Modeling of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spreading
Open AccessLiquefaction-induced lateral spreading is the permanent lateral deformations developed in gently sloping ground due to a seismic event. The magnitude of the lateral spreading could range from a few millimeters to several meters causing damages to civil infrastructure including bridges, buildings, and roads, among other structures. In many past earthquakes, lateral spreading has caused the largest cumulative damage to civil infrastructure systems.The current state-of-practice relies mainly on highly empirical lateral spreading estimation methods that are based on the information gathered from past case histories. Application of these methods in a specific field under an earthquake scenario usually leads to a wide range of estimated values, leaving the analyst with significant uncertainty in the predicted lateral spreading. An alternative approach is to use numerical analysis tools that rely on the current state-of-the-art constitutive models and numerical simulation tools. This approach is based on a more complete consideration of the stress-strain response of the soil and uses the coupling of pore fluid response with that of the soil skeleton in a rational and consistent manner. However, before utilization in real-life geotechnical engineering applications, the numerical modeling techniques and constitutive models must be thoroughly verified and validated. In this dissertation, the modeling of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading is investigated as a part of the Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Project (LEAP). First, an experimental study is performed to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of a liquefiable soil that is used in centrifuge experiments performed during the LEAP projects. Next, an advanced constitutive model is validated through calibration and modeling of the performed laboratory experiments. Finally, a stochastic finite element analysis is conducted to investigate the consequences of the variabilities present in the soil density and base excitation. The results presented here are intended to provide some insights into the capabilities and limitations of the current state-of-the-art simulation tools.
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ElGhoraiby_gwu_0075A_14799.pdf | 2019-07-28 | Open Access |
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