Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110124
Abilash Pokhrel , Gabriele Chiaro
Case histories from more than 30 earthquakes worldwide have shown that liquefaction can occur in gravelly soils (both in natural deposits and manmade reclamations), resulting in large ground deformation and severe damage to civil infrastructure. However, evaluating the liquefaction potential and cyclic strain accumulation characteristics of gravelly soils remains a major challenge in geotechnical earthquake engineering. In this study, to provide new insights into this important topic, a series of stress-controlled undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed, along with bender element shear wave velocity (VS) measurements, on reconstituted specimens of sand-gravel mixtures (SGM) with varying gravel contents (GC) and relative densities (Dr). The experimental results indicated that both GC and Dr have significant effects on the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) and VS of SGMs, and both parameters should be considered jointly when evaluating the cyclic response, as similar macroscopic behavior can result from different combinations of density state and particle-size composition. Laboratory-based GC-specific CRR-VS correlations were also developed and found to be consistent with existing VS-based liquefaction triggering relationships derived from gravelly soil case histories.
{"title":"Correlation between liquefaction resistance and shear wave velocity of sand-gravel mixtures: An experimental investigation","authors":"Abilash Pokhrel , Gabriele Chiaro","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Case histories from more than 30 earthquakes worldwide have shown that liquefaction can occur in gravelly soils (both in natural deposits and manmade reclamations), resulting in large ground deformation and severe damage to civil infrastructure. However, evaluating the liquefaction potential and cyclic strain accumulation characteristics of gravelly soils remains a major challenge in geotechnical earthquake engineering. In this study, to provide new insights into this important topic, a series of stress-controlled undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed, along with bender element shear wave velocity (<em>V</em><sub>S</sub>) measurements, on reconstituted specimens of sand-gravel mixtures (SGM) with varying gravel contents (<em>G</em><sub>C</sub>) and relative densities (<em>D</em><sub>r</sub>). The experimental results indicated that both <em>G</em><sub>C</sub> and <em>D</em><sub>r</sub> have significant effects on the cyclic resistance ratio (<em>CRR</em>) and <em>V</em><sub>S</sub> of SGMs, and both parameters should be considered jointly when evaluating the cyclic response, as similar macroscopic behavior can result from different combinations of density state and particle-size composition. Laboratory-based <em>G</em><sub>C</sub>-specific <em>CRR</em>-<em>V</em><sub>S</sub> correlations were also developed and found to be consistent with existing <em>V</em><sub>S</sub>-based liquefaction triggering relationships derived from gravelly soil case histories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110132
Tianyu Shi , Qiang Ma , Zichen Zhang
Building on unsaturated porous-medium theory, a semi-analytical solution, via a Fourier–Bessel series, is developed for SV wave scattering by a circular-arc depositional canyon. The effects of geometry, incidence angle, frequency, saturation and thickness of the half-space and cover layer on the surface-displacement response are systematically evaluated. Under normal incidence, the scattered field is symmetric about the canyon axis; prominent peaks occur at the shoulders (), whereas vertical displacement at the canyon floor remains low. With increasing incidence angle, the response becomes strongly asymmetric, with greater peak amplification on the shadow side. Increasing frequency densifies spatial oscillations and increases peak amplitudes; amplification concentrates inside the canyon and near the shoulders, and a semicircular geometry yields a broader oscillation band with higher peaks. Sensitivity analysis indicates that half-space saturation primarily affects the vertical component—especially at the shoulders—whereas cover layer saturation more strongly modulates the horizontal component. As , the curves away from the canyon nearly coincide, indicating negligible far-field differences. A thicker cover layer strengthens amplification inside the canyon and at the shoulders and produces denser oscillations, whereas an extremely thin cover layer rapidly suppresses the response.
