Seismic response of earth dam with varying depth of liquefiable foundation layer

Earthquake induced liquefaction continues to be a major threat to many engineered structures around the world. Analysis of liquefaction becomes particularly difficult for two-dimensional (and 3D) problems such as dam/foundation systems. Predominantly, analyses for such systems are performed utilizing some type of finite element or finite difference procedure. Verification or validation of the analyses relies on very limited field performance data with reduced knowledge of the full scope of system conditions or loading conditions.Research reported in this paper represents a portion of ongoing work to obtain a database of information useful for numerical model calibration and to gain a better understanding of the complex dynamics of liquefying foundations under earth dams. Specifically, a highly instrumented model of an earth dam with clay core founded on a liquefiable foundation subjected to earthquake loading is being studied. Properties of the liquefiable foundation are varied to determine the related effects on the overlying earth dam. In this paper, results from three centrifuge physical models will be presented. The models are identical, with the exception of the location (depth) of a liquefiable layer in the foundation, and are subjected to the same dynamic excitation. Results and discussion related to the significance of the liquefiable layer location within the foundation and damage to the earth dam are presented.     

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.     

Seismic response comparison and sensitivity analysis of pile foundation in liquefiable and non-liquefiable soils

Case history investigations have shown that pile foundations are more critically damaged in liquefiable soils than non-liquefiable soils. This study examines the differences in seismic response of pile foundations in liquefiable and non-liquefiable soils and their sensitivity to numerical model parameters. A two-dimensional finite element(FE) model is developed to simulate the experiment of a single pile foundation centrifuge in liquefiable soil subjected to earthquake motions and is validated a...     

Nonlinear analysis on the coupling process of electromagnetic vibrator and earth

Vibrator is an excitation equipment of the vibratory source in the seismic exploration[1―3]. In order to ap-proach the δ function, dynamite can be used to release high energy in an instantaneous explosion and form the seismic wavelet. On the other hand, a portable vi-brator sweeps a low energy signal for a long time to simulate the function of an explosion source. The re-flection signal of the portable vibrator is estimated for time-delay by digital cross correlation technology, and the disp…     

Probabilistic pseudo-static analysis of pile foundations in liquefiable soils

This paper presents the development, implementation, and application of a probabilistic framework for the pseudo-static analysis of pile foundations in liquefied and lateral spreading soils. The framework allows for rigorous consideration and propagation of the large uncertainties regarding quantification of seismic loads and soil–pile interaction relationships, which exist in the pseudo-static method. Building upon previous relationships proposed by others, the key features of the presented framework are outlined. In particular, the uncertainty estimation of the induced lateral soil displacements; superstructure inertia loads; and stiffness and strength of the liquefied soils are discussed in detail. The results of applying the pseudo-static method to a case study bridge structure are compared to that obtained using a rigorous seismic effective stress analysis within a similar framework. It is illustrated that the consideration of uncertainties in the pseudo-static framework provides enhanced communication of the foundation's seismic performance to end-users, and that the pseudo-static method provides seismic performance prediction consistent with that obtained using advanced seismic effective-stress analyses.     

Seismic analysis of infinite pile groups in liquefiable soil

Numerical analysis of an infinite pile group in a liquefiable soil was considered in order to investigate the influence of pile spacing on excess pore pressure distribution and liquefaction potential. It was found that an optimal pile spacing exists resulting in minimal excess pore pressure. It was also found that certain pile group configurations might reduce liquefaction potential, compared to free field conditions. It was observed that for closely spaced piles and low frequency of loading, pile spacing has little influence on the response of the superstructure.     

Modal damping for torsionally coupled buildings on elastic foundation

A method to determine the approximate normal modes and the modal damping for torsionally coupled buildings on an elastic foundation is presented. The modal damping is determined by an iterative procedure which matches the approximate normal mode solution with the rigorous solution. The response quantity to be matched is selected in a consistent and logical manner. The normal modes and the damping ratios thus found are then used to determine the seismic response of the interaction system by the response spectrum technique.     

Probabilistic buckling analysis of axially loaded piles in liquefiable soils

Recent research has demonstrated that axial load alone can cause a slender pile to fail by forming a plastic hinge, if soil surrounding the pile liquefies in an earthquake. This failure mechanism is due to buckling instability. Lateral loads from lateral spreading of the surrounding soil and/or inertia and imperfection inherent in a pile result in increased deflection, which can promote more rapid collapse. These effects are secondary to the basic requirement so that axially loaded piles passing through liquefiable soils should be checked against Euler's buckling in addition to the bending mechanism of failure, i.e. incorporation of P−Δ effect. While fewer large diameter piles are currently being used in modern construction practice (which performed better in liquefiable areas rather than multiple small diameter piles), there are many pile-supported structures where buckling considerations were not taken into account and therefore may need retrofitting. This paper develops a probabilistic tool which can be used for assessing the likelihood of a buckling failure of existing piled foundations due to a scenario earthquake. This tool can equally serve as a valuable decision-support tool for implementing earthquake risk mitigation measures. A case study is presented to show the applicability of the method.     

