Analysis and seismic tests of composite shear walls with CFST columns and steel plate deep beams

A composite shear wall concept based on concrete filled steel tube （CFST） columns and steel plate （SP） deep beams is proposed and examined in this study. The new wall is composed of three different energy dissipation elements： CFST columns; SP deep beams; and reinforced concrete （RC） strips. The RC strips are intended to allow the core structural elements - the CFST columns and SP deep beams - to work as a single structure to consume energy. Six specimens of different configurations were tested under cyclic loading. The resulting data are analyzed herein. In addition, numerical simulations of the stress and damage processes for each specimen were carried out, and simulations were completed for a range of location and span-height ratio variations for the SP beams. The simulations show good agreement with the test results. The core structure exhibits a ductile yielding mechanism characteristic of strong column-weak beam structures, hysteretic curves are plump and the composite shear wall exhibits several seismic defense lines. The deformation of the shear wall specimens with encased CFST column and SP deep beam design appears to be closer to that of entire shear walls. Establishing optimal design parameters for the configuration of SP deep beams is pivotal to the best seismic behavior of the wall. The new composite shear wall is therefore suitable for use in the seismic design of building structures.

Sedimentary microfacies of the H8 member in the Su14 3D seismic test area

The distribution of sedimentary microfacies in the eighth member of the Shihezi formation（the H8 member） in the Sul4 3D seismic test area was investigated.A Support Vector Machine（SVM） model was introduced for the first time as a way of predicting sandstone thickness in the study area.The model was constructed by analysis and optimization of measured seismic attributes.The distribution of the sedimentary microfacies in the study area was determined from predicted sandstone thickness and an analysis of sedimentary characteristics of the area.The results indicate that sandstone thickness predictions in the study area using an SVM method are good.The distribution of the sedimentary microfacies in the study area has been depicted at a fine scale.

Studies on parallel seismic testing for integrity of cemented soil columns

The principle and process of parallel seismic (PS) testing for the integrity testing of cemented soil columns are in- troduced in this paper. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model (FEM) for the pile-soil system is established for impulse responses. Under saturated soil or unsaturated soil condition, several vibrating velocity-time histories at different depths in parallel hole are obtained based on the numerical simulation. It shows that the length of the pile and the one-dimensional (1D) P-wave velocity in the pile can be determined easily from the features of the mentioned velocity-time histories. By examining the slopes of the first arrival time plotted versus depth or the depth where the amplitude of the first arrival significantly decreases, the length of the pile can be determined. The effects of the 3D P-wave propagation through the saturated soil and the defect of the cemented soil column on the velocity-time histories are also investigated.

Pseudo-dynamic tests on masonry residential buildings seismically retrofitted by precast steel reinforced concrete walls

A retrofitting technology using precast steel reinforced concrete（PSRC） panels is developed to improve the seismic performance of old masonry buildings. The PSRC panels are built up as an external PSRC wall system surrounding the existing masonry building. The PSRC walls are well connected to the existing masonry building, which provides enough confinement to effectively improve the ductility, strength, and stiffenss of old masonry structures. The PSRC panels are prefabricated in a factory, significantly reducing the situ work and associated construction time. To demonstrate the feasibility and mechanical effectivenss of the proposed retrofitting system, a full-scale five-story specimen was constructed. The retrofitting process was completed within five weeks with very limited indoor operation. The specimen was then tested in the lateral direction, which could potentially suffer sigifnicant damage in a large earthquake. The technical feasibility, construction workability, and seismic performance were thoroughly demonstrated by a full-scale specimen construction and pseudo-dynamic tests.

Generalized Rydelek-Sacks test for distinguishing between periodic and randompatterns in seismicity

For distinguishing the periodicity of strong earthquakes on the time scale of decades, we generalized the Rydelek-Sacks test (R) delek. Sacks. 1989) to explore whether a time series is modulated by a periodic process or not. Thetest is conducted by comparing the total phasor of seismicity with that produced by a random Brownian motion.The phdse angle is defined by the origin time of earthquakes relative to a reference time scale. Using this methodwe tested two hypotheses in geodynamics and earthquake prediction study. One is the hypothesis of Romanowicz( 1993 ) who proposed that the great earthquakes alternate in a predictable fashion between strike-slip and thrustingmechanisms oil a 20~30 years cycle. The other hypothesis is that the strong earthquakes in and around China havean active period of about ten years. The test obtains a negative conclusion for the former hypothesis and a positiveconclusion for the latter at the 93% confidence level.

