Seismic response of the anchored frame beam reinforced slopes in seasonally frozen regions: Shaking table test and numerical analysis

Abstract

Frame beam-anchor geotechnical structures are increasingly utilized to reinforce slopes in earthquake prone areas. Their dynamic responses have been thoroughly explored. However, the influence of seasonal variation in seasonally frozen regions has been largely ignored. This paper investigates the seismic response of slopes reinforced with anchored frame beams, considering the combined effects of seasonal change and earthquakes. This is achieved through a series of shaking table tests and numerical simulations. The findings reveal that the seismic responses, including acceleration response and displacement response, are more pronounced in the warm season than in the cold season. Conversely, the total axial force of the anchors and the bending moment of the frame columns are greater in the cold season. During the warm season, the frame-anchor slope support system exhibits “high-frequency filtering and low-frequency amplification”, while the spectral characteristics in the cold season are reversed. Thus, in the seismic design of such systems in seasonally frozen regions, it is crucial to consider slope deformation in the warm season to prevent damage from excessive acceleration or displacement. Additionally, the internal forces of the anchor frame structure must be checked in the cold season to avoid mechanical failures due to the combined impact of earthquakes and freezing effects. These insights offer valuable recommendations for improving the seismic design of frame beam-anchor structures in seasonally frozen regions and pave the way for further research on the seismic responses of various retaining slope structures in these areas.