Seismic response of sands in centrifuge tests

Abstract

Seismic site response of sandy soils and seismic soil–structure interaction are investigated using an electrohydraulic earthquake simulator mounted on a centrifuge container at an 80g field. The results of testing uniform and layered loose to medium-dense sand models subjected to 13 simulated earthquakes on the centrifuge are presented. The variation of shear modulus and damping ratio with shear strain amplitude and confining pressure was evaluated and their effects on site response were assessed. The evaluated shear modulus and damping ratio agreed reasonably with laboratory tests and empirical relationships. Site response analysis using the measured shear wave velocity and estimated modulus reduction and damping ratio as input parameters produced good agreement with the measured site response. The effect of soil–structure interaction for structures situated on dry sand is also investigated. These tests have revealed many important insights with regard to the characteristics of seismic site response and seismic soil–structure behaviour. The tests showed that the seismic response of soil deposits, input motions, and overall behaviour of the structure are affected by soil stratification. The results showed that the seismic kinematic soil–structure interaction is not very significant for structures situated on loose sand.