimensional dynamic numerical methodology is developed and used to back-analyze experimental data on the seismic response of single piles in laterally spreading slopes. The aim of the paper is not to seek successful a-priori (Type A) predictions, but to explore the potential of currently available numerical techniques, and also to get feedback on modeling issues and assumptions which are not yet resolved in the international literature. It is illustrated that accurate simulation of the physical pile–soil interaction mechanisms is not a routine task, as it requires the incorporation of advanced numerical features, such as an effective stress constitutive soil model that can capture cyclic response and shear-induced dilation, interface elements to simulate the flow of liquefied ground around the pile and proper calibration of soil permeability to model excess pore pressure dissipation during shaking. In addition, the “conventional tied node” formulation, commonly used to simulate lateral boundary conditions during shaking, has to be modified in order to take into account the effects of the hydrostatic pore pressure surplus that is created at the down slope free field boundary of submerged slopes. A comparative analysis with the two different lateral boundary formulations reveals that “conventional tied nodes”, which also reflect the kinematic conditions imposed by laminar box containers in centrifuge and shaking table experiments, may underestimate seismic demands along the upper part of the pile foundation.     

分层液化土中桩基侧向动力反应机理的试验研究

饱和砂土中的桩基侧向动力响应研究一直是岩土工程界与地震工程领域关注的热点,尤其是群桩侧向动力响应机制是需要重点研究的课题之一。基于振动台试验,通过输入2种不同的波形,采用FBG光栅传感系统对饱和砂土中的单桩与群桩侧向动力响应特性和典型测试点的桩土动力p—y滞洄曲线进行研究。研究结果表明：振动初期,单桩和群桩试验孔压增长不大,随后单桩孔压迅速上升,振动后期逐渐下降至0.5,而群桩孔压则上升缓慢;单桩试验土表加速度在振动初期逐步升高后又迅速降低,且加速度放大值略大于台面加速度值,群桩试验土表加速度在振动初期逐渐升高时就达到了最大,且随着孔压比的升高,加速度没有继续放大,而是逐渐减小,直到后期与单桩试验土表加速度重合;饱和砂土液化对单桩承台加速度和位移的影响较大,群桩承台侧向动力响应对液化的敏感程度略低于单桩承台;在振动输入和承台输入相同的条件下,液化后的群桩基础比单桩基础能更好地抵抗侧向力的作用。     

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.     

Performance of rectangular closed diaphragm walls in gently sloping liquefiable deposits subjected to different earthquake ground motions

The performance of rectangular closed diaphragm walls(RCDW) subjected to earthquake ground motions is extremely complicated in gently sloping liquefiable deposits and requires further investigation. A nonlinear finite element(FE) model was developed to investigate the seismic performance of an RCDW in the OpenSees platform. Initially, the feasibility of the FE model to simulate the seismic behavior of the RCDW was validated by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. The numerical results agree well with the centrifuge test data. Then, the calibrated model was used to study the seismic performance of the RCDW subjected to different ground motions in gently sloping liquefiable deposits.The numerical results indicate that the soil-RCDW system under near-fault ground motions is more likely to be damaged than that under far-fault ground motions. The difference between the maximum and minimum(D_(max-min)) the RCDW displacement and the maximum excess pore pressure in the soil core increased as the Arias intensity increased. The seismic response of the soil-RCDW system was strongly affected by the frequency content, durations, energy distribution and initial directions of the ground motions. Moreover, the modified specific energy density(MSED) has a good linear relationship with the D_(max-min) of the RCDW displacement.     

Centrifuge model tests on liquefaction-induced settlement and pore water migration in non-homogeneous soil deposits

This paper presents the results of dynamic centrifuge model tests conducted to investigate the liquefaction mechanism in non-homogeneous soil deposits. Four types of model tests were conducted: one model test involved a uniform soil deposit; one involved continuous layered soil deposit; and two involved discontinuous layered soil deposits. Non-homogeneity in the tests was incorporated by including periodically distributed discontinuous silty sand patches. It was found that more excess pore water pressure (EPWP) remains for a longer period of time in the discontinuous region in non-homogeneous soil deposits compared with the continuous layered and uniform soil deposits. The generation of pore water pressure ceases the supply of a new mass of water after seismic excitation; therefore the dissipation of EPWP becomes the dominant factor for settlement after seismic excitation. The rapid dissipation of EPWP through the discontinuous part in the non-homogeneous soil deposits manifests as a larger settlement in the discontinuous part, causing non-uniform settlements.     

Transient flexural vibrations of an elastic column supported by an elastic half-space

An analysis is presented of the transient flexural vibrations of an elastic column supported by an elastic half-space under the condition that an arbitrarily shaped free-field lateral acceleration and displacement are given as inputs. Applying Laplace transformations with respect to time and numerical inverse Laplace transformations, the time histories of the column acceleration at the interface and free end, and the column and half-space displacement distributions are obtained. After the input free-field acceleration terminates, slightly damped and almost harmonically variable acceleration is observed. The acceleration frequency after the disappearance of the input acceleration nearly coincides with the resonant frequency of the system. The slight damping with the first resonant frequency, even if the half-space is soft compared with the column, is characteristic of the transient flexural vibrations of a column supported by a half-space. Such a phenomenon is not typical of the transient longitudinal vibration problem. Therefore, it may be concluded: when buildings and structures are subjected to an earthquake or an explosive force, their flexural vibrations will continue with their first resonant frequencies, even if their foundations are soft.     

