Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
3.3. EFFECT OFINCREASE INEARTH PRESSURES
ON BURIED STRUCTURES
Analysis of a buried RC structure was also performed (Wang et al., 2006). The cross
section of a model RC structure for centrifuge tests is shown Figure 13.9. The effective
stress analysis using the finite element mesh shown in Figure 13.10 resulted in the good
agreementwiththemeasuredresponseofsoil-structuresystemasshowninFigure13.11.
Thecomputedresults,inparticular,showedgradualincreaseinthelateralearthpressures
in association with the increase in excess pore water pressure, and finally reached to the
averagelevelthatcoincideswiththeinitialverticaltotalstress.Theresultingdeformation
of RC structure, as shown in Figure 13.12, indicates the important failure mechanism, in
that the plastic hinges first appear in the corners of the RC cross section, and gradually
induces the plastic region towards the center of the side walls due to the cyclic effects
as well as the gradual increase in lateral earth pressure mentioned earlier. This gradual
increase in the lateral earth pressure should never be ignored in design of underground
structures.
Fig. 13.9. Cross section of buried structure model for centrifuge test
Fig. 13.10. Finite element mesh for analysis
