Neste trabalho é realizado um estudo da sensibilidade de estruturas de paredes de concreto moldadas no local quanto à deslocabilidade dos seus apoios, a fim de determinar sua influência na redistribuição dos esforços nos elementos estruturais. Para tanto, utiliza-se um modelo de referência, que discretiza a superestrutura através de elementos finitos de casca e avalia a interação solo-estrutura através de métodos iterativos, que consideram a rigidez da edificação, a heterogeneidade do solo e o efeito de grupo das fundações. Para quantificar e avaliar os efeitos da interação solo-estrutura realiza-se um estudo paramétrico, em que a influência do tipo de fundação (profunda ou superficial), número de pavimentos (cinco, dez e quinze) e a forma da edificação (quadrada e alongada) são avaliadas. Um modelo simplificado de análise estrutural, em que a interação solo-estrutura é considerada e as paredes de concreto são discretizadas por elementos de barra, acima do segundo pavimento, foi proposto e avaliado, por meio de comparações com os resultados do seu respectivo modelo de referência. Por fim, foram discutidas as implicações e a importância da consideração do efeito da deslocabilidade dos apoios e feitas recomendações sobre a modelagem simplificada. Observa-se: alívio dos apoios com maiores recalques, tendência de uniformização dos recalques, maior influência nas paredes inferiores e suficiência dos cincos primeiros pavimentos na definição de rigidez solo/estrutura. / In this paper, a sensitivity study was carried out of concrete reinforced walls molded on site regarding the displaceability of their supports, in order to determine their influence on the redistribution of internal forces in structural elements. In order to do this, a reference model was used, which discretizes the superstructure using shell finite elements and evaluates the soil-structure interaction by iterative methods that consider the rigidity of the building, the soil heterogeneity and the group effect of foundations. To quantify and assess the effects of soil-structure interaction, a parametric study was carried out in which the influence of the type of foundation (deep or shallow), number of floors (five, ten and fifteen) and the shape of the building (square, elongated) are evaluated. A simplified model of the structural analysis, in which the soil-structure interaction is considered and the concrete walls are discretized by bar elements, above the second floor, was proposed and evaluated by comparing its respective reference model with the results. Finally, the implications and the importance of considering the effect of displaceability of the supports were discussed and recommendations were made about the simplified modeling. The analysis denotes: relief of reactions on supports with larger settlements, tendency of settlements standardization, larger influence on the lower walls and that the first five floors are enough to define the relative soil/structure stiffness.

Fundações do tipo radier estaqueado são aquelas formadas pelos elementos estruturais de placa e estacas (elementos de barras) e o solo . Ao contrário de outras tipos de fundações, onde a carga da superestrutura é transferida ao solo pelo radier ou pelas estacas apenas, no radier estaqueado a contribuição das estacas, bem como a do radier são consideradas. As estacas transferem as cargas da superestrutura ao solo e, assim, permitem a redução dos recalques de uma forma muito econômica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é a análise da interação solo-estrutura através do acoplamento MEC-MEF. O solo é considerado um semi-espaço homogêneo, elástico e linear governado pela equação de Navier e modelado pelo Método dos Elementos de Contorno (MEC), admitindo a solução fundamental de Mindlin. As estacas são modeladas pelo Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF) e cada elemento possui quatro nós. Além disso, as estacas podem receber forças horizontais, verticais e momentos. A tensão de cisalhamento ao longo da estaca é aproximada por um polinômio do segundo grau e as forças na direção horizontal são aproximadas por um polinômio do quarto grau. O elemento de fundação que faz a ligação do pilar com a estaca é representado por uma placa de grande rigidez, que apresenta o comportamento de um bloco. A interação entre o radier estaqueado e o solo é feita através da reação resultante da interação estaca-solo, nos nós com estaca. A interface radier-solo é dividida em elementos triangulares e para a reação do solo considera-se a variação linear ao longo de cada elemento. A superestrutura é modelada pelo MEF. Vários exemplos de interação solo-estrutura são estudados nesta tese, e mostram que as soluções obtidas a partir do programa computacional desenvolvido no presente trabalho denominado SSI estão de acordo com outros autores. / Piled raft foundations are structures consisting of piles, the raft and the soil. Unlike classical foundation design where the building load is either transferred by the raft or the piles alone, in a piled raft foundation the contribution of the piles as well as the raft is taken into account. The piles transfer a part of the building loads into the soil and thereby allow the reduction of settlement in a very economic way. The objective of the present work is the analysis of soil-structure interaction using BEM-FEM coupling. The soil, assumed to be an elastic linear homogeneous half space is governed by Navier\'s equation and it is modeled by the Boundary Elements Method (BEM) using Mindlin\'s fundamental solution. The piles are modeled by the Finite Element Method (FEM) with four nodes each. In addition, the piles can received horizontal and vertical forces and bending moments. The shear traction along the pile is approximated by a second-degree polynomial and the tractions in the horizontal direction are approximated by a fourth degree polynomial. The cap of the pile group is assumed to be rigid. The interaction between the raft and soil is made through the subgrade reaction. The soil-cap interface is divided into triangular elements and the subgrade reaction is assumed to vary linearly across each element. The building\'s structure is modeled by FEM. Several soil structure interaction examples are studied in this thesis, and they show that the solutions obtained from program SSI are in good agreement with others authors.

