Journal Published Online: 09 July 2021
Volume 45, Issue 1

Seismic Centrifuge Modeling of a Gentle Slope of Layered Clay, Including a Weak Layer

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

This article presents a model preparation methodology for simulating the seismic behavior of a gentle slope in clay with the presence of a soft, weak layer employing centrifuge testing. The model consisted of a three-layered slope of relatively soft clay with a 3° inclination, representative of Brazilian marine subsoils. In-flight characterization of the undrained shear strength and shear wave velocity profiles were achieved through T-bar penetrometer and air hammer tests. The model was subjected to a series of earthquake simulations at different amplitudes, and the response was tracked with accelerometers and displacement transducers. Additional data were obtained using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) methodology also described in this work. The results show that the proposed model preparation methodology enables the simulation of the strength contrast between the weak and relatively stronger surrounding layers using a laminar container. The additional displacement and acceleration data obtained from the PIV were in good agreement with the corresponding displacement transducer and accelerometer measurements. From the spectral analysis, a shift in the fundamental period was observed as the strain amplitude was increased, suggesting that strain rate effects mobilize higher stresses and a strength rate correction should be considered for the calibration of numerical models and comparison with existing methods for calculation of dynamic displacements in slopes.

Author Information

Soriano Camelo, Cristian Yair
Graduate School of Engineering, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Pedro Calmon, Laboratorio Geotecnia- Anexo Engeharia Civil- Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
de Almeida, Maria Cascão Ferreira
Polytechnic School of Engineering - Poli, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Centro de Tecnologia - Bloco A, 2° andar - sala 5, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Madabhushi, S. P. Gopal
University of Cambridge, Schofield Centre, Cambridge, UK
Stanier, Sam A.
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
de Almeida, Marcio de Souza Soares
Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Pedro Calmon, Laboratorio Geotecnia-Anexo Engenharia Civil- Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Liu, Huida
China Construction Infrastructure Co., Ltd., Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Borges, Ricardo Garske
Petrobras, Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello (CENPES), Av. Horácio Macedo, 950 - Cidade Universitária da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pages: 20
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20200236
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20200236