{"title":"SV wave scattering by a circular-arc depositional canyon in an unsaturated site","authors":"Tianyu Shi , Qiang Ma , Zichen Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110132","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110132","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Building on unsaturated porous-medium theory, a semi-analytical solution, via a Fourier–Bessel series, is developed for SV wave scattering by a circular-arc depositional canyon. The effects of geometry, incidence angle, frequency, saturation and thickness of the half-space and cover layer on the surface-displacement response are systematically evaluated. Under normal incidence, the scattered field is symmetric about the canyon axis; prominent peaks occur at the shoulders (<span><math><mrow><mi>x</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>a</mi><mo>≈</mo><mo>±</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>), whereas vertical displacement at the canyon floor remains low. With increasing incidence angle, the response becomes strongly asymmetric, with greater peak amplification on the shadow side. Increasing frequency densifies spatial oscillations and increases peak amplitudes; amplification concentrates inside the canyon and near the shoulders, and a semicircular geometry yields a broader oscillation band with higher peaks. Sensitivity analysis indicates that half-space saturation primarily affects the vertical component—especially at the shoulders—whereas cover layer saturation more strongly modulates the horizontal component. As <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>S</mi><mi>r</mi></msub><mo>→</mo><mn>0.99</mn></mrow></math></span>, the <span><math><mrow><mo>|</mo><msub><mi>u</mi><mi>x</mi></msub><mo>|</mo></mrow></math></span> curves away from the canyon nearly coincide, indicating negligible far-field differences. A thicker cover layer strengthens amplification inside the canyon and at the shoulders and produces denser oscillations, whereas an extremely thin cover layer rapidly suppresses the response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110132"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110146
Zheng Lu , Tianyi Lou , Mengyao Zhou , Dianchao Wang , Jundong Fu
Conventional control strategies for semi-active impact dampers (SAIDs) rely on the precise prediction of the structure's return to static equilibrium position, limiting their applicability under complex excitations. To address these limitations, this study proposes a fuzzy control-enhanced SAID (FSAID) with a relay genetic algorithm (GA) optimized fuzzy controller. The efficacy of the proposed control strategy and its GA-based optimization is validated. This method introduces a novel fuzzy control strategy for the SAID system which operates independently of physical models. The damping performance of the FSAID and SAID is systematically compared in structures subjected to seismic and wind excitations. Under seismic waves, the FSAID achieves improvements up to 41.76 % and 30.28 % in peak and root mean square displacement reduction compared to the conventional SAID, respectively. Under wind loads, both the FSAID and SAID exhibit a decrease in the mass block's impact frequency compared to seismic scenarios. The SAID exhibits significantly reduced or nearly loss of its effectiveness, while the FSAID system maintains superior control performance of 14 %–22 % in displacement reduction. These results demonstrate the stronger robustness and adaptability of FSAID system in mitigating structural vibrations under diverse excitations.
{"title":"Semi-active impact damper with genetic algorithm-optimized fuzzy control for structural vibration reduction under various excitations","authors":"Zheng Lu , Tianyi Lou , Mengyao Zhou , Dianchao Wang , Jundong Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional control strategies for semi-active impact dampers (SAIDs) rely on the precise prediction of the structure's return to static equilibrium position, limiting their applicability under complex excitations. To address these limitations, this study proposes a fuzzy control-enhanced SAID (FSAID) with a relay genetic algorithm (GA) optimized fuzzy controller. The efficacy of the proposed control strategy and its GA-based optimization is validated. This method introduces a novel fuzzy control strategy for the SAID system which operates independently of physical models. The damping performance of the FSAID and SAID is systematically compared in structures subjected to seismic and wind excitations. Under seismic waves, the FSAID achieves improvements up to 41.76 % and 30.28 % in peak and root mean square displacement reduction compared to the conventional SAID, respectively. Under wind loads, both the FSAID and SAID exhibit a decrease in the mass block's impact frequency compared to seismic scenarios. The SAID exhibits significantly reduced or nearly loss of its effectiveness, while the FSAID system maintains superior control performance of 14 %–22 % in displacement reduction. These results demonstrate the stronger robustness and adaptability of FSAID system in mitigating structural vibrations under diverse excitations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110146"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110066
Danda Shi , Jinzhong Niu , Zhiming Chao , Gary Fowmes
Calcareous sand, commonly used as a foundation material in ocean engineering, is prone to degradation under cyclic loading. Numerous studies have confirmed that geogrid reinforcement can resist deformation. However, the macro- and micro-mechanical characteristics of reinforced calcareous sand are still insufficient. In this study, the 3D laser scanning techniques were employed to capture the actual shapes of calcareous sand particles, and then the strength of particles with different sizes was calibrated through a series of single-particle breakage experiments. Additionally, a series of numerical triaxial cyclic shear tests were conducted with varying geogrid configurations and cyclic stress ratios (CSR). The relationships between the macroscopic and microscopic mechanical characteristics of geogrid-reinforced calcareous sand were investigated. The main conclusions are as follows: Geogrid reinforcement increases particle contacts and enhances structural integrity, which makes coordination number, fabric and force anisotropies exhibit higher values than unreinforced samples, while particle breakage reduces these parameters. Two distinct patterns are exhibited under different cyclic stress ratios: under the low CSR of 0.6, the cumulative plastic strain stabilizes and relative breakage ratio also remains nearly constant; while under the high CSR of 1.8, the cumulative plastic strain and the relative breakage ratio increase continuously, the coordination number decreases due to contact loss after particle rearrangement because particle breakage occurs continuously. The number of crushed particles varies with the shapes, and the order of breakage number is Branch > Flake > Block > Spindle.
