The results of five centrifuge models were used to evaluate the response of pile-supported wharves subjected to inertial and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading loads. The centrifuge models contained pile groups that were embedded in rockfill dikes over layers of loose to dense sand and were shaken by a series of ground motions. The p-y curves were back-calculated for both dynamic and static loading from centrifuge data and were compared against commonly used API p-y relationships. It was found that a significant reduction in ultimate soil resistance occurred in dynamic p-y curves in partially/fully liquefied soils as compared to static p-y curves. It was also found that incorporating p-multipliers that are proportional to the pore water pressure ratio in granular materials is adequate for estimating pile demands in pseudostatic analysis.
Subjects: Pile foundations, Liquefaction, Lateral spreading, Centrifuge models, p-y curves
Author: Milad Souri, Graduate Student Researcher, Arash Khosravifar, Assistant Professor; Scott Schlechter, Principal; Nason McCullough, Principal and Stephen E. Dickenson, Principal Engineer