Dynamic centrifuge model tests on Tumulus Mounds on cut slopes

Abstract

Japan's tumulus mounds comprising compacted earth mounds and masonry burial chambers are vulnerable to earthquakes. This study focuses on the seismic behavior of tumulus mounds with sloped foundations. Dynamic centrifuge model tests were conducted using 1/50 scale cross-sectional models of tumulus mounds. The results show that large cracks occurred in the earth mound on the slope side when the shear resistance of the stone joints of the burial chamber was small. The stress distributions in the earth mound during the shaking tests were numerically estimated to identify the stress that caused cracks in the earth mound. The results show that tensile cracks dominantly occur near the surface under low confining pressure. The shear resistance of the stone joints of the burial chamber significantly restrains the opening of the tensile cracks; thus, it is an important factor to be considered when evaluating the seismic resistance of tumulus mounds and developing countermeasures.