Geosynthetics reinforced interposed layer to protect structures on deep foundations against strike-slip fault rupture

Abstract

In the present study, the interaction mechanism of a 10-story moment-resisting building frame sitting on the conventional piled raft foundation with a strike-slip fault rupture with a dip angle of 90̊ is studied via three-dimensional finite element numerical simulation using ABAQUS. In addition, an alternative composite foundation system with geosynthetics reinforced interposed layer between piles and raft is proposed to improve the safety and performance of foundation under strike-slip fault ruptures. The interposed layer is reinforced with two high tensile strength of the geotextile layer. The inelastic behaviour of piles under large ground deformations is simulated using moment-curvature relationships of the real reinforced concrete section of piles and ductility concepts. The performance of both composite and conventional piled raft foundations are evaluated in terms of the geotechnical and structural responses of foundations including rotational and translational displacements and shear forces of the raft, as well as shear forces and ductility capacity of piles. The obtained results show the superior performance of composite foundation with geotextile reinforced interposed layer in terms of a significant reduction in shear forces in the raft and piles, as well as ductility demand in the piles.