Accurately predicting surface ground motions is critical for many earthquake engineering applications. Equivalent-linear (EQL) site response analysis is a numerical technique used to compute surface ground motions from input motions at bedrock using the site-specific dynamic soil properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of EQL site response analysis for stiff soil sites by comparing computed and observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification. The Kiban Kyoshin network (KiK-net) in Japan is a seismograph network consisting of downhole array sites with strong-motion accelerometers located at the ground surface and at depth. Recorded motions and shear wave velocity profiles are available for most sites. Observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification were computed for 930 individual seismic recordings at 11 stiff soil KiK-net sites. Computed transfer functions and response spectral amplification were calculated from EQL site response analysis by specifying the KiK-net base sensor motion as the input motion. Sites were characterized using the measured shear wave velocity profiles and nonlinear soil properties estimated from empirical models. Computed and observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification were compared at different levels of strain for each site. The average difference between the observed and computed response spectral amplification across the 11 sites were compared at different levels of strain. Overall, there is reasonable agreement between the computed and observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification. There is agreement between the computed and observed site periods, but with over-prediction of the computed response at the observed site periods. Higher modes often computed by the theoretical model were not always observed by the recordings. There is very good agreement between the computed and observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification for periods larger than the site periods. There is less agreement between the computed and observed transfer functions and response spectral amplification for periods less than the site periods. There is mostly over-prediction of the response spectral amplification at these periods, although some under-prediction also occurred. Across all 11 sites the predicted spectral amplification is within +/-20% at shear strains less than 0.01%. At shear strains between approximately 0.01 and 0.03%, the spectral amplification is over-predicted for these sites, in some instances by as little as 5% and in other instances by a factor of 2 or more. / text

The research described in this dissertation undertakes a computational study of wave motion due to ground excitation in layered soil media. Adjustments of soil properties consistent with the level of deformation is applied using an equivalent linear approach. The finite element method provides the basis of the numerical procedure for soil-structure system response calculation in conjunction with a first-order perturbation scheme. Available experimental data are employed for shear-modulus and damping adjustments. The findings of the research are expected to lead to efficient calculation of structural response to earthquake ground motion. / text

Numerical assessment of soil structure interaction problems require heavy computational efforts because of the dynamic and iterative (nonlinear) nature of the problems. Furthermore, modeling soil-structure interaction may require

