Flexibility and Stability Enhancement of Structures during Earthquakes using a Novel Geosynthetic Material

Abstract

In this research, an innovative and cost-effective earthquake resistant design technique is developed using a novel geosynthetic materials that can reduce the damages of structures during devastating earthquakes. In the developed earthquake resistant technique a smart geosynthetic material known as tire chips is utilized as a seismic performance enhancer.
A series of underwater 1g shaking table test was conducted on a model gravity type quay wall. Two test cases were examined. One case involves a quay wall with the conventional backfill. Another case involves a similar quay wall but reinforced with tire chips. The seismic increment of the load acting on the quay wall and the associated displacement, as well as the excess pore water pressure in various locations of the backfill were measured during the tests. The results reveal that the seismic load against the caisson quay wall could be significantly reduced using the sandwiching technique. In addition, the technique could significantly reduce the earthquake-induced residual displacement of the quay wall.