Reliquefaction behavior of sand and response of pile group subjected to repeated shaking sequence using centrifuge model experiments

Abstract

A series of centrifuge model experiments were performed in this study to investigate the sand reliquefaction behavior in free field and pile group models subjected to repeated shakings. Toyoura sand was used to prepare the model ground with 50 % relative density and experimented at 50g centrifugal acceleration. A 2 × 2 pile group model was used to examine the response of piles and its effect on sand reliquefaction during repeated shakings. A seismic sequence comprising foreshocks–mainshock–aftershocks–mainshock pattern was imparted to both free field and pile group models. In addition, an independent mainshock was imparted to a free field model and compared with the seismic sequence to examine the effect of foreshocks in triggering future liquefaction. Acceleration time response, excess pore pressure (EPP), ground subsidence, bending moment and lateral displacement of the pile group were measured. Significant de-amplification and unsymmetrical response with presence of shear-induced dilatancy spikes were observed in both free field and pile group models. Results from this study indicate that foreshocks and aftershocks are not sufficient to induce liquefaction. However, liquefaction and subsequent reliquefaction were recorded in both models during mainshocks. Pile group recorded smaller EPP response and subsidence compared to free field model. Higher magnitude of reliquefaction was induced even at moderate depths during the second mainshock at a quicker time. This was primarily associated with the increase in magnitude of anisotropy due to repeated generation and dissipation of pore water which results in decrease in resistance to further reliquefaction. Hardening induced around the vicinity of the pile group due to sand densification has resulted in smaller bending moment values during second mainshock compared to the first.