Liquefaction and Earthquake Response Analysis of Panipat Pond Ash Embankment in India

Abstract

In this study, liquefaction and earthquake response analysis of Panipat pond ash embankment in India has been carried out considering saturated and natural water table conditions. Laboratory and field studies have been carried out to obtain the material properties required for the nonlinear response analysis of the Panipat pond ash embankment. Nonlinear finite element analysis has been carried out by using open system for earthquake engineering simulation (OpenSees). Three earthquakes namely Chamba, Chamoli and Uttarkashi earthquakes have been considered for liquefaction and earthquake response analysis. The standard penetration test (SPT)-[Formula: see text] value indicates that the ash deposit in Panipat pond ash embankment is in loose to medium dense state. The excess pore pressure ratio obtained from the analysis is found to be one or more than one below upstream and downstream locations of the pond ash embankment for both saturated and natural water table conditions. The horizontal and vertical displacement is found to be maximum near the toe and first rise slope of pond ash embankment. Hence, ash embankment in Panipat is prone to liquefaction under the excitation of moderate to high earthquake loading.