Fully coupled numerical analysis of repeated shake-consolidation process of earth embankment on liquefiable foundation

Abstract

It is known that a series of aftershocks might follow a mainshock, which may cause further damages on civil engineering structures. So it is necessary to investigate the dynamic response of structures undergone several shocks. This study presents a numerical analysis of repeated shake-consolidation process for an earth embankment founded on liquefiable foundation soils. Analysis is carried out using an effective stress-based, fully coupled, finite element method. The behaviors of the foundation soils are described by means of a cyclic mobility constitutive model which was developed at the bases of modified Cam-clay model by introducing concepts such as stress-induced anisotropy, over-consolidation, and structure. Results show that the cyclic mobility constitutive model can reflect the dynamic response of liquefiable soils. Special emphasis is given to analyze the result of excess pore water pressures, stress path, acceleration, and deformations during the two seismic excitation and consolidation process.