Validation of a new endochronic liquefaction model for granular soil by using centrifuge test data

The application of a new liquefaction constitutive model, based on the endochronic theory applied to densification of sandy soil, to a set of centrifuge tests from the University of British Columbia, is presented in this paper. The model employed herein takes into account, in a unified formulation, contractive and dilative behaviours, and considers the soil collapse as well. First of all, the model is calibrated by means of undrained cyclic simple shear stress test data. The constitutive law of the soil is implemented in the bidimensional coupled finite element code CMLIQ (Cyclic Mobility and LIQuefaction), developed by the authors. Three centrifuge tests are analysed, the seismic loading and the geometry being the same for all of them, namely an improved slope with drain devices or denser soil at some locations. Comparisons between the data provided by the numerical model and the experimental measurements are shown, and, as a result, the accuracy of the model is explored and evaluated.     

Cyclic shearing and liquefaction of soil under irregular loading: an incremental model for the dynamic earthquake-induced deformation

The paper presents a mathematical model for the deformation of soil under irregular cyclic loading in the simple-shear conditions. The model includes the possible change in the effective pressure in saturated soil due to the cyclic shearing, the reciprocal influence of the effective pressure on the response of the soil to the shear loading, and the pore pressure dissipation due to the seepage of the pore fluid. The hysteresis curves for the strain–stress relationship are constructed in such a way that they produce both the required backbone curve and the required damping ratio as functions of the strain amplitude. At the same time, the approach enables the constitutive functions involved in the model to be specified in various ways depending on the soil under study. The constitutive functions can be calibrated independently of each other from the conventional cyclic shear tests. The constitutive model is incorporated in the boundary value problem for the dynamic site response analysis of level ground. A numerical solution is presented for the dynamic deformation and liquefaction of soil at the Port Island site during the 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu earthquake.     

挡土墙地震反应非线性波动模拟

本文运用解耦近场非线性波动数值模拟方法研究挡土墙地震反应，为反映墙土体系在地震作用下的位移机制，引入了Desai薄层单元模拟墙土间接触面，并采用双线型本构关系作为接触面单元和土体的非线性模型，在此基础上给出了解决P—SV问题的非线性显式有限元时域递推公式，为进一步发展非线性波动数值模拟技术提供了有益经验。为验证本文方法及适用性，将数值模拟结果与Zeng，X．和Madabhushi，X．P．G．等的离心机试验和弹塑性数值模拟结果进行对比。结果表明：墙土体系加速度、挡土墙顶底相对滑移、沉降和墙体倾角等同离心机试验模拟结果基本吻合，与弹塑性数值模拟结果相似。     

砂土液化引起大位移对地下管道影响的非线性分析

地下管线是生命线工程的主要部分,已经成为现代工农业生产和城镇生活的大动脉。已有震害调查表明,饱和砂土液化引起的地基大变形(侧向变形和沉降)是导致强震区生命线工程震害的主要原因。采用三维非线性有限差分分析方法来研究砂土液化引起的大位移对地下管道的破坏特征,分析砂土液化的斜坡变形特征、孔隙水的演化过程。结果表明,砂土液化引起的大位移对地下管道有破坏作用,导致管道变形规律与其斜坡的位移规律相同,地下管线的变形随着振动频率和幅值的增加其非线性增大。     

砂土液化诱发地面侧移分析

分析了砂土液化诱发地面侧移的机理，提出了估计砂土液化诱发地面侧颓废不久位一种新方法。该方法是用饱和砂层中水压力的发展，在每个应力循环内对土壤的抗剪强度进行修正，然后在每个应力循环内应用Ｎｅｗｍａｒｋ刚性愉模型计算地面侧向永久位移，对比计算表明，本文提出的方法在物理机制上更加合理，计算结果与宏观震害现象十分吻合。     

Dynamic pressures on rigid cantilever walls retaining poroelastic soil media. Part I. First method of solution

The problem of the determination of dynamic pressures and the associated forces on a rigid, vertical cantilever wall retaining a semi-infinite, uniform, fully-saturated poroelastic layer of soil is solved analytically under conditions of plane strain. Hysteretic damping in the soil skeleton may also be present. The rigid wall and the base of the soil layer are both excited by an acceleration harmonically varying with time and spatially invariant. The governing partial differential equations of motion, after separation of variables and the simplifying assumption of zero vertical normal stresses, reduce to a system of two ordinary differential equations for the amplitudes of the horizontal solid skeleton displacement and the pore water pressure, which are easily solved. Soil displacements and stresses, wall pressures and resultant forces as well as the pore water pressure are explicitly expressed. Their variation with frequency, hysteretic damping, porosity and permeability is numerically computed in order to assess the relative importance of the various parameters on the response.