Modified pseudo-dynamic based soil-structure interaction of caisson with a novel 3D failure wedge

Abstract

Passive resistance computation for caissons embedded in layered soil is a complicated problem. In the present study, modified pseudo-dynamic method of analysis has been used to determine both amplification of earthquake waves through the soil strata and the resulting passive earth pressure on the embedded structure. The failure wedge has been idealized based on the results of experimental and numerical studies by previous researchers as log-spiral in vertical plane and oval in the horizontal plane. Earthquake waves are assumed to propagate harmonically in vertically upward direction through layered strata considering modified pseudo-dynamic approach with the entire failure wedge assumed to be lying in a single soil layer. Both, dry and submerged soil conditions, have been considered in the present study. The effect of increase in volume of failure wedge compared to corresponding plane strain condition on earth pressure coefficient has also been discussed in the current study. The earth pressure coefficient due to unit weight component has been reported. The earth pressure coefficient obtained from the current study for structures of different widths are found to be smaller in magnitude than corresponding pseudo-static analysis results.