Global test of seismic static stress triggering model

Seismic static stress triggering model is tested using Harvard centroid moment tensor (CMT) solution catalogue of 1976~2000 and concept of earthquake doublet. Result shows that seismic static stress triggering effect does exist in the view of global earthquakes, but the effect is very weak. Dividing the earthquakes into thrust focal mechanism, normal focal mechanism, strike-slip focal mechanism, we find that non-strike-slip focal mechanism earthquakes have significant triggering effect, whereas, the triggering effect in strike-slip focal mechanism earthquakes is not obvious. Divided the subsequent events delay time of earthquake doublet into 5 classes of t1, t<1, t10, t<10, 1t10 (t is in unit of d), then seismic static stress triggering effect does not change with delay time in short time period after earthquakes. The research on seismic static stress triggering in different regions of the world indicates that triggering effect is significant in subduction belts. Seismic static stress triggering model is tested by using earthquake doublets in China and its adjacent region. The result indicates that seismic static stress triggering effect cannot be observed easily in China and its adjacent region due to the seismic focal mechanism type (most of the earthquakes are strike-slip earthquakes).

Soil Liquefaction Hazard Evaluation by the New Seismic Dilatometer Marchetti Test （SDMT）

Soil liquefaction, and the permanent deformations that frequently result from it, have caused significant damage in past earthquakes. The procedures used in contemporary geotechnical earthquake engineering practice are generally based on simplified procedures for the evaluation of the liquefaction potential. The work describes a framework for performance-based earthquake engineering and its use in the development of a performance-based procedure for liquefaction hazard evaluation. The performance-based procedure will be used to show how consistent application of conventional procedures for evaluation of liquefaction potential can influence performance prediction. Implications for liquefaction-resistant design will also be discussed. The purpose is to summarize current procedures for practical prediction of liquefaction behavior, to describe recent advances in the understanding of liquefaction behavior, and to describe the incorporation of this improved understanding into new solutions for detailed modeling of soil liquefaction, Simplified procedures for evaluation of liquefaction hazards will be reviewed relatively briefly, with more details devoted to emerging knowledge about the mechanics of liquefiable soil behavior, and methods for incorporating those mechanics into improved models for performance prediction. In particular it focuses about the influence on the evaluation of Cyclic Resistance Ratio （CRR） by different in-situ tests （Cone Penetration Test （CPT）. Standard Penetration Test （SPT） and Seismic Dilatometer Marchetti Test （SDMT）） and by different shear waves velocity measurements （Down Hole D-H. Cross Hole C-H, Seismic Dilatometer Marchetti Test SDMT）.

Seismic performance evaluation of an infilled rocking wall frame structure through quasi-static cyclic testing

Earthquake investigations have illustrated that even code-compliant reinforced concrete frames may suffer from soft-story mechanism.This damage mode results in poor ductility and limited energy dissipation.Continuous components offer alternatives that may avoid such failures.A novel infilled rocking wall frame system is proposed that takes advantage of continuous component and rocking characteristics.Previous studies have investigated similar systems that combine a reinforced concrete frame and a wall with rocking behavior used.However,a large-scale experimental study of a reinforced concrete frame combined with a rocking wall has not been reported.In this study,a seismic performance evaluation of the newly proposed infilled rocking wall frame structure was conducted through quasi-static cyclic testing.Critical joints were designed and verified.Numerical models were established and calibrated to estimate frame shear forces.The results evaluation demonstrate that an infilled rocking wall frame can effectively avoid soft-story mechanisms.Capacity and initial stiffness are greatly improved and self-centering behavior is achieved with the help of the infilled rocking wall.Drift distribution becomes more uniform with height.Concrete cracks and damage occurs in desired areas.The infilled rocking wall frame offers a promising approach to achieving seismic resilience.

