Forced Vibration of Lotung Containment Model: Theory and Observations

Abstract

Blind predictions for the response during forced vibration tests of a large‐scale containment model supported on soft soils and located in Lotung, Taiwan, are compared with recorded data. The predictions for two sets of models, including soil‐structure interaction effects, were obtained by use of a substructure approach. The first set of models (model set A) was based on basic geotechnical data, including unit weight, water content, void ratio, and standard penetration test results at several boreholes. The second set (model set B) was based on more complete geotechnical and geophysical information including S‐ and P‐wave velocities to a depth of 150 m. The differences between the vibration test data and the predictions decrease as the quality of the soil data increases. For model set B, the differences fall within the uncertainty of the recorded response and the input data. An after‐the‐fact model (model C), which minimizes the discrepancy between theory and experiments, is also presented.