Abstract
To investigate more fully seismic behaviour of the Qinghai-Tibet railway embankment, a comprehensive discussion and a781nalysis is conducted in this paper by applying a numerical technique. Specifically, the one dimensional equivalent linear ground response analysis was conducted in permafrost regions. On this basis, the seismic response of a typical railway embankment was further studied by applying the nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis method. As a result, nonlinear behaviour of permafrost sites was determined, and the dynamic acceleration, velocity and displacement of the embankment was discussed and the quantitative assessment was approximately estimated. The results indicate that the dynamic response of the embankment has distinct nonlinear characteristics. The peak ground acceleration coefficient at the embankment shoulder is larger than the natural ground surface, marking a 73% increase compared to the coefficient on the natural ground surface. When the seismic intensity reaches a certain value, a plastic zone gradually appears in the embankment, and a continuous extension of the plastic zone can be noted with an increase in peak acceleration of the input seismic wave. The findings of this research may provide an additional insight and have significant implications for further research of cold regions.
Highlights
Permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, refers to the ground that has had a temperature lower than 0°C continuously for at least two consecutive years
The results indicate that the dynamic response of the embankment has distinct nonlinear characteristics
This paper presents a quantitative assessment of the seismic response of sites considering the active layer thermal state
Summary
Permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, refers to the ground that has had a temperature lower than 0°C continuously for at least two consecutive years. The soil temperature exerts a large influence on the shear modulus and damping ratio. Such change in dynamic soil properties may significantly alter the seismic site response, as well as the seismic response of the infrastructure. Yang et al [14] studied ground motion characteristics in permafrost regions of Alaska by using one-dimensional equivalent linear analysis. Chen et al [16] discussed the impact of permafrost change on the seismic site response and concluded that ground motion parameters were significantly impacted by permafrost and active layer thickness. In previous related researches in permafrost regions, most seismic responses of permafrost sites are studied based on the one-dimensional model only, and are rarely connected to the response of the infrastructure in cold regions.
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