Seismic responses of the steel-strip reinforced soil retaining wall with full-height rigid facing from shaking table test

To investigate the seismic response of the steel-strip reinforced soil retaining wall with fullheight rigid facing in terms of the acceleration in the backfill, dynamic earth pressure in the backfill, the displacements on the facing and the dynamic reinforcement strain distribution under different peak acceleration, a large 1-g shaking table test was performed on a reduced-scale reinforced-earth retaining wall model. It was observed that the acceleration response in non-strip region is greater than that in potential fracture region which is similar with the stability region under small earthquake,while the acceleration response in potential fracture region is greater than that in stability region in middle-upper of the wall under moderately strong earthquakes. The potential failure model of the rigid wall is rotating around the wall toe. It also was discovered that the Fourier spectra produced by the inputting white noises after seismic wave presents double peaks, rather than original single peak, and the frequency of the second peak trends to increase with increasing the PGA(peak ground amplitude) of the excitation which is greater than 0.4 g. Additionally,the non-liner distribution of strip strain along the strips was observed, and the distribution trend was not constant in different row. Soil pressure peak value in stability region is larger than that in potential fracture region. The wall was effective under 0.1 g-0.3 g seismic wave according to the analyses of the facing displacement and relative density. Also, it was discovered that the potential failure surface is corresponds to that in design code, but the area is larger. The results from the study can provide guidance for a more rational design of reinforced earth retaining walls with full-height rigid facing in the earthquake zone.

Earthquake simulation test of circular reinforced concrete bridge column under multidirectional seismic excitation

Structures behave multi-directionally when subjected to earthquake excitation. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the effect of multidirectional loading on the dynamic response and seismic performance of reinforced concrete bridge columns in order to develop more advanced and reliable design procedures. To investigate such effects, a 1/4 scaled circular reinforced concrete bridge column specimen was tested under two horizontal and one vertical components of a strong motion that has long duration with several strong pulses. Damage progress of reinforced concrete columns subjected to strong excitation was evaluated from the test. The test results demonstrate that the lateral force response in the principal directions become smaller than computed flexural capacity due to the bilateral flexural loading effects, and that the lateral response is not significantly affected by the fluctuation of the axial force because the horizontal response and axial force barely reached the maximum simultaneously due to difference of the predominant natural periods between the vertical and the horizontal directions. Accuracy of fiber analyses is discussed using the test results.

Setup and application of a structural seismic hybrid simulation system on local area network

To implement structural hybrid simulation independent of the control system of any testing equipment in civil engineering, an external command control approach is put forward. Several setup technologies and the corresponding API approaches are investigated to simultaneously combine numerical simulation with physical testing. Hybrid program technology is put forward and described in detail, using Visual C++ program to effectively and accurately control testing equipment and MATLAB program to implement numerical simulation with easy extension. The control program of testing equipment and numerical simulation program are integrated by calling MATLAB engine in Visual C++. A hybrid simulation about a full-scale six-story masonry structure is carried out. The testing results manifest that the external command control approach has the versatility because of simple hardware connection and control program independent on control software of testing equipment; powerful program function of Visual C++ and flexible program of MATLAB are integrated by hybrid program technology; hybrid simulation system provides a realistic and cost-effective testing platform that enables earthquake engineer researchers to accurately and efficiently capture the seismic performance of large or complex structures without having to carry out physical testing of the entire structure.

Behavior of braced excavation in sand under a seismic condition: experimental and numerical studies

The behavior of braced excavation in dry sand under a seismic condition is investigated in this paper.A series of shake table tests on a reduced scale model of a retaining wall with one level of bracing were conducted to study the effect of different design parameters such as excavation depth,acceleration amplitude and wall stiffness.Numerical analyses using FLAC 2D were also performed considering one level of bracing.The strut forces,lateral displacements and bending moments in the wall at the end of earthquake motion were compared with experimental results.The study showed that in a post-seismic condition,when other factors were constant,lateral displacement,bending moment,strut forces and maximum ground surface displacement increased with excavation depth and the amplitude of base acceleration.The study also showed that as wall stiffness decreased,the lateral displacement of the wall and ground surface displacement increased,but the bending moment of the wall and strut forces decreased.The net earth pressure behind the walls was influenced by excavation depth and the peak acceleration amplitude,but did not change significantly with wall stiffness.Strut force was the least affected parameter when compared with others under a seismic condition.

