A segmental shaking table test device for tunnels crossing active faults under coupled strong ground motion and fault dislocation
A segmental shaking table test device for tunnels crossing active faults under coupled strong ground motion and fault dislocation
Precise simulation of active fault hazards remains a critical challenge in investigating the seismic failure mechanisms of tunnels crossing faults, particularly in achieving controllable coupling between strong ground motion and fault displacement. This contribution describes a novel experimental methodology based on a dual-array shaking table platform for coupled seismicfault-displacement simulation. A tri-component test apparatus is developed, consisting of: (1) a Strong Ground MotionDislocation Coupling Loading System (SGDS) for integrated seismic excitation and fault displacement input, (2) a Detachable and Modular Linkage Device (DMLD) enabling flexible configuration of fault geometry and kinematic parameters, and (3) an Adjustable Deformation-Mode Segmented Box (ADMSB) serving as the soil container. The proposed apparatus allows controlled simulation of different fault deformation modes, including single-slip-plane and uniformly distributed dislocation. The applicability and reliability of the system are validated through free-field shaking table tests and three-dimensional numerical simulations under identical loading conditions. Good agreement in acceleration responses and residual displacement patterns demonstrates that the proposed apparatus can accurately reproduce coupled seismicfault-displacement effects. The proposed methodology provides a reliable and repeatable experimental platform for studying the dynamic response and damage evolution of tunnels crossing active faults under strong earthquakes.
Yibo Wei; Shuo Li; Haitao Yu
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 1: New facilities, new equipment, and measuring techniques
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-303