6.15 Dynamic behavior of embankment

An experiment of a dynamic behavior of the embankment

Dynamic centrifuge tests were conducted to investigate the basic failure pattern of an embankment on no-liquefiable sandy ground (Sakemi 1998). The cross section of the embankment model and the sensor layout are shown in Fig. 1. A photograph of the model is presented in Fig. 2. A rigid container box which has a clear glass panel on the front wall was used in order to monitor ground displacement and the behavior of the embankment during the shaking. The model ground was made by dry silica sand. Toyoura-sand, Kaolin clay and 12% water mixture were used for the embankment model. The acceleration wave recorded at Kobe during the Hyougo-ken Nambu earthquake (1995) were used in the tests.

 

Fig. 1 A diagram of a centrifuge testing model

 

Fig. 2 Photograph of centrifuge model

 

Fig. 3 Typical time histories of acceleration

 

The typical results of the test are shown in Fig. 3. The maximum response at the top of the embankment is about 2 times to the input motion. Photographs of the model after shaking are presented in Fig. 4. It was observed that cracks appeared on the top of embankment. A photograph of the typical damage of real embankment due to the earthquake is presented in Fig. 5. The cracks which were observed in the test are very similar to those of the real embankment.

 

(a) over view

(b) front view
Fig.4 A photograph of the model after shaking

 

Fig.5 A photograph of the typical damage of the embankment

 

Reference

Sakemi, T. (1998) : Dynamic behavior of the embankment against strong earthquake, Proc. of CENTRIFUGE 98 (in print).