Regional seismicity triggered by the HyogoKen Nanbu, Japan, M=7.2 earthquake on January 17, 1995

The time and spatial feature of the regional seismicity triggered by the Hyogo-Ken Nanbu, Japan, M=7.2 earthquake on January 17, 1995, was studied. The concerned region is about several hundred kilometers in length and breadth surrounding the epicenter (33°-37°N, 133°-138°E). It is divided into 16 subregions. The seismicity of these subregions from January of 1976 to June of 1996 has been analyzed. It is showed that, 1) there were significant seismicity changes in 10 subregions triggered by the Hyogo-Ken Nanbu, Japan, M=7.2 earthquake on January 17, 1995. These changes passed a Z statistic test exceeding 0.95 confidence level and the greatest epicenter distance of these subregions was 280 km; 2) seismicity changes were triggered within 1-5 days in three subregions near the main shock while in other subregions the seismicity changes were triggered within several ten days after the main shock; 3) the greatest triggered event is 5.4, which is about the same size as the greatest aftershock; 4) the regional stress change resulted from the main shock may be the triggered mechanism of the regional seismicity.

Shaking table test and dynamic response prediction on an earthquake-damaged RC building

This paper presents the results from shaking table tests of a one-tenth-scale reinforced concrete (RC) building model.The test model is a protype of a building that was seriously damaged during the 1985 Mexico earthquake.The input ground excitation used during the test was from the records obtained near the site of the prototype building during the 1985 and 1995 Mexico earthquakes.The tests showed that the damage pattern of the test model agreed well with that of the prototype building.Analytical prediction of earthquake response has been conducted for the prototype building using a sophisticated 3-D frame model.The input motion used for the dynamic analysis was the shaking table test measurements with similarity transformation.The comparison of the analytical results and the shaking table test results indicates that the response of the RC building to minor and the moderate earthquakes can be predicated well.However,there is difference between the predication and the actual response to the major earthquake.

Shake table testing of a multi-tower connected hybrid structure

Many single-tower reinforced concrete core wall-steel frame （RCC-SF） buildings have been built in China, but there are no buildings of different-height multi-tower hybrid system. A multi-tower RCC-SF tall building was thus studied because of its structural complexity and irregularity. First, a 1/15 scaled model structure was designed and tested on the shake table under minor, moderate, and major earthquake levels. Then, the dynamic responses of the model structure were interpreted to those of the prototype structure according to the similitude theory. Experimental results demonstrate that, despite the complexity of the structure, the lateral deformation bends as the ＂bending type＂ and the RC core walls contribute more than the steel frames to resist seismic loads. The maximum inter-story drift of the complex building under minor earthquakes is slightly beyond the elastic limitation specified in the Chinese code, and meets code requirements under major earthquakes. From the test results some suggestions are provided that could contribute favorable effect on the seismic behavior and the displacement of the building.

Seismic behavior of concrete filled steel tubular arch structures

Shaking table tests of a 1:10 scale arch model performed to investigate the seismic behavior and resistance of concrete filled steel tubular (CFT) arch structures are described in this paper. The El-Centro record and Shanghai artificial wave were adopted as the input excitation. The entire test process can be divided into three stages depending on the lateral brace configurations, i.e., fully (five) braced, two braces removed, and all braces removed. A total of 46 tests, starting from the elastic state to failure condition, have been conducted. The natural vibration frequencies, responses of acceleration, displacement and strain were measured. From the test results, it is demonstrated that the CFT arch structures are capable of resisting severe ground motions and that CFT arches offer a credible alternative to reinforced concrete arches, especially in regions of high seismic intensity.

Seismic response of continuous span bridges through fiber-based finite element analysis

It is widely recognized that nonlinear time-history analysis constitutes the most accurate way to simulate the response of structures subjected to strong levels of seismic excitation. This analytical method is based on sound underlying principles and has the capability to reproduce the intrinsic inelastic dynamic behavior of structures. Nonetheless, comparisons with experimental results from large-scale testing of structures are still needed, in order to ensure adequate levels of confidence in this numerical methodology. The fiber modelling approach employed in the current endeavor inherently accounts for geometric nonlinearities and material inelasticity, without a need for calibration of plastic hinges mechanisms, typical in concentrated plasticity models. The resulting combination of analysis accuracy and modelling simplicity, allows thus to overcome the perhaps not fully justifiable sense of complexity associated to nonlinear dynamic analysis. The fiber-based modelling approach is employed in the framework of a finite element program downloaded from the Intemet for seismic response analysis of framed structures. The reliability and accuracy of the program are demonstrated by numerically reproducing pseudo-dynamic tests on a four span continuous deck concrete bridge. Modelling assumptions are discussed, together with their implications on numerical results of the nonlinear time-history analyses, which were found to be in good agreement with experimental results.