Neste trabalho apresenta-se um modelo numérico para a análise de problemas tridimensionais envolvendo a interação mecânica estaca-solo, acoplando-se o Método dos Elementos de Contorno (MEC) ao Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF). O solo é modelado com o MEC utilizando-se as soluções fundamentais de Mindlin, assumindo um meio semi-infinito, homogêneo, isotrópico e elástico-linear. As estacas, modeladas com o MEF, consistem em um elemento único, com quatro nós e 14 parâmetros nodais (três deslocamentos em cada nó e mais duas rotações no topo da estaca). Cada uma das estacas é levada em consideração no MEC como uma linha de carga. Considera-se o escorregamento das estacas em relação ao maciço, empregando modelos de aderência para a definição da evolução das tensões tangenciais ao longo do comprimento das estacas. São empregados, como funções de forma, polinômios do quarto grau para os deslocamentos horizontais, cúbicos para os deslocamentos verticais e tensões horizontais ao longo do fuste e quadráticos para as tensões verticais do fuste e escorregamento. A reação da ponta da estaca é calculada assumindo tensão constante na base. / This work presents a method for tri-dimensional pile-soil interaction problems, by coupling the Boundary Element Method (BEM) to the Finite Element Method (FEM). The soil is modeled with BEM, using the Mindlins fundamental solutions, supposing a semi-infinite, homogeneous, isotropic, elastic and linear space. Piles are modeled with FEM and are represented by one element with four nodes and 14 nodal parameters (three displacements in each node and two rotations at the top node). Each pile is represented in BEM as a line load. The pile slip is considered using adherence models to evaluate the evolution of shaft tractions. There are employed fourth grade polynomial shape functions for horizontal displacements, cubic polynomial functions for vertical displacements and horizontal tractions along shaft and quadratic polynomial functions for vertical tractions and slip. Tip reaction is calculated supposing constant traction at the base.

A thermo-elastic-plastic model for unsaturated soils has been presented based on the effective stress principle considering the thermo-mechanical and suction coupling effects. The thermo-elastic-plastic constitutive equations for stress-strain relations of the solid skeleton and changes in fluid content and entropy for unsaturated soils have been established. A plasticity model is derived from energy considerations. The model derived covers both associative and non-associative flow behaviours and the modified Cam-Clay is considered as a special case. All model coefficients are identified in terms of measurable parameters. To verify the proposed model, an experimental program has been developed. A series of controlled laboratory tests were carried out on a compacted silt sample using a triaxial equipment modified for testing unsaturated soils at elevated temperatures. Imageprocessing technique was used for measuring the volume change of the samples subjected to mechanical, thermal and hydric loading. It is shown that the effective critical state parameters M, ???? and ???? are independent of temperature and matric suction. Nevertheless, the shape of loading collapse (LC) curve was affected by temperature and suction. Furthermore, the temperature change affected the soil water characteristic curve and an increase in temperature caused a decrease in the air entry suction. The simulations from the proposed model are compared with the experimental results. The model calibration was performed to extract the model parameters from the experimental results. Good agreement between the results predicted using the proposed model and the experimental results was obtained in all cases.

