Numerical investigation of the effects of embedment on the reverse fault-foundation interaction

Abstract

A fault rupture incident may bring about serious structural damages and instability when a structure sustains propagated fault rupture permanent deformation. This study focused on the interaction of shallow foundations with reverse faulting ruptures. The interactions between embedded foundation and fault ruptures have not been addressed clearly. In this study, the performance of shallow embedded foundations subjected to dip-slip reverse faulting caused by severe tectonic dislocation has been investigated numerically. Due to interaction of the rupture path and shallow embedded structures, the mechanism of the rupture propagation can be changed, and it will be diverged to the hanging wall. This shift mainly depends on the depth of the embedment and foundation distance from the dislocation of a reverse fault. Embedment depth acts as a kinematic constraint on the foundation. Therefore, the sliding of a foundation could be restricted as a result of this constraint. A significant rotation and translation of such foundation compared to surface foundations could be expected. The results demonstrate that due to the interaction of embedded foundation with the rupture path of a reverse fault, both sides of the embedded foundation show different magnitudes regarding soil passive rupture.