Abstract
Based on a centrifuge model test and distinct element method (DEM), this study provides new insights into the uplift response of a shallow-buried structure and the liquefaction mechanism for saturated sand around the structure under seismic action. In the centrifuge test, a high-speed microscopic camera was installed in the structure model, by which the movements of particles around the structure were monitored. Then, a two-dimensional digital image processing technology was used to analyze the microstructure of saturated sand during the shaking event. Herein, a numerical simulation of the centrifuge experiment was conducted using a two-phase (solid and fluid) fully coupled distinct element code. This code incorporates a particle-fluid coupling model by means of a “fixed coarse-grid” fluid scheme in PFC3D (Particle Flow Code in Three Dimensions), with the modeling parameters partially calibrated based on earlier studies. The physical and numerical models both indicate the uplifts of the shallow-buried structure and the sharp rise in excess pore pressure. The corresponding micro-scale responses and explanations are provided. Overall, the uplift response of an underground structure and the occurrence of liquefaction in saturated sand are predicted successfully by DEM modeling. However, the dynamic responses during the shaking cannot be modeled accurately due to the restricted computer power.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Benyoussef A, Chakib H and Ez-Zahraouy H (1999), “A Simulation Study of an Asymmetric Exclusion Model with Open and Periodic Boundaries for Parallel Dynamics,” The European Physical Journal B — Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, 8(2): 275–280.
Byrne P, Park S, Beaty M et al. (2004), “Numerical Modeling of Liquefaction and Comparison with Centrifuge Tests,” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 41(2): 193–211.
Cundall P and Strack O (1979), “A Discrete Numerical Model for Granular Assemblies,” Geotechnique, 29(1): 47–65.
Edwards S and Grinev D (2001), “Transmission of Stress in Granular Materials as a Problem of Statistical Mechanics,” Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 302(1–4): 162–186.
Fiegel G and Kutter B (1994), “Liquefaction Mechanism for Layered Soils,” Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 120(4): 737–755.
Ishihara K (1996), Soil Behavior in Earthquake Engineering, Oxford University Press, NY, USA.
Itasca (2005), PFC3D Particle Flow Code in Three Dimensions, Itasca consulting group, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Kutter B (1992), “Dynamic Centrifuge Modeling of Geotechnical Structures,” Transportation Research Record No. 1336, Transportation Research Board, Washington D.C., pp. 24–30.
Liu Huabei and Song Erxiang (2005), “Seismic Response of Large Underground Structures in Liquefiable Soils Subjected to Horizontal and Vertical Earthquake Excitations,” Computers and Geotechnics, 32(4): 223–244.
Schofield A (1981), “Dynamic and Earthquake Geotechnical Centrifuge Modeling,” Proceeding of International Conference on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, Vol. III, University of Missouri, Rolla, pp. 1081–1100.
Shamy U and Zeghal M (2007), “A Micro-mechanical Investigation of the Dynamic Response and Liquefaction of Saturated Granular Soils,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 27(8): 712–729.
Shi Danda (2007), “Micromechanical Simulations of Sand Behavior Under Monotonic and Cyclic Loading,” PhD Dissertation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. (in Chinese)
Shimizu Y (2004), “Fluid Coupling in PFC2D and PFC3D,” Proceedings of the 2nd International PFC Symposium in Numerical Modeling in Micromechanics, Kyoto, Japan, pp. 281–287.
Sitharam T (2003), “Discrete Element Modelling of Cyclic Behaviour of Granular Materials,” Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 21(4): 297–329.
Su Dong (2005), “Centrifuge Investigation on Response of Sand Deposit and Sand-pile System Under Multidirectional Earthquake Loading,” PhD Dissertation, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.
Tan T and Scott R (1985), “Centrifuge Scaling Considerations for Fluid-particle Systems,” Geotechnique, 35(4): 461–470.
Thornton C (2000), “Numerical Simulation of Deviatoric Shear Deformation of Granular Media,” Geotechnique, 50(1): 43–53.
Turan A, Hinchberger S and El Naggar H (2009), “Design and Commissioning of a Laminar Soil Container for Use on Small Shaking Tables,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 29(2): 404–414.
Yang Z, Elgamal A, Adalier K et al. (2004), “Earth Dam on Liquefiable Foundation and Remediation: Numerical Simulation of Centrifuge Experiments,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 130(10): 1168–1176.
Zhou Jian, Yu Rongchuan and Jia Mincai (2006), “Measurement of Microstructure Parameters for Granular Soil Model Using Digital Image Technology,” Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 28(12): 2047–2052. (in Chinese)
Zhou Kaimin (2010), “Research on the Macro-meso Mechanism of Rainfall-induced Sandy Soil Flow,” PhD Dissertation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Supported by: National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 41272296 and 51208294
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zhou, J., Wang, Z., Chen, X. et al. Uplift mechanism for a shallow-buried structure in liquefiable sand subjected to seismic load: centrifuge model test and DEM modeling. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Vib. 13, 203–214 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-014-0224-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-014-0224-2