{"title":"DEM investigation of realistic particle shape and particle breakage on the mechanical characteristics of geogrid-reinforced calcareous sand under cyclic loading","authors":"Danda Shi , Jinzhong Niu , Zhiming Chao , Gary Fowmes","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Calcareous sand, commonly used as a foundation material in ocean engineering, is prone to degradation under cyclic loading. Numerous studies have confirmed that geogrid reinforcement can resist deformation. However, the macro- and micro-mechanical characteristics of reinforced calcareous sand are still insufficient. In this study, the 3D laser scanning techniques were employed to capture the actual shapes of calcareous sand particles, and then the strength of particles with different sizes was calibrated through a series of single-particle breakage experiments. Additionally, a series of numerical triaxial cyclic shear tests were conducted with varying geogrid configurations and cyclic stress ratios (CSR). The relationships between the macroscopic and microscopic mechanical characteristics of geogrid-reinforced calcareous sand were investigated. The main conclusions are as follows: Geogrid reinforcement increases particle contacts and enhances structural integrity, which makes coordination number, fabric and force anisotropies exhibit higher values than unreinforced samples, while particle breakage reduces these parameters. Two distinct patterns are exhibited under different cyclic stress ratios: under the low CSR of 0.6, the cumulative plastic strain stabilizes and relative breakage ratio also remains nearly constant; while under the high CSR of 1.8, the cumulative plastic strain and the relative breakage ratio increase continuously, the coordination number decreases due to contact loss after particle rearrangement because particle breakage occurs continuously. The number of crushed particles varies with the shapes, and the order of breakage number is Branch > Flake > Block > Spindle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110066"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110062
Şahin Çağlar Tuna
This study develops a comprehensive probabilistic, performance-based framework for assessing earthquake-induced soil liquefaction by explicitly incorporating spatial variability through semivariogram-calibrated three-dimensional Gaussian Random Fields (3D GRFs). A dataset of 52 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) boreholes from İzmir, Türkiye was processed to generate Monte Carlo simulations that capture the stochastic nature of soil resistance. Liquefaction susceptibility was quantified using three complementary indicators: the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI), reflecting potential surface deformation; the Damage Severity Index (DSI), linking severity to engineering performance thresholds; and the depth-averaged probability of liquefaction P(Liq), representing occurrence likelihood across different seismic intensities. Fragility functions were developed using both logistic regression and Monte Carlo–GRF simulations, and subsequently coupled with site-specific seismic hazard curves to derive annualized liquefaction risk metrics expressed in return-period format. Results highlight the nonlinear escalation of liquefaction severity with increasing seismic demand, accompanied by a systematic growth of epistemic uncertainty. Scenario-based probabilistic mapping revealed spatial hot spots of susceptibility and variance, underlining the value of incorporating correlation structures in liquefaction hazard assessment. Validation against field evidence from the 2020 Samos Earthquake confirmed the predictive reliability of the framework, with GRF-based simulations producing results consistent with reconnaissance observations in İzmir Bay and surrounding coastal sites. Overall, the proposed framework advances methodological clarity and provides actionable contributions for seismic microzonation, regional hazard mapping, and performance-based geotechnical design, supporting the development of more resilient infrastructure in earthquake-prone urban environments.