Code design provisions for torsionally coupled buildings on elastic foundation

The effectiveness of the design recommendations made by various major building codes to account for torsional coupling effects is evaluated with respect to the parametric responses to earthquake ground motion of a simple single-storey asymmetric building model supported on an elastic foundation. The objectives are to determine the extent to which the response trends observed in previous studies of asymmetric rigidly based buildings are affected by changes in the flexibility of the foundation medium and to comment on and suggest necessary amendments to the design recommendations in order that suitable allowance be made for the resultant changes in the magnitude of torsional coupling effects. It is concluded that whilst the qualitative effects of torsional coupling are not affected by soil–structure interaction, their magnitude depends significantly on the frequency content of the free-field motion. The response to the El Centro earthquake record is conservatively accounted for by assuming the structure to be supported on a rigid foundation. An allowance for increased response effects due to soil–structure interaction is suggested for incorporation in the torsional design recommendations when European earthquake records are employed.     

Fully coupled mathematical modeling of turbidity currents over erodible bed

Turbidity currents may feature active sediment transport and rapid bed deformation, such as those responsible for the erosion of many submarine canyons. Yet previous mathematical models are built upon simplified governing equations and involve steady flow and weak sediment transport assumptions, which are not in complete accordance with rigorous conservation laws. It so far remains unknown if these could have considerable impacts on the evolution of turbidity currents. Here a fully coupled modeling study is presented to gain new insights into the evolution of turbidity currents. The recent analysis of the multiple time scales of subaerial sediment-laden flows over erodible bed [Cao Z, Li Y, Yue Z. Multiple time scales of alluvial rivers carrying suspended sediment and their implications for mathematical modeling. Adv Water Resour 2007;30(4):715–29] is extended to subaqueous turbidity currents to complement the fully coupled modeling. Results from numerical simulations show the ability of the present coupled model to reproduce self-accelerating turbidity currents. Comparison among the fully and partially coupled and decoupled models along with the analysis of the relative time scale of bed deformation explicitly demonstrate that fully coupled modeling is essential for refined resolution of those turbidity currents featuring active sediment transport and rapid bed deformation, and existing models based on simplified conservation laws need to be reformulated.     

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.     

地震地电阻率观测改进方法研究——电测井技术的移植应用与数值模型分析

现有的地震地电阻率观测系统需要较大的环境保护区（2——5km2）．随着各地的经济发展,地电观测的环境受到越来越大的影响,造成部分台站连续多年的地电前兆观测受到严重的干扰．为了减小观测环境保护区范围,有效地抑制来自地面的观测环境改变及城市地铁、轻轨运行时漏电产生的干扰,提出了将三侧向石油电测井技术移植到地震地电阻率前兆监测领域,以提高地电前兆观测的抗干扰能力和前兆信息的监测能力．电测井有限元数值模型的计算结果表明,该方法可有效测量出地层的电阻率变化,对来自地表的干扰有较强抑制能力．分析还表明,该方法可有效抑制来自轻轨、地铁的漏电干扰．      

Parametric earthquake response of torsionally coupled buildings with foundation interaction

A study is made of the effect of soil-structure interaction on the coupled lateral and torsional responses of asymmetric buildings subjected to a series of historical free-field earthquake base motions. It sh shown that for particular classes of actual buildings the equivalent rigid-base responses are significantly increased for structures founded on medium-stiff soils, and hence the assumption of the major building codes that a conservative estimate of response is obtained by considering the structure to be fixed rigidly at its base is shown to be inconsistent with the presented dynamic results. It is shown that foundation interaction produces greatest amplification of torsional coupling effects for structures subjected to a particular class of European strong-motion earthquake records, identified by similarities in their spectral shape, for which the vibrational energy of the ground motion is distributed approximately uniformly over the range of frequencies which are of interest for real structures. It is recommended that provision be made in the torsional design procedures of building codes for the increase in the coupled torsional response due to soil-structure interaction as indicated in this study. Such provision should be based on the results of comprehensive parametric studies employing a wide selection of earthquake records and accounting for expected variations in localized soil conditions.     