This dissertation presents the results of a research effort conducted to better understand the seismic performance and analysis of pile-supported wharves. Given the limited number of well-documented field case histories, the seismic performance of pile-supported wharves has been poorly quantified, and the analysis methods commonly employed in engineering practice have generally not been validated. Field case histories documenting the seismic performance of pile-supported wharves commonly contain only limited information, such as approximations of wharf and embankment deformations and peak ground surface accelerations. In order to supplement the field data, five centrifuge models were dynamically tested, with each model containing close to 100 instruments monitoring pile bending moments, excess pore pressures, displacements, and accelerations. The combined field and model database was used to develop seismic performance relationships between permanent lateral deformations, maximum and residual bending moments and peak ground surface displacements. Key issues such as the seismic performance of batter piles, the development of large moments at depth, and the need to account for permanent lateral deformations for high levels of shaking, even for very stable geometries, are discussed. The field data and model studies were also used to validate two geotechnical seismic performance analysis methods: 1) the limit-equilibrium based rigid, sliding block (Newmark) method, and 2) an advanced finite-difference effective stress based numerical model (FLAC). Favorable predictions were generally obtained for both methods, yet there was a large variability in the results predicted using the rigid, sliding block method. The numerical model predicted the permanent deformations, pore pressure generation, and accelerations fairly well, however, pile bending moments were poorly predicted. The results of this research clearly highlighted the need for analysis validation studies, and note the uncertainty and variability inherent in the seismic performance of complex structures. The lack of adequate validation may lead to an over-confidence and false sense of security in the results of the seismic analysis methods. This dissertation specifically addresses pile-supported wharves, yet the results presented herein are applicable to other pile-supported structures located near, or on, slopes adjacent to the waterfront, such as: bridge abutments, railroad trestles, and pile-supported buildings near open slopes. Performance and analysis issues common to all of these structures are addressed, such as: liquefiable soils, lateral pile response in horizontal and sloping soils, the lateral behavior of piles in rock fill, and global slope stability, as well as the general observed seismic behavior. / Graduation date: 2004

In many seismic design codes and provisions, such as Uniform Building Code and Turkish Seismic Code, prediction of fundamental period of shear-wall dominant buildings, constructed by tunnel form technique, to compute the anticipated seismic forces is achieved by empirical equations considering the height of the building and ratio of effective shear-wall area to first floor area as the primary predictor parameters. However, experimental and analytical studies have collectively indicated that these empirical formulas are incapable of predicting fundamental period of shear-wall dominant buildings, and consequently result in erroneous computation of design forces. To compensate for this deficiency, an effective yet simple formula has recently been developed by Balkaya and Kalkan (2004), and tested against the data from ambient surveys on existing shear-wall dominant buildings. In this study, previously developed predictive equation is modified to include the effects of soil-structure interaction on the fundamental period. For that purpose, 140 shear-wall dominant buildings having a variety of plans, heights and wall-configurations were re-analyzed for four different soil conditions classified according to NEHRP. The soil effects on the foundation were represented by the translational and rotational springs, and their rigidities were evaluated from foundation size and elastic uniform compressibility of soil. Based on the comprehensive study conducted, improved prediction of fundamental period is achieved. The error in predictions on average is about 15 percent, and lending further credibility to modified formula considering soil-structure interaction to be used in engineering practice.

