Seismic fragility assessment of embankment: A displacement-based approach using dynamic finite element model analysis

Abstract

Abstract The assessment of seismic fragility of highway embankments is a key component of seismic risk modeling for traffic infrastructure. This study examines the seismic fragility of an embankment using advanced finite element dynamic analysis, contrasting findings with prior research to validate results. Based on established methodologies, an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was executed, with the Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis (PSDA) for the development of fragility curves. A comparative study was conducted between two modeling methods; one employing finite difference (FD) method and other employing finite element (FE)method. The analysis revealed that, selection of inputs like the nature of earthquake time history and number of records selected along with the analysis method influences the seismic fragility assessment of embankments. The choice between finite difference and finite element methods can yield differing results, with FD, being grid-based, can face challenges with complex geometries and boundary conditions, on the other hand, FE’s mesh-based approach offers flexibility in modeling intricate domains, handles complex boundary conditions more adeptly, and provides a more continuous representation of material behavior. A distinct dynamic stability test based on Newmark sliding block principles showed the embankment slope’s inherent resilience, with no permanent deformation, underscoring the requirement for further research.