Performance of piles with different configurations subjected to slope deformation induced by seismic liquefaction

Abstract

Liquefaction-induced lateral ground deformation has been a common observation during many past earthquakes. Piles are widely used in liquefaction-prone areas, and their performance under such circumstances has become an important issue for researchers and engineers. Previous studies on this issue have focused primarily on piles located behind quay walls or in level ground conditions, which have considerably different boundary conditions compared to those of an inclined sloping ground condition that is more common for waterfront structures. This study presents a series of shaking table tests modeling the performance of piles subjected to liquefaction-induced slope deformation. Different pile configurations, including single piles, piles aligned in one row parallel to the direction of the slope, piles aligned in one row perpendicular to the direction of the slope, and piles in a 3×3 configuration, were tested. Several aspects regarding the behaviors of excess generation of pore water pressure, pile bending moment and lateral slope deformation under different pile configurations were revealed and discussed. The results obtained in this study can be used for validation of related numerical approaches, or as benchmarks that can further facilitate performance-based pile designs in liquefaction-prone areas.