Soil-Structure Interaction Model Tests in Liquefiable Soil Using ETILam Soil Container

Numerous recent studies have been conducted in recent years to better understand structures’ complex behavior on liquefiable soils. One of the main factors affecting the behavior of a structure on liquefied soil is the type of foundation. Therefore, in this research, the effect of the type of foundation on the Soil-Structure Interaction was investigated through experimental studies. Within the scope of the experimental research, the effects of two structures with the same predominant period and different foundation types, namely shallow mat and embedded mat foundations, on the seismic behavior during shaking were investigated. Experimental tests were performed using a shaking table simulating scaled field and structural geometry to evaluate the structural response under seismic motions. The experiments were conducted in a recently developed soil Container named as ETILam (Enhanced Transparent Impermeable Laminar), that its representation of the field conditions has been demonstrated in previous studies. Critical parameters such as excess pore water pressure ratio, settlement, and foundation response to seismic loading were evaluated to understand soil-foundation-structure interaction effects. Evaluations were conducted using data from accelerometers and LVDTs (linear variable differential transformer) placed on the structures’ roofs and foundations and from pore water pressure sensors located within the liquefiable soil. The effects of foundation type were discussed regarding acceleration response spectrums, excess pore water pressure ratios, and vertical settlement.