Experimental Study on Seismic Instability of Pile-Supported Structure Considering Different Ground Conditions

Abstract

The stability of pile-supported structures under earthquake loads involves complex dynamic soil–structure interaction (SSI). A series of large-scale shaking table experiments was performed to investigate the seismic performance and SSI of pile-supported structures considering different ground conditions. Lateral soil resistance and dynamic displacements of superstructures located in nonliquefiable and liquefiable sites as well as a rigid foundation were measured during shaking tests. The measured responses were analyzed to investigate the P-Δ effect on structural stability. It was observed that the soil lateral resistance to the pile cap at the nonliquefiable site was large and represented the main component of the lateral bearing capacity resisting structure overturning. On the other hand, the lateral resistance of liquefied soil on piles was insignificant and the lateral bearing capacity was derived primarily from soil resistance to pile cap. The analysis of the measured dynamic displacements demonstrated that the seismic instability of the structure was mainly due to the P-Δ effect caused by the rotation of the foundation, especially in liquefied sites. In addition, comparison with the results of base shears and bending moments with the rigid base assumption allows for an in-depth discussion of the effect of SSI on structural seismic design.