Deformation of Earthquake Resistant Gravel-Tire Chips Mixture as Drains

Abstract

Gravel-tire chips mixture (GTCM) as an alternative geomaterial has been introduced in recent years. In addition to its low-carbon-released characteristics, other advantageous material characteristics include lightweight, excellent vibration absorption capability, and high permeability. A newly designed earthquake-induced liquefaction mitigation countermeasure has been proposed. This so-called GTCM drains technique utilized GTCM as the material for precast drains installed around existing infrastructures located on the liquefiable ground. During the earthquake, the excess pore water could be dissipated through the drains, therefore, mitigating the potential of liquefaction. However, the deformation characteristics which has a significant influence on foundation settling post-earthquake, are not clearly researched on such improved ground. In this research, based on modelling experiment on 1-g shaking table, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been used to track and analyse the deformation of the ground foundation during dynamic loadings. The results indicate that with GTCM drains installed, the movement and acceleration of the foundation beneath the on-surface structure were limited. Meanwhile, the excess pore water pressure increased much slower due to the combined effect of drainage and less ground deforming. This study on the deformation characteristics proves the effectiveness of such liquefaction mitigation technique from another perspective.