Dynamic analysis of river embankments during earthquakes using a finite deformation FE analysis method

In this paper, the dynamic behavior and failure pattern of a river embankments lying over liquefiable soil analyzed using a three-phase coupled FEM finite deformation analysis considering liquefaction and cyclic elasto-plastic and elasto-viscoplastic constitutive models are discussed. The models have been subjected to both interplate and intraplate earthquakes, namely 1995 Kobe and 2011 Tohoku earthquakes. Results show that the modes and levels of damage are sensitive to both earthquake type and subsoil formation. While a short duration earthquake such as Kobe induces less damage, the case subjected to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake with long duration undergoes excessive settlements and more complex failure mode. It is observed that when part of the embankment body is liquefied, its deformation-failure pattern will be different from the common sliding failure modes assumed in the current slope stability analysis.