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Mechanisms and Design Implications of Pile-Supported Systems Seismic Vulnerability in Liquifiable Soils

  • Unique Paper ID: 179178
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 5440-5443
  • Abstract:
  • Pile foundations are commonly used to support structures in soft or loose soil conditions. However, their performance during major seismic events in liquefiable soils has raised serious concerns among geotechnical and structural engineers. Traditional failure assessments have emphasized flexural failure caused by lateral loads due to seismic ground motion or lateral spreading. Recent studies, however, point toward buckling mechanisms, particularly in long, slender piles subjected to reduced lateral resistance in liquefied soils. This study explores both flexural and buckling failure modes and evaluates their implications on the seismic design of pile foundations. International design guidelines, especially Eurocode 8 – Part I (1997), are reviewed for their applicability in such conditions. The study aims to develop a practical design perspective and provide recommendations for engineers working on pile foundation systems in seismically active, liquefiable areas. Although engineering practices have advanced over the years, pile-supported structures built on liquefiable soils still face major risks of damage or collapse during strong earthquakes. The inconsistent performance of such foundations remains a pressing issue in both geotechnical and seismic engineering. This study investigates how soil liquefaction influences pile foundation design, comparing two major failure mechanisms: flexural bending and buckling instability. The study begins by outlining the basics of pile foundations—their types, group configurations, and behavior under earthquake conditions. It also reviews observed failure patterns in individual and grouped piles during seismic events. The literature review summarizes past work in this field and assesses the current design guidelines widely used in practice. The research then details the adopted design approach, including static design based on Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data, and factors in inertial forces, kinematic effects, and soil liquefaction potential. A design case study is also included, with calculations, charts, and comparisons to validate the methodology. The thesis concludes by highlighting the major findings, proposing a structured design process, and offering recommendations to further improve the design of pile foundations in earthquake-prone and liquefiable regions.
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Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 5440-5443

Mechanisms and Design Implications of Pile-Supported Systems Seismic Vulnerability in Liquifiable Soils

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Impact Factor
8.01 (Year 2024)
UGC Approved
Journal no 47859

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