Group of piles are widely used deep foundation systems to resist lateral and vertical loads. Seismic and static performance of pile groups mostly depend on soil type, pile spacing and pier rigidity. Not many pile lateral load tests have been performed due to high costs. Advanced and complex analytical methods were developed over the years to assess nonlinear lateral pile response. This research is conducted aiming at developing a practical analysis method to verify the lateral performance of pile groups and its effect on overall response of bridge utilizing the available pile lateral load test data. Empirical constants derived from evaluation of lateral load tests are used in a simple formulation to define the nonlinear behavior of the pile-soil system. An analysis guideline is established to model the nonlinear soil-bridge interaction by the help of a general purpose structural analysis program comprising recommendations for various cases. Results of the proposed method is compared to the results of industry accepted advanced methods using response spectrum and nonlinear time history analyses to assess the suitability of this new application. According to the analysis results, proposed simple method can be used as an effective analysis tool for the determination of response of the superstructure.

Seismic response of a structure is influenced by the inertial interaction between structure and deformable medium, on which the structure rests, due to flexibility and energy dissipation capability of the surrounding soil. The inertial interaction analyses can be performed by utilizing simplified soil-structure interaction (SSI) analyses methods. In literature, it is noted that varying soil conditions and foundation types can be modeled by using these SSI approaches with springdashpot couples having certain stiffness and damping. In this study, the seismic response of superstructure obtained by using simplified SSI methods is compared with those of the fixed base systems. For this purpose, single and multi degree of freedom structural systems are modeled with both spring&ndash / dashpot couple and fixed base models. Each system is analyzed for varying structural and soil stiffness conditions under the excitation of three different seismic records. Next, the total base shear acting on the structural system and internal forces of load bearing members are investigated to observe the inertial interaction and foundation uplift effects on the superstructure. It is also aimed to examine the compatibility of the simplified SSI approaches utilized in the analyses. It is concluded that the structural and soil stiffness parameters are the most influential parameters that affect seismic structural response. Structures becomemore sensitive to varying soil properties as the structural stiffness increases. On the other hand, decreasing soil stiffness also increases the sensitivity of the structure to the seismic excitation. Calculated values of total base shear and internal member forces revealed that the inertial interaction might be detrimental for the superstructure. Contrary to general belief, the fixed base approach does not always yield to the results, which are on the safe side. Considering the analysis results, it is concluded that SSI analysis is very useful for more precise and economical design for the seismic behavior.

CFRD (Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam) construction becomes more frequent recently not only because of its secure nature, but also its economical cost where its built up material is feasible to obtain. Although CFRDs are known to be safe compared to other dam types, it is behavior during an earthquake loading still not a well-known aspect since it is mostly constructed in regions of low seismicity until now. Considering this fact, this study

A macroelement is developed for soil-structure interaction analyses of piles in liquefiable soils, which captures efficiently the fundamental mechanisms of saturated granular soil behavior. The mechanical model comprises a nonlinear Winkler-type model that accounts for soil resistance acting along the circumference of the pile, and a coupled viscous damper that simulates changes in radiation damping with increasing material non-linearity. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulations are conducted for a pile in radially homogeneous soil to identify the critical parameters governing the response. The identified parameters, i.e., hydraulic conductivity, loading rate of dynamic loading, dilation angle and liquefaction potential are then expressed in dimensionless form. Next, the macroelement parameters are calibrated as a function of the soil properties and the effective stress. A semi-empirical approach that accounts for the effects of soil-structure interaction on pore pressure generation in the vicinity of pile is used to detect the onset of liquefaction. The predictions are compared with field data obtained using blast induced liquefaction and centrifuge tests and found to be in good agreement. Finally, the macroelement formulation is extended to account for coupling in both lateral directions. FEM simulations indicate that response assuming no coupling between the two horizontal directions for biaxial loading tends to overestimate the soil resistance and fails to capture features like 'apparent negative stiffness', 'strain hardening' and 'rounded corners'.