La liquéfaction des sols saturés lors des séismes est l’un des problèmes les plus importants auxquels sont confrontés les ingénieurs. Il n’y a guère eu de séisme majeur sans au moins quelques cas de liquéfaction. Des tassements, des basculements de bâtiments, des écoulements latéraux, des cônes de liquéfaction et des instabilités de pentes, sont certaines de ses manifestations. La conception sismique des centrales nucléaires et autres installations critiques comprend systématiquement une évaluation du risque de liquéfaction.Dans ce cadre, des méthodes de nature entièrement empirique sont couramment utilisées en ingénierie. Ces approches procurent des marges à la conception et des limitations d’utilisation. Pour exploiter ces marges en situation de réévaluation, on a recours à des calculs transitoires non linéaires avancés dans lesquels on doit modéliser finement la loi de comportement du sol pour mettre en évidence les montées de pression interstitielle.Ces derniers calculs sont coûteux en termes de temps et de compétences numériques. L’objectif de ce travail de recherche est notamment de réduire les conservatismes en vigueur lors de l’utilisation de la méthode simplifiée sans pour autant mettre en œuvre d’emblée les méthodes les plus sophistiqués. On propose pour cela une méthode de complexité intermédiaire qui élargit l’applicabilité des modèles semi-empiriques pour une analyse plus fine du risque sismique.Dans un premier temps, en partant d’un calcul linéaire équivalent conventionnel, une nouvelle approche pour la prise en compte de la montée de pression interstitielle est proposée sous le nom « X-ELM ». Le modèle de comportement employé est basé sur la relation entre la pression interstitielle et les déformations volumiques plastiques. La nouvelle approche «X-ELM » est utilisée pour modéliser la réponse des sols pour le séisme de Tōhoku (Mw=9.0) à la ville d’Urayasu au Japon. Le modèle a été appliqué sur douze profils de sols différents. L’étude de ces cas rend possible la validation du modèle par comparaison des résultats des calculs aux observations in situ. Le modèle peut donc être considéré comme un outil fiable pour la prédiction de déclenchement de liquéfaction des sols saturés.Ensuite, un outil de prédiction rapide a été conçu en se basant sur des approximations de processus aléatoire, sur les propriétés mécaniques de base du sol et sur les caractéristiques du chargement sismique. Outre son ampleur, une caractéristique importante du signal sismique d’entrée est sa durée qui peut conduire à de fortes non linéarités et à un état de liquéfaction étendu. En considérant donc la durée de phase forte, le spectre de réponse, la fréquence propre du modèle et les caractéristiques de densification du sol, l’outil de prédiction proposé procure des estimations rapides du taux de montée de pression interstitielle et du tassement pré-liquéfaction sans devoir exécuter des calculs transitoires.Enfin, un modèle 2D de barrage est étudié, en examinant l’influence de la montée de pression interstitielle et celle des déformations de cisaillement sur la réponse sismique de l’ouvrage. Un calcul linéaire équivalent adapté aux situations bidimensionnelles est élaboré et le prédicteur est employé pour évaluer la montée de pression interstitielle. On compare les résultats de la simulation aux observations in situ, piézométriques et accélérométriques.En conclusion, ce travail de recherche fournit des méthodes et outils de calculs numériques performants et accessibles aux ingénieurs pour l’évaluation sismique des profils de sols et des ouvrages en terre tels que digues ou barrages / The liquefaction of saturated soils during earthquakes is one of the most important problems facing engineers. There has hardly been a major earthquake without at least some cases of liquefaction. Settlements, tilting of buildings, lateral flows, sand boilings and slope instabilities have been some of its manifestations. The seismic design of nuclear power plants and other critical facilities systematically includes a liquefaction risk assessment.In this context, fully empirical methods are commonly used in engineering. These approaches provide design margins and limitations of use. To exploit these margins in a re-evaluation situation, we use advanced nonlinear transient calculations in which the soil behavior must be finely modeled to highlight the pore-water pressure build-up. These last calculations are expensive in terms of time and numerical skills. The objective of this research work is to reduce the conservatisms in force when using the simplified method without necessarily implementing the most sophisticated methods from the outset. To this end, we propose a method of intermediate complexity that broadens the applicability of semi-empirical models for a more detailed analysis of seismic risk.First, starting from a conventional equivalent linear calculation, a new approach for taking into account excess pore pressure is proposed under the name "X-ELM". The behavioral model employed is based on the relationship between pore pressure and plastic volumetric deformations. The new "X-ELM" approach is used to model soil response in the city of Urayasu,Japan during the Tohoku earthquake (Mw = 9.0). The model has been applied to twelve different soil profiles. The study of these cases makes possible the validation of themodel by comparing the results of the calculations with the observations in situ. The model can therefore be considered as a reliable tool for the prediction of liquefaction triggering of saturated soils.Then, a prediction tool was designed based on random process approximations, the basic mechanical properties of the soil and the characteristics of the seismic loading. In addition to its magnitude, an important feature of the input seismic signal is its duration which can lead to strong nonlinearities and an extended liquefaction state. Considering the strong phase duration, the response spectrum, the natural frequency of the model and the characteristics of soil compaction, this tool provides fast estimations of the rate of pore pressure build-up and pre-liquefaction settlement without having to perform transient calculations.Finally, a 2D dam model is studied, by examining the influence of excess pore pressure and that of the shear strains on the seismic response of the structure. An equivalent linear computation adapted to two-dimensional situations is elaborated and the predictor is used to evaluate pore pressure increase. Simulation results are compared with in situ, piezometric and accelerometric observations.In conclusion, this research work provides methods and tools of numerical computation that are efficient and accessible to engineers for the seismic evaluation of soil profiles and earth structures such as dikes or dams

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第23188号 / 工博第4832号 / 新制||工||1755(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科建築学専攻 / (主査)教授 松島 信一, 教授 竹脇 出, 教授 林 康裕 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

Le béton présente une rupture quasi-fragile du fait de la présence d’une zone d’élaboration de la rupture principalement microfissurée et de taille conséquence, se développant en avant du front de fissure. L’objectif de ces travaux consiste à mettre en évidence le processus d’évolution de la zone d’élaboration et l’étendue de cette dernière, et ce, sur la base d’une campagne d’essai Wedge Splitting suivie de simulations numériques aux éléments-finis utilisant le modèle d’endommagement isotrope de Fichant – La Borderie à l’échelle mésoscopique. Expérimentalement, les courbes de résistance obtenues dans le cadre de la Mécanique Linéaire Élastique de la Rupture équivalente attestent d’un phénomène de confinement précoce de la zone d’élaboration manifestement lié à la géométrie testée et aux propriétés du béton étudié.Les simulations numériques obtenues sur la base du modèle d’endommagement sont en accord avec les résultats expérimentaux et conduisent également à soupçonner ce phénomène de confinement. Par la suite, la simulation numérique est à nouveau utilisée sur cette même géométrie de spécimen mais en réduisant les propriétés de rupture de la matrice cimentaire afin de diminuer la taille de la zone d’élaboration. Les résultats de cette nouvelle simulation montrent un développement libre de la zone d’élaboration suivie d’une propagation auto-similaire de la fissure principale attestée par la présence d’un régime plateau de la courbe de résistance correspondante.Une analyse détaillée du champ d’endommagement puis du champ d’énergie restituée est réalisée et permet de mettre en évidence un critère de développement de la zone d’élaboration fondée sur une valeur maximale du taux local de restitution d’énergie d’endommagement. / Concrete exhibits a quasibrittle fracture due to the existence of a large fracture process zone (FPZ), mainly microcracked, which develops ahead of the crack front. The aim of the current work consists in highlighting the FPZ development and its extent. For that purpose,an experimental campaign using Wedge Splitting Test was carried out and followed by finite element simulation using Fichant – La Borderie isotropic damage model acting at the mesoscale of concrete. Experimental analysis exhibits that by the use from Resistance curves estimated in the framework of equivalent Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics, the used geometry combined to the studied concrete properties are subjected to a confinement of FPZ. Numerical simulations achieved by the damage model are in agreement with experimental results and also seem to show FPZ confinement. There after, numerical simulations are used again on the same specimen geometry but by decreasing fracture properties of cementitious matrix, in order to minimize the FPZ size. Numerical results exhibit that the FPZ was now freely developed and followed by a self-similar propagation of the main crack as shown by the existence of a “plateau” value on the corresponding Resistance curve. A numerical analysis is performed and leads to the propositionof a FPZ development criteria based on a maximal value of the local damage energy release rate.

A major concern for geotechnical engineers is the ability to predict how a soil will react to large ground motions produced by earthquakes. Of all the different types of soil, liquefiable soils present some of the greatest challenges. The ability to quantify the degradation of a soil's shear modulus as it undergoes liquefaction would help engineers design more reliably and economically. This thesis uses ground motions recorded by an array of downhole accelerometers on Port Island, Japan, during the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, to quantify the shear modulus of sand as it liquefies. It has been shown that the shear modulus of sand decreases significantly as it liquefies, apparently decreasing in proportion to the increasing excess pore water pressure ratio (Ru). When completely liquefied, the shear modulus of sand (Ru = 1.0) for a relative density of 40 to 50% is approximately 15% of the high-strain modulus of the sand in its non-liquefied state, or 1% of its initial low-strain value. Presented in this thesis is an approach to modeling the shear modulus degradation of sand as it liquefies. This approach, called the "degrading shear modulus backbone curve method" reasonably predicts the hysteretic shear stress behavior of the liquefied sand. The shear stresses and ground accelerations computed using this method reasonably matches those recorded at the Port Island Downhole Array (PIDA) site. The degrading shear modulus backbone method is recommended as a possible method for conducting ground response analyses at sites with potentially liquefiable soils.