Seismic Response Analysis of Submerged Slopes Using Coupled SPH–DEM Scheme
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22, Issue 12
Abstract
In this study, the seismic response of submerged slopes is evaluated using a coupled smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)–discrete-element method (DEM) framework. In this technique, DEM particles represent the soil grains and the fluid domain is idealized using SPH. The interaction forces between the two phases are estimated based on well-established semiempirical equations. The submerged slope was created utilizing the coupled scheme and subjected to a variety of base excitations with various amplitudes and frequencies. The results suggest that the stronger input motion generally induces larger displacements and shear strains. In addition, the frequency of the input motion can also have a significant effect on the level of deformation the system experiences. It was observed that the soil strength and stiffness can severely degrade due to pore pressure buildup, leading to excessive lateral deformations at input motion frequencies considerably lower than the initial fundamental frequency of the deposit. In contrast to the level parts of the model near the slope toe and crest, soil dilation close to the slope surface leads to a drop in the excess pore pressure and a temporary regain in soil strength and stiffness reflected by sharp acceleration spikes and asymmetrical shear stress–strain loops.
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Acknowledgments
This research was partially supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center, grant number W9132V-13-C-0004 and the National Science Foundation award number CMMI-1728612. These supports are gratefully acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22 • Issue 12 • December 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 28, 2021
Accepted: May 16, 2022
Published online: Sep 23, 2022
Published in print: Dec 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Feb 23, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Continuum mechanics
- Coupling
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Earthquake engineering
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic properties
- Motion (dynamics)
- Seismic effects
- Seismic tests
- Slopes
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil pressure
- Soil properties
- Soil strength
- Solid mechanics
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Submerging
- Tests (by type)
- Water and water resources
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