Mechanical Behavior of Anisotropic Sand Ground Beneath Structures Subjected to Cyclic Loading Such as Wave Loading

Abstract

An experimental study on the mechanical response of anisotropic seabed to wave force and oscillation of man-made structures such as wave dissipating blocks and breakwaters was performed on a model soil box with two-dimensional plane strain condition. Using model ground comprised of Toyoura sand reconstituted by air-pluviation method, a series of cyclic loading tests on model structures under several foundation conditions was conducted at a loading pattern which is capable of simulating the various stress states induced by both oscillation of structure and wave force. Test results showed that the strength and deformation characteristics of model sand deposits are basically identical to those estimated from the conventional cyclic undrained triaxial test and are different depending strongly on the changes in the depositional condition of the ground. Based on the results of model testing, the applicability of countermeasures constructed by both side wall and sheet pile was investigated to prevent ground failure. Considering the model testing results, it was also found that the installation of side walls beneath structures and sheet piles into the ground are advantageous as countermeasures against progressive failure on sand ground subjected to wave loading.