Seismic performances of dyke on liquefiable soils

Various field investigations of earthquake disaster cases have confirmed that earthquake-induced liquefaction is a main factor causing significant damage to dyke,research on seismic performances of dyke is thus of great importance.In this paper,seismic responses of dyke on liquefiable soils were investigated by means of dynamic centrifuge model tests and three-dimensional（3D） effective stress analysis method which is based on a multiple shear mechanism model and a liquefaction front.For the prototype scale centrifuge tests,sine wave input motions with peak accelerations 0.806 m/s2,1.790 m/s2 and 3.133 m/s2 of varied amplitudes were adopted to study the seismic performances of dyke on the saturated soil layer foundation with relative density of approximately 30%.Then,corresponding numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the distribution and variations of deformation,acceleration,excess pore-water pressure（EPWP）,and behaviors of shear dilatancy in the dyke and the liquefiable soil foundation.Moreover,detailed discussions and comparisons between numerical simulations and centrifuge tests were also presented.It is concluded that the computed results have a good agreement with the measured results by centrifuge tests.The physical and numerical models both indicate that the dyke hosted on liquefiable soils subjected to earthquake motions has exhibited larger settlement and lateral spread：the stronger the motion is,the larger the dyke deformation is.Compared to soils in the deep ground under the dyke and the free field,the EPWP ratio is much smaller in the shallow liquefiable soil beneath the dyke in spite of large deformation produced.For the same overburden depth soil from free site and the liquefiable foundation beneath dyke,the characteristics of effective stress path and stress-strain relations are different.All these results may be of theoretical and practical significance for seismic design of the dyke on liquefiable soils.

Shaking table tests and dynamic analyses of masonry wall buildings with frame-shear walls at lower stories

This paper describes shaking table tests of three eight-story building models： all are masonry structures in the upper stories, with or without frame-shear walls of one- or two- stories at the bottom. The test results of damage characteristics and seismic responses are provided and compared. Then, nonlinear response analyses are conducted to examine the reliability of the dynamic analysis. Finally, many nonlinear response analyses are performed and it is concluded that for relatively hard sites under a certain lateral stiffness ratio （i.e., the ratio of the stiffness of the lowest upper masonry story to that of the frame- shear wall story）, the masonry structure with one-story frame-shear wall at the bottom performs better than a structure built entirely of masonry, and a masonry structure with frame-shear wall of two stories performs better than with one-story frame- shear wall. In relatively soft soil conditions, all three structures have similar performane. In addition, some suggestions that could be helpful for design of masonry structures with ground story of frame-shear wall structure in seismic intensity region VII, such as the appropriate lateral stiffness ratio, shear force increase factor of the frame-shear wall story, and permissible maximum height of the building, are proposed.

Influence of pile spacing on seismic response of piled raft in soft clay: centrifuge modeling

In order to study the infl uence of pile spacing on the seismic response of piled raft in soft clay, a series of shaking table tests were conducted by using a geotechnical centrifuge. The dynamic behavior of acceleration, displacement and internal forces was examined. The test results indicate that the seismic acceleration responses of models are generally greater than the surrounding soil surface in the period ranges of 2–10 seconds. Foundation instant settlements for 4×4 and 3×3 piled raft (with pile spacing equal to 4 and 6 times pile diameter) are somewhat close to each other at the end of the earthquake, but reconsolidation settlements are greater for 3×3 piled raft. The seismic acceleration of superstructure, the uneven settlement of the foundation and the maximum bending moment of pile are relatively lower for 3×3 piled raft. Successive earthquakes lead to the softening behavior of soft clay, which causes a reduction of the pile bearing capacity and thus loads are transferred from the pile group to the raft. For the case of a 3×3 piled raft, there is relatively smaller change of the load sharing ratio of the pile group and raft after the earthquake and the distribution of maximum bending moments at the pile head is more uniform.