Dynamic rocking response of SDOF-embedded foundation systems using shake table experiments

Nonlinearity potential of soil-foundation interface has such unknown aspects inspired by dynamic inherence of earthquake for embedded foundations. Accordingly, in this paper, a set of shake table tests in 1 g condition for three reduced-scale rocking SDOF-foundation systems with different foundation embedment depths was carried out through applying harmonic waves with three successive increasing levels of acceleration amplitude. Test results showed, for all specimens, rocking isolation caused reduction of transferred acceleration to the superstructure during moderate and strong excitation levels. Moreover, based on results, difference between superstructure maximum acceleration (in dynamic tests) and calculated theoretical value was limited for embedded foundations in lieu of static results. Also, the influence of successive excitations on residual rocking stiffness, fundamental period and damping ratio at time instant were explored. Finally, from a comparative point of view, it was concluded that the maximum moment experienced in dynamic test was lower than one of static experiment.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of rocking foundation systems with different embedment depths through shake table tests. The results show that rocking isolation can reduce the transferred acceleration to the superstructure under moderate and strong excitations. Additionally, the influence of successive excitations on residual rocking stiffness and other parameters is explored.