{"title":"Probabilistic evaluation of earthquake-induced soil liquefaction using 3D spatial variability modeling and performance-based design: A case study from İzmir, Türkiye","authors":"Şahin Çağlar Tuna","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study develops a comprehensive probabilistic, performance-based framework for assessing earthquake-induced soil liquefaction by explicitly incorporating spatial variability through semivariogram-calibrated three-dimensional Gaussian Random Fields (3D GRFs). A dataset of 52 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) boreholes from İzmir, Türkiye was processed to generate Monte Carlo simulations that capture the stochastic nature of soil resistance. Liquefaction susceptibility was quantified using three complementary indicators: the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI), reflecting potential surface deformation; the Damage Severity Index (DSI), linking severity to engineering performance thresholds; and the depth-averaged probability of liquefaction P(Liq), representing occurrence likelihood across different seismic intensities. Fragility functions were developed using both logistic regression and Monte Carlo–GRF simulations, and subsequently coupled with site-specific seismic hazard curves to derive annualized liquefaction risk metrics expressed in return-period format. Results highlight the nonlinear escalation of liquefaction severity with increasing seismic demand, accompanied by a systematic growth of epistemic uncertainty. Scenario-based probabilistic mapping revealed spatial hot spots of susceptibility and variance, underlining the value of incorporating correlation structures in liquefaction hazard assessment. Validation against field evidence from the 2020 Samos Earthquake confirmed the predictive reliability of the framework, with GRF-based simulations producing results consistent with reconnaissance observations in İzmir Bay and surrounding coastal sites. Overall, the proposed framework advances methodological clarity and provides actionable contributions for seismic microzonation, regional hazard mapping, and performance-based geotechnical design, supporting the development of more resilient infrastructure in earthquake-prone urban environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110062"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110088
Ali Haydar Bayram , Özkan Hakan , M. Ömer Timurağaoğlu , Ramazan Livaoğlu
This study investigates the seismic fragility of typical 100 m3 reinforced concrete elevated water tanks (EWTs) widely constructed across Türkiye, many of which remain in service or stand abandoned. A nonlinear modeling framework is employed that incorporates confined material behavior, fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and soil–structure interaction (SSI). The tanks are analyzed under varying conditions, including two concrete strengths (C10-S220 and C20-S420), different reservoir fill levels (empty, half-fill, and full), and multiple soil classes (fixed base, C, D, and D1). A total of 24 three-dimensional finite element models were developed and subjected to nonlinear time-history analyses using 30 ground motion records scaled through the multiple stripe analysis (MSA) method, with spectral acceleration at T = 1.0 s (Sa1) as the intensity measure (IM). Fragility curves were derived using both element-based collapse criteria (single- and double-hinge mechanisms) and drift-based deformation thresholds. Results reveal that tank reservoir level, material strength, and soil condition significantly influence fragility. Full tanks demonstrate lower seismic vulnerability due to increased damping and mass participation, while SSI effects generally reduce seismic demand by elongating structural periods. Higher strength significantly improves seismic performance, particularly under empty or flexible soil conditions. These findings emphasize the need for integrated modeling of fluid-structure-soil interaction (FSSI) phenomena in the seismic evaluation of EWTs, especially for aging or structurally uncertain systems.
本研究调查了在日本广泛建造的典型100立方米钢筋混凝土高架水箱(ewt)的地震易损性,其中许多仍在使用或废弃。采用了一种非线性建模框架,该框架结合了受限材料特性、流固耦合(FSI)和土-结构耦合(SSI)。这些储罐在不同条件下进行了分析,包括两种混凝土强度(C10-S220和C20-S420),不同的水库填充水平(空、半满和满)和多种土壤类别(固定基础、C、D和D1)。以T = 1.0 s (Sa1)的谱加速度为强度度量(IM),利用多条纹分析(MSA)方法标定的30条地震动记录,建立了24个三维有限元模型,并进行了非线性时程分析。利用基于单元的崩溃准则(单铰和双铰机制)和基于漂移的变形阈值推导出脆性曲线。结果表明,储罐水位、材料强度和土壤条件对易损性有显著影响。由于增加了阻尼和大量参与,满罐具有较低的地震脆弱性,而SSI效应通常通过延长结构周期来减少地震需求。更高的强度可以显著提高抗震性能,特别是在空旷或柔性土壤条件下。这些发现强调了在ewt的地震评价中,特别是对于老化或结构不确定的系统,需要对流-固-土相互作用(FSSI)现象进行综合建模。
