Effect of the wave length on the dynamic response of embedded retaining walls

Authors

  • Bogart Méndez Rizzo Associates Chile, Chile
  • Diego Rivera Rizzo Associates Inc., USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-28132015000100010

Keywords:

wave length, dynamic soil pressures, retaining walls

Abstract

In the dynamic response of embedded retaining walls, there is a potential effect of the wavelength/height ratio λ/H over seismic pressures exerted on the wall. This paper addresses this issue, bearing in mind that in the case of underground structures, dynamic motion can be amplified when wavelengths range between 1 and 4 times their diameter. The work herein presented analyzes a coarse granular soil profile, similar to that found in Santiago. A non-linear constitutive model is used coupled with hysteretic damping. The initial shear wave velocity profile corresponds to Vs in the first 30 m depth with values representative of gravelly material of Santiago basin. The numerical model developed uses free field lateral boundaries (compatible with non-linear soil behavior), absorbing boundary at the bottom and interface elements between the soil and the wall to account for static and dynamic interaction. Input motion corresponds to both harmonic time series and a rock motion characteristic of Chile earthquakes. The motions were applied to the model's base. Free field model response was compared to one dimensional wave propagation analysis and dynamic earth pressures were compared to Mononobe-Okabe calculations to investigate the λ/H range were its performance is adequate for the design of these type of structures.

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Published

2015-06-01

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Articles

How to Cite

Effect of the wave length on the dynamic response of embedded retaining walls. (2015). Obras Y Proyectos, 17, 79-87. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-28132015000100010