Earthquake Deformation of Centrifuge Model Banks

Abstract

A modified sliding block analysis, which allows the sliding resistance to be nonlinear visco‐elastoplastic, has been developed to predict deformations of embankments during earthquakes. Contrary to the assumption (of the original Newmark sliding block analysis) that a distinct slip surface forms, the centrifuge models were observed to deform along relatively wide shear bands during base shaking. The sliding resistance provided by a wide shear band is better characterized by visco‐elastoplastic than rigid‐plastic behavior. A detailed analysis concerning rational parameter selection is included. The modified analysis is used to predict the deformation of clay embankment centrifuge models during simulated earthquakes, with good agreement between experiment and theory. The centrifuge modeling technique is shown to be a useful tool for development, tuning, and verification of analytical models, especially in the subject of earthquake engineering where detailed field evidence is in acute shortage.