{"title":"Seismic fragility assessment of 100 m3 elevated water tanks on shallow foundation considering simplified fluid–structure–soil interaction models","authors":"Ali Haydar Bayram , Özkan Hakan , M. Ömer Timurağaoğlu , Ramazan Livaoğlu","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the seismic fragility of typical 100 m<sup>3</sup> reinforced concrete elevated water tanks (EWTs) widely constructed across Türkiye, many of which remain in service or stand abandoned. A nonlinear modeling framework is employed that incorporates confined material behavior, fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and soil–structure interaction (SSI). The tanks are analyzed under varying conditions, including two concrete strengths (C10-S220 and C20-S420), different reservoir fill levels (empty, half-fill, and full), and multiple soil classes (fixed base, C, D, and D1). A total of 24 three-dimensional finite element models were developed and subjected to nonlinear time-history analyses using 30 ground motion records scaled through the multiple stripe analysis (MSA) method, with spectral acceleration at T = 1.0 s (Sa<sub>1</sub>) as the intensity measure (IM). Fragility curves were derived using both element-based collapse criteria (single- and double-hinge mechanisms) and drift-based deformation thresholds. Results reveal that tank reservoir level, material strength, and soil condition significantly influence fragility. Full tanks demonstrate lower seismic vulnerability due to increased damping and mass participation, while SSI effects generally reduce seismic demand by elongating structural periods. Higher strength significantly improves seismic performance, particularly under empty or flexible soil conditions. These findings emphasize the need for integrated modeling of fluid-structure-soil interaction (FSSI) phenomena in the seismic evaluation of EWTs, especially for aging or structurally uncertain systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110088"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110000
Honglei Ren , Yingli Wu , Wei Li , Xin Cai
The cemented sand and gravel (CSG) dam is a relatively new type of dam with broad application prospects, primarily found in seismically active regions such as China, Japan, Turkey, and Greece. Therefore, investigating its seismic performance characteristics is of significant importance. To investigate the seismic limit of the cemented gravel dam and further examine its intrinsic relationship with the dam body's seismic damage behavior, a centrifuge vibration test program was developed and conducted, incorporating multiple earthquakes at various intensity levels. The results show that the acceleration amplification coefficient increases nonlinearly with elevation, and the whipping effect exhibits a significant positive correlation with peak ground acceleration (PGA). In contrast, the main frequency decreases markedly as both dam height and PGA increase. The variation in residual settlement at the dam crest with respect to PGA effectively captures the progression of seismic damage. By quantifying dam body damage through the settlement ratio, it is evident that CSG dams experience relatively mild damage, lower in severity compared to other dam types such as concrete-faced rockfill dams. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) was applied to perform time-frequency analysis on the recorded acceleration, revealing shifts in frequency characteristics before and after seismic damage occurs. Specifically, the fundamental frequency at measurement points located at the dam crest and upstream face—regions associated with higher damage intensity—shifts toward lower frequencies. Furthermore, short-time Fourier transform (STFT)-based analysis enables a more detailed examination of the time-frequency evolution of the dam's dynamic response. The average fundamental frequency at the dam crest and upstream face shows a pronounced downward shift, consistent with increased damage accumulation. Based on observed changes in the local stiffness coefficient, the initiation and development mechanisms of dam body damage can be further interpreted. Wavelet decomposition indicates that the primary frequency band influencing the dam's acceleration response lies between 2 and 4 Hz, with the strongest response occurring at the dam crest and upstream face within this range. This study provides an experimental basis and theoretical insight for understanding the acceleration response and seismic damage characteristics of CSG dams.
