A Centrifuge Study of Seismic Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction on Liquefiable Ground and Implications for Design in Dense Urban Areas

Abstract

Current practice in seismic design often assumes free-field conditions for the estimation of liquefaction-induced building settlement. This is inaccurate, as a structure places additional stresses on the soil, resulting in changes to the spatial and temporal occurrence of liquefaction, accelerations, and deformations. Further complications arise in dense urban environments where closely spaced structures may interact through structure-soil-structure interaction (SSSI). Previous studies have shown that SSSI may have positive or negative effects on the response of adjacent structures in terms of permanent settlement, rotation, and flexural deformations. However, little is known regarding how to maximize the benefits of SSSI with minimal risk of adverse consequence. In this study, centrifuge tests were conducted on both isolated and closely spaced structures to identify how the building separation and ground motion characteristics affect the response of adjacent structures founded on a layered, liquefiable soil profile. Results indicate that properly planned configurations and interactions may be employed in combination with traditional mitigation strategies to improve the settlement-rotation response of adjacent structures, while also reducing the demand imposed on the superstructure.