Free-field cyclic response of dense sands in dynamic centrifuge tests with 1D and 2D shaking

Alfonso Cerna-Diaz, Scott M. Olson, Ozgun A. Numanoglu, Youssef M.A. Hashash, Lopamudra Bhaumik, Cassandra J. Rutherford, Thomas Weaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The seismic performance of many nuclear power plant (NPP) structures depends on the cyclic shear stress-shear strain-volumetric strain behavior of dense, compacted coarse-grained soils used to support their foundations. However, when these deposits are thick, even relatively small volumetric strains can result in nontrivial settlements that can impact NPP structures. Here, we describe the results from dynamic centrifuge tests performed on thick layers (prototype thicknesses of 10.25 and 20.5 m) of saturated dense (relative density, Dr∼95%), Ottawa sand. Models were excited using unidirectional (1D) and bidirectional (2D) broadband motions (Arias intensities ranged from 0.1 to 5 m/s). Centrifuge test results indicate minor differences between 1D and 2D response spectra. In contrast, 2D shaking in dense sands caused increases in porewater pressure (PWP) generation and volumetric strains (εv) of approximately 200% compared to 1D shaking. These increases in PWP and εv were considerably larger than observed by others for loose sands.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGeotechnical Special Publication
EditorsThomas L. Brandon, Richard J. Valentine
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Pages121-130
Number of pages10
EditionGSP 281
ISBN (Electronic)9780784480489
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventGeotechnical Frontiers 2017 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Mar 12 2017Mar 15 2017

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
NumberGSP 281
Volume0
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Other

OtherGeotechnical Frontiers 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period3/12/173/15/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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