Numerical Modeling of Strike-Slip Fault Rupture Propagation through Soft Soil Deposit and Embankment

Abstract

To explore the effect of strike-slip fault rupture propagation through soft soil deposit on embankment deformation, the authors performed dynamic response analyses by using the software ABAQUS. In the first step of their analysis, the authors discuss the effect of strike-slip fault rupture direction and velocity on the embankment deformation. The reason behind this is that in most studies fault rupture direction is assumed to be unilateral and its velocity is assumed to be slow, with linear changes occurring with time. As a result, in the study the authors assume that the fault rupture can be unilateral or bilateral, and that the fault rupture velocity changes with time. Results from the analyses show that the ground displacement is greater than the displacement on the top of the embankment regardless of the fault rupture direction and velocity; bilateral fault rupture produces greater embankment displacement than the unilateral fault rupture and an approximately symmetrical embankment deformation shape with respect to the fault location. If the increments of the fault rupture velocity change with the increase of time, the embankment deformation is different. For example, if the increment of the fault rupture velocity reduces with time, the situation shows that the embankment deformation is smaller than if the increments of the fault rupture velocity increase with time. From the study, the authors also obtained the worst-case fault rupture direction and velocity, which will be of assistance to engineers' design.