Shaking table study on the influence of ground motion frequency on the performance of MSE walls

Abstract

Three shaking table tests were carried out to investigate the influence of loading frequency on seismic performance of MSE walls constructed with full-height panel facing. Results of this study provide quantitative results on how base excitation frequency in combination with base acceleration amplitude could influence the dynamic response of these MSE walls relative to their deformations, earth pressures, acceleration amplifications and connection loads. Results indicate that model walls responded primarily in tilting mode. However, base sliding could also occur as an additional deformation mode at larger base excitation amplitudes, and at frequencies that are closer to the fundamental frequency of the wall, resulting in significant connection loads and other response characteristics. Findings of the study are compared with results from other studies and recommendations in design guidelines, as applicable.