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Seismic stability analysis of piled embankments: A multiphase approach
Author(s) -
Thai Son Quang,
Hassen Ghazi,
de Buhan Patrick
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1096-9853
pISSN - 0363-9061
DOI - 10.1002/nag.816
Subject(s) - geotechnical engineering , finite element method , levee , structural engineering , pile , foundation (evidence) , geology , shear (geology) , seismic analysis , stability (learning theory) , limit analysis , upper and lower bounds , engineering , mathematics , computer science , petrology , archaeology , machine learning , history , mathematical analysis
The seismic stability analysis of an embankment lying over a soft foundation soil reinforced by a group of vertical piles is performed within the framework of the upper bound kinematic approach of yield design. The analysis is based on a previously developed ‘multiphase’ model of the reinforced ground, which explicitly accounts for the shear and bending resistances of the piles. Making use of appropriate failure mechanisms involving shear zones across which the reinforcements are continuously deforming, along with ‘plastic hinge’ surfaces, upper bound estimates to the critical seismic coefficient of the structure are derived. The results, which are confirmed by the simulations obtained from a finite element elastoplastic code, give clear evidence of the key role played by the bending strength capacities of the piles in ensuring the stability of the pile reinforced embankment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.