Investigation of rocking mechanism for embedded shallow foundation via centrifuge test

Abstract

“Rocking Foundation” by using foundation rocking behavior has emerged as an attractive seismic design due to reduce the seismic load of the structure during strong earthquake. However, since the lack of understanding of rocking mechanism and the permanent deformation after earthquake still exist, “Rocking Foundation” cannot be applied to practical construction. In this study, in order to understand the rocking mechanism of embedded foundation, centrifuge tests, which simulate soil stress condition in field, were performed. The process of rocking mechanism for embedded foundation with slenderness ratio was evaluated through horizontal slow cyclic test. From the test results, the “soil rounding” phenomenon was evaluated as a significant point to understand rocking mechanism. Also, by comparing between cyclic and dynamic rocking behaviors for embedded foundation, the bridge of those two behaviors was suggested. Consequently, the applicability of “Rocking Foundation” concept to the practical construction can be increased by understanding the rocking mechanism of embedded shallow foundation clearly.