A numerical investigation into effects of single and multiple frequency earthquake motions

Abstract

During dynamic centrifuge modelling for earthquakes there is a decision to be made about the type of base input motion that should be imparted to the soil model. Motions can either be a tone burst of single frequency or a multi-frequency event simulating a real earthquake. In this paper a series of numerical analyses is reported which endeavours to capture the effects of loading rate on liquefiable soil. Non-linear dynamic finite element analysis in terms of effective stress was carried out using the FE code SWANDYNE. The numerical model was subjected to four types of input motion. Results are presented in terms of excess pore pressure ratios for different frequencies. It was seen that the interplay between frequency content of the seismic motion and generation of excess pore pressure could change the dynamic response of a system. It was concluded that simplicity of the input motion leads to a soil response that is less difficult to analyse.