Modeling of a prototype soil-pile-structure system during seismic ground liquefaction

A heavy pile-supported structure with the dimensions of 310 m in length, 50 m in width and 10 m in height was planned to be constructed on liquefiable reclaimed ground. Dynamic centrifuge model tests were made to evaluate aseismic performance of this soil-pile-structure system and particularly the effect of soil liquefaction on the stiffness of the group piles. The test results showed that liquefaction could occur in the soil between the piles as easily as did in the surrounding soil. The group piles were confirmed to have not obvious effect in protecting the soil among them from liquefaction hazard, but have a sufficient capacity against soil liquefaction for a seismic input level of 175 Gal.