Effects of Stratification on Soil–Foundation–Structure Interaction: Centrifugal Observation and Numerical Simulation

Abstract

It is essential to reduce structural damages caused by earthquakes in severe conditions, such as layered ground, especially when a soft soil layer is close to the surface. In this study, the kinematic and inertial interactions, two mechanisms of soil–foundation–structure interaction (SFSI), of different soil–foundation–structure systems (SFS) were investigated on uniform and layered grounds. Two layered soil profiles composed of a low stiffness layer laid over another were prepared in an equivalent shear beam container. Nine centrifuge experiments were carried out for three structures located on the surface of each ground and exposed to the Hachinohe earthquake while increasing the peak acceleration of the input motion. Numerical simulations were performed to simulate the centrifuge tests. It was found that roof motion (RM) of the tall structure increased in layered profile even though the free-field motion (FFM) decreased compared to homogeneous ground. The appearance of a soft layer beneath structures modifies the SFS system’s stiffness that causes kinematic and inertial interactions to alter to those on uniform soil profile.