Dynamic centrifuge modelling of the effect of a superstructure on the dynamic response of rigid inclusions

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Research on soil reinforcement by rigid inclusions (RI) combined with a Load Transfer Platform (LTP), has mainly focused on understanding the mechanisms and performance of reinforced soils under static loads. However, the use of this system can potentially alter the response of the soil and superstructure when subjected to seismic loading. In this context, dynamic centrifuge tests were performed in order to investigate the dynamic performance of this method of soft soil reinforcement and to provide an experimental database for numerical models. This paper discusses the dynamic efforts developed in a rigid inclusions (RI) reinforcement system supporting a slender structure by mean of two dynamic centrifuge tests performed at Gustave Eiffel University, France. The two small scaled models are constituted of a similar soil column reinforced by seven rigid inclusions. One of the tests involved the placement of a slender structure on top of the soil mass. The tests are conducted at a macro-gravity of 50g and both configurations are subjected to the same predetermined sequence of seismic events constituted of sinusoidal motions and multi-frequency earthquakes with different peak ground accelerations. Results are presented in terms of maximum bending dynamic bending moments, axial forces recorded in the instrumented RI such as the lateral displacement. Results reveal that the placement of the superstructure exerts little impact on RI bending moments and lateral displacements but induces larger axial force.

5th European Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ECPMG2024)

Onshore and offshore foundation systems