液化型路堤边坡地震安全性分析

地震液化型路堤边坡安全性问题涉及岩土工程与工程地震两个学科领域,是边坡工程与砂土液化的交叉课题。路堤边坡在地震时,因基础之下的砂土发生液化现象,会急剧发生地基承载力丧失、液化沉陷、侧向流动、液化喷砂、整体滑动等问题。应用NCEER液化评估方法(SPT)、Mononobe-Ok-abe方法、Koerner方法和Fellen ius方法,以抗液化安全系数、液化侧向流动安全系数、液化喷砂安全系数和抗滑安全系数为评价指标,系统对地震液化型路堤边坡安全性进行了分析、计算和评价。结果显示,文中方法对地震液化型路堤边坡安全性分析具有适用性。     

液化土-桩-承台结构横向动力响应分析方法研究综述

总结了地震作用下桩基震害现象以及液化土-桩-承台结构动力相互作用,针对目前国内外研究现状提出存在的主要问题以及需进一步研究的内容。分析了液化土中桩基横向动力响应的研究方法,指出了各种方法的优缺点和存在的主要问题,讨论了今后的发展趋势。     

震源动力学破裂过程数值模拟研究

首先阐述了震源动力学过程研究的重要意义, 在此基础上, 研究了复杂的断层几何形态及介质模型对动力学破裂过程的影响, 并对常用的有限元方法、 离散元方法、 有限差分方法和边界积分方程方法等进行了相应介绍. 讨论了这些数值模拟方法各自的优缺点, 建议在方法的选择上应视具体问题及计算的精度而定. 最后对动力学数值模拟的关键部分, 滑动摩擦准则进行了论述. 常用的滑动摩擦准则有滑动弱化准则、 速率弱化准则和速率-状态依赖摩擦准则. 在单纯考虑某个地震的动力学破裂传播过程时, 滑动弱化准则较为常用, 其中滑动弱化距离的选取至关重要. 但若考虑整个地震循环, 速率-状态依赖摩擦准则更为合适.      

Numerical analysis for cooling effect of open boundary ripped-rock embankment on Qinghai-Tibetan railway

At present, the Qinghai-Tibetan railway is being built, and it will pass across more than 550-km perma-frost regions. Therefore, the key to the stability of therailway embankment lies in solving the permafrost problem. Because global warming and existence of railway tend to degrade the permafrost in these re-gions[1], more difficulties and problems are induced in the construction and maintenance of railway. In the area where the mean annual air temperature is higher than a certain value, the …     

Response of a scale-model pile group for a jacket foundation of an offshore wind turbine in liquefiable ground during shaking table tests

To investigate the seismic response of a pile group during liquefaction, shaking table tests on a 1/25 scale model of a 2 × 2 pile group were conducted, which were pilot tests of a test project of a scale-model offshore wind turbine with jacket foundation. A large laminar shear box was utilized as the soil container to prepare a liquefiable sandy ground specimen. The pile group model comprising four slender aluminum piles with their pile heads connected by a rigid frame was designed with similitude considerations focusing on soil–pile interaction. The input motions were 2-Hz sinusoids with various acceleration amplitudes. The excess pore water pressure generation indicated that the upper half of the ground specimen reached initial liquefaction under the 50-gal-amplitude excitation, whereas in the 75-gal-amplitude test, almost entire ground was liquefied. Accelerations in soil, on the movable frames composing the laminar boundary of the shear box, and along the pile showed limited difference at the same elevation before liquefaction. After liquefaction, the soil and the movable-frame accelerations that represented the ground response considerably reduced, whereas both the movable frames and the piles exhibited high-frequency jitters other than 2-Hz sinusoid, and meantime, remarkable phase difference between the responses of the pile group and the ground was observed, all probably due to the substantial degradation of liquefied soil. Axial strains along the pile implied its double-curvature bending behavior, and the accordingly calculated moment declined significantly after liquefaction. These observations demonstrated the interaction between soil and piles during liquefaction.     

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of glacial trough forming process

The glacial trough is a common glacier erosion landscape, which plays an important role in the study of glacier erosion processes. In a sharp contrast with the developing river, which is generally meandering, the developing glacial trough is usually wide and straight. Is the straightness of the glacial trough just the special phenomenon of some areas or a universal feature? What controls the straightness of the glacial trough? Until now, these issues have not been studied yet. In this paper, we conduct systematic numerical models of the glacier erosion and simulate the erosion evolution process of the glacial trough. Numerical simulations show that:(1) while the meandering glacier is eroding deeper to form the U-shaped cross section, the glacier is eroding laterally. The erosion rate of the ice-facing slope is bigger than that of the back-slope.(2) The smaller(bigger) the slope is, the smaller(bigger) the glacier erosion intensity is.(3) The smaller(bigger) the ice discharge is, the smaller(bigger) the glacier erosion intensity is. In the glacier erosion process, the erosion rate of the ice-facing slope is always greater than that of the back-slope. Therefore, the glacial trough always develops into more straight form. This paper comes to the conclusion that the shape evolution of the glacial trough is controlled mainly by the erosion mechanism of the glacier. Thereby, the glacial trough prefers straight geometry.     

基础动力刚度的精确数值解及集中参数模型

土－结构相互作用分析的关键是建立以土－结构界面定义的无限半空间的动力刚度矩阵。本文介绍了一种求解半无限地基动力刚度的新方法，通过两个算例验证了该方法的精度，并给出了一种利用频域刚性基础动力刚度计算基础时域荷载响应的实用方法，该研究为刚性基础设计提供了一种新的，可靠的理论方法。