{"title":"Seismic damage assessment using frequency characteristics of acceleration records in centrifugal vibration table tests for CSG dam","authors":"Honglei Ren , Yingli Wu , Wei Li , Xin Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.110000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cemented sand and gravel (CSG) dam is a relatively new type of dam with broad application prospects, primarily found in seismically active regions such as China, Japan, Turkey, and Greece. Therefore, investigating its seismic performance characteristics is of significant importance. To investigate the seismic limit of the cemented gravel dam and further examine its intrinsic relationship with the dam body's seismic damage behavior, a centrifuge vibration test program was developed and conducted, incorporating multiple earthquakes at various intensity levels. The results show that the acceleration amplification coefficient increases nonlinearly with elevation, and the whipping effect exhibits a significant positive correlation with peak ground acceleration (PGA). In contrast, the main frequency decreases markedly as both dam height and PGA increase. The variation in residual settlement at the dam crest with respect to PGA effectively captures the progression of seismic damage. By quantifying dam body damage through the settlement ratio, it is evident that CSG dams experience relatively mild damage, lower in severity compared to other dam types such as concrete-faced rockfill dams. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) was applied to perform time-frequency analysis on the recorded acceleration, revealing shifts in frequency characteristics before and after seismic damage occurs. Specifically, the fundamental frequency at measurement points located at the dam crest and upstream face—regions associated with higher damage intensity—shifts toward lower frequencies. Furthermore, short-time Fourier transform (STFT)-based analysis enables a more detailed examination of the time-frequency evolution of the dam's dynamic response. The average fundamental frequency at the dam crest and upstream face shows a pronounced downward shift, consistent with increased damage accumulation. Based on observed changes in the local stiffness coefficient, the initiation and development mechanisms of dam body damage can be further interpreted. Wavelet decomposition indicates that the primary frequency band influencing the dam's acceleration response lies between 2 and 4 Hz, with the strongest response occurring at the dam crest and upstream face within this range. This study provides an experimental basis and theoretical insight for understanding the acceleration response and seismic damage characteristics of CSG dams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110000"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145876995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110130
Yanfei Pei , Yipeng Lai , Kaiwen Liu , Rui Su , Ping Wang
The migration and storage of moisture within the subgrade critically effect the long-term stability of ballastless tracks. Accordingly, this study presents two principal innovations: 1) a computational model for subgrade moisture migration under coupled rainfall infiltration and train loading, and 2) an analysis of pore-water migration pathways and dynamic pore-water pressure characteristics. First, the soil-water characteristic curve of the subgrade bed layer was obtained. A coupled static–dynamic model for unsaturated seepage in the subgrade was then established and validated through model tests, slope rainfall–infiltration simulations, and wheel-rail coupling analyses. Results indicate that moisture transport within the subgrade bed exhibits a horn-shaped distribution, with higher water content at the base and gradual reduction toward both sides. The wetting pattern is progressive and spatially non-uniform. As the wetting front advances downward, the location of maximum dynamic pore-water pressure progressively shifts downward. Train-induced vibration accelerates unsaturated infiltration from slow to fast. When the wetting front reaches the bottom of the subgrade bed surface layer and forms a perched water zone, the maximum dynamic pore-water pressure remains at approximately 30 cm above the base.
{"title":"Dynamic seepage analysis of unsaturated subgrade bed for ballastless track considering rainfall and train loading","authors":"Yanfei Pei , Yipeng Lai , Kaiwen Liu , Rui Su , Ping Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The migration and storage of moisture within the subgrade critically effect the long-term stability of ballastless tracks. Accordingly, this study presents two principal innovations: 1) a computational model for subgrade moisture migration under coupled rainfall infiltration and train loading, and 2) an analysis of pore-water migration pathways and dynamic pore-water pressure characteristics. First, the soil-water characteristic curve of the subgrade bed layer was obtained. A coupled static–dynamic model for unsaturated seepage in the subgrade was then established and validated through model tests, slope rainfall–infiltration simulations, and wheel-rail coupling analyses. Results indicate that moisture transport within the subgrade bed exhibits a horn-shaped distribution, with higher water content at the base and gradual reduction toward both sides. The wetting pattern is progressive and spatially non-uniform. As the wetting front advances downward, the location of maximum dynamic pore-water pressure progressively shifts downward. Train-induced vibration accelerates unsaturated infiltration from slow to fast. When the wetting front reaches the bottom of the subgrade bed surface layer and forms a perched water zone, the maximum dynamic pore-water pressure remains at approximately 30 cm above the base.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110130"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110127
Hongwu Yang, Yingmin Li, Weihao Pan, Lei Hu, Zheqian Wu, Baolong Jiang, Ruifeng Li
Conventional techniques for generating spectrum-compatible ground motions are inadequate for near-fault ground motions due to the presence of velocity pulses in certain near-fault ground motions. The extant spectral matching methods for near-fault ground motions are generally applicable solely to forward-directivity ground motions, rather than to fling-step ground motions. This study presents a method for generating spectrum-compatible ground motions that applies to all types of near-fault ground motions (forward-directivity, fling-step, and non-pulse ground motions). By controlling the selection condition of the wavelet adjustment function and adjusting the amplitude adjustment coefficient of the wavelet, no baseline offset is introduced during the spectral matching process. The preservation of the pulse characteristics is also achieved as much as possible by classifying, scaling, and sorting the seed ground motions. The proposed method has no filtering process and can accurately preserve the permanent displacement characteristics of the fling-step ground motions. The generated near-fault ground motions can be used for dynamic analysis in the structural design process.
{"title":"Generation of spectrum-compatible near-fault ground motions based on time-domain wavelet superposition","authors":"Hongwu Yang, Yingmin Li, Weihao Pan, Lei Hu, Zheqian Wu, Baolong Jiang, Ruifeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional techniques for generating spectrum-compatible ground motions are inadequate for near-fault ground motions due to the presence of velocity pulses in certain near-fault ground motions. The extant spectral matching methods for near-fault ground motions are generally applicable solely to forward-directivity ground motions, rather than to fling-step ground motions. This study presents a method for generating spectrum-compatible ground motions that applies to all types of near-fault ground motions (forward-directivity, fling-step, and non-pulse ground motions). By controlling the selection condition of the wavelet adjustment function and adjusting the amplitude adjustment coefficient of the wavelet, no baseline offset is introduced during the spectral matching process. The preservation of the pulse characteristics is also achieved as much as possible by classifying, scaling, and sorting the seed ground motions. The proposed method has no filtering process and can accurately preserve the permanent displacement characteristics of the fling-step ground motions. The generated near-fault ground motions can be used for dynamic analysis in the structural design process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110127"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110093
Benbo Sun , Mingjiang Deng , Jia Xu , Hongbo Tan
Earthquake-induced sudden strong ground motions (GMs) may cause severe damage to high asphalt concrete core wall dams (ACCWDs), leading to catastrophic economic and social consequences. Optimizing seismic design methodologies and enhancing the aseismic resilience of dams have emerged as critical imperatives in hydraulic engineering. Currently, performance-based seismic design is increasingly being incorporated into dam safety evaluation and aseismic design, requiring suitable indicators to describe dam limit states and functional performance. Traditionally, the classification of seismic damage levels for dams and the development of fragility curves have predominantly relied on single indicators, making it difficult to comprehensively consider damage states at different critical locations of the dam body. Additionally, the determination of the damage states primarily depends on engineering experience and expert judgment, neglecting the influences of uncertainties and the fuzziness of damage thresholds. To overcome these issues, this paper develops an integrated seismic performance index utilizing the analytic hierarchy process technique, the entropy weight method, and game theory. Meanwhile, the improved seismic performance assessment method that combines the MSA and cloud model is also conducted to generate the seismic vulnerability curves for the dam. The findings indicate that the integrated seismic performance index and cloud–multiple stripes analysis method facilitate thorough damage assessment and enhance the accuracy of estimating the probability of dam failure. The seismic performance index and enhanced vulnerability analysis methodologies should be systematically integrated into practical engineering applications to bolster seismic safety for ACCWDs.
{"title":"Improved seismic performance assessment of high ACCWD based on the integrated seismic performance index and cloud - multiple stripes analysis method","authors":"Benbo Sun , Mingjiang Deng , Jia Xu , Hongbo Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soildyn.2026.110093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Earthquake-induced sudden strong ground motions (GMs) may cause severe damage to high asphalt concrete core wall dams (ACCWDs), leading to catastrophic economic and social consequences. Optimizing seismic design methodologies and enhancing the aseismic resilience of dams have emerged as critical imperatives in hydraulic engineering. Currently, performance-based seismic design is increasingly being incorporated into dam safety evaluation and aseismic design, requiring suitable indicators to describe dam limit states and functional performance. Traditionally, the classification of seismic damage levels for dams and the development of fragility curves have predominantly relied on single indicators, making it difficult to comprehensively consider damage states at different critical locations of the dam body. Additionally, the determination of the damage states primarily depends on engineering experience and expert judgment, neglecting the influences of uncertainties and the fuzziness of damage thresholds. To overcome these issues, this paper develops an integrated seismic performance index utilizing the analytic hierarchy process technique, the entropy weight method, and game theory. Meanwhile, the improved seismic performance assessment method that combines the MSA and cloud model is also conducted to generate the seismic vulnerability curves for the dam. The findings indicate that the integrated seismic performance index and cloud–multiple stripes analysis method facilitate thorough damage assessment and enhance the accuracy of estimating the probability of dam failure. The seismic performance index and enhanced vulnerability analysis methodologies should be systematically integrated into practical engineering applications to bolster seismic safety for ACCWDs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49502,"journal":{"name":"Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering","volume":"203 ","pages":"Article 110093"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}