Centrifuge Modeling of Single Piles in Sand Subjected to Dip-Slip Faulting

Abstract

Previous studies have found that pile foundations will be severely damaged when subjected to faulting. However, the pile–soil interaction mechanism is still unclear due to the lack of well-documented field observations and physical model tests. In this study, six centrifuge tests were conducted to investigate the interaction of single piles and sand subjected to dip-slip faulting and to discuss some influential factors, such as fault type, pile location, uplift ratio, pile stiffness, and sand density. The responses of piles are sensitive to fault type, pile location, and uplift ratio. Piles in a reverse fault experience much larger internal forces than those in a normal fault. The fault deformation causes large internal forces on piles located within the fault zone, whereas those out of the fault zone are practically not affected. The outcropping of ruptures is a critical state for the behavior of piles both in reverse and normal faults. After outcropping, further fault movement does not cause the increment of pile bending moment, implying the maximum horizontal load is applied at the time of outcropping.