Spectral analysis of layered sites using shaking table tests.

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering
• Seismology

Background:

• Layered soil sites are common geological formations.
• Understanding their seismic response is crucial for infrastructure safety.
• Previous studies often focused on horizontal sites, neglecting the impact of inclination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic response of horizontal and inclined layered soil sites under seismic loading.
• To analyze the influence of various loading directions on site response.
• To compare the seismic behavior of inclined sites with horizontal sites and assess the effect of dip angle.

Main Methods:

• Large-scale shaking table tests were conducted on layered soil models.
• Tests involved diverse loading directions: dip, strike, vertical, slope, and perpendicular to the interface.
• Fourier and response spectrum analyses were performed to characterize dynamic responses.

Main Results:

• Fourier and response spectrum characteristics of horizontal sites were established.
• Inclined layered sites exhibited distinct dynamic responses compared to horizontal sites.
• The dip angle significantly influenced the response spectrum of inclined sites.

Conclusions:

• Seismic response of layered sites is direction-dependent.
• Site inclination and dip angle are critical factors affecting dynamic response.
• Findings provide valuable data for seismic design of structures on inclined layered sites.