Experimental study of remediation measures of anchored sheet pile quay walls using soil compaction

Abstract

The seismic performance of quay walls was determined to be highly dependent on liquefaction. The dynamic response of anchored sheet pile quay walls that are embedded in liquefaction-susceptible soil was investigated using shaking table modeling. Extensive damage to the retaining system was attributed to the soil liquefaction near the embedded section. The lateral displacements of the walls due to liquefaction were accompanied by large seaward displacements of anchors; they consequently reduced the tensile forces of the tie rods. A remediation method that involves the compaction of weak areas was experimentally evaluated. The effectiveness of the soil improvement in zones adjacent to the embedded section and/or the area in front of the anchors was assessed based on recorded dynamic responses. The implemented countermeasures considerably reduced the deformations of the wall and the anchors. The foundation improvements influenced the failure mode. Densification in front of the anchors limited the seaward displacements of the anchors, which increased